Whether you are 25 or 65, you may have some concerns about the process of getting older. However, it is important to note that there is good news: there is no need to fear aging! It is often said that men tend to improve in appearance as they age, although this statement may have sexist undertones, it is also accurate. The aging process, including the development of wrinkles, can actually enhance your overall features.
When considering starting a skincare routine labeled as “anti-aging,” it should not be seen as opposing anything. Rather, think of it as a beneficial approach to self-maintenance and an opportunity to keep your appearance in optimal condition. (Just like how you occasionally go to the gym for your body, view this as a gym session for your face.) These products are not miraculous elixirs meant to eliminate wrinkles entirely, but they will assist in maximizing the longevity of your current appearance.
ESTABLISH AN ANTI-AGING SKINCARE REGIME
A good
cleanser
is the cornerstone of any anti-aging for men skin care routine, clearing away dirt, impurities and excess oil without drying out your face, laying the preparation for the crucial next steps in any anti-aging skincare routine.
Step 2: Tone
A vital but often overlooked step in a man’s grooming routine, applying
serum
– often called gel – between cleansing and moisturising helps lock in the anti-aging ingredients. Serums seep deeper into the skin and are packed full of ingredients often designed to target specific skincare needs, making it a key part of any man’s anti-aging routine.
Step 3: Moisturiser
The effects of anti-aging thrive on
dry skin
, which is why moisturiser is such an essential in a man’s anti-aging arsenal. Applying a moisturiser to a clean face will rehydrate the skin, leaving your face refreshed and revived. Moisturisers for men also often contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera to
combat any shaving irritation or dryness
.
1. Identifying the Signs of Aging
Most men notice similar signs of aging that make them pay more attention to their skincare routine. According to Dr. David Colbert, these signs include jowls, a frown line between the eyebrows, wrinkles around the eyes (known as ‘crow’s feet’), brown spots, enlarged pores, and increased oiliness. He also mentions that other common concerns include a less defined jawline, looser neck, a fat pad forming under the chin due to alcohol consumption, or sagging eyes. Ultimately, the point is that you may not appear as you did before or start to feel like your appearance is changing.
Even though a multi-step skincare routine and many of the practices discussed here should be part of every man’s routine starting in his 20’s, it is possible to adopt these habits at any point in time. The good news is that obtaining positive results can be achievable even if you are beginning from nothing; you simply need to execute the routine correctly.
2. Your Neck Is Telling On You
Before we delve into the events occurring on your face, let us begin from a lower perspective. The neck is the specific area where aging reveals its harshest and most rapid effects.
According to renowned aesthetician Renée Rouleau, giving importance to the neck is crucial as it should be considered as an extension of the face. However, unlike the face, the neck and chest lack the necessary bone structure to support the skin, causing sagging as one ages.
A potential solution is to simply grow a beard. This is because beards have been aptly described as a natural form of makeup for men. Consider this: a beard efficiently conceals half of your face, effectively hiding any flaws you may have. Additionally, many beards will cover the susceptible region beneath your chin, which tends to sag, droop, and develop wrinkles with age. Applying a layer of hair in that area can be considered an ingenious method to appear five years younger. (This is also partly why numerous older individuals appreciate a variety of turtleneck sweaters.)
If you’re not a fan of having a beard, that’s okay! It’s important to keep in mind that any product you apply to your face, such as cleanser, moisturizer, or serum, should also be used on your neck and the area at the top of your chest. Begin by applying the product to your face and then gradually move downwards towards your neck. Occasionally, you may need to use a bit more product, but it’s generally advised to prioritize the face and then utilize any leftover product on your hands as you move downwards to the neck.
As we continue with the routine, it is beneficial to exfoliate or use serums containing active ingredients on this area. This can aid in tightening the pores, preventing wrinkles by moisturizing, shielding it from sun damage, and potentially brightening any dark spots that might emerge over time. It is important to care for both your face and neck to maintain an overall flawless appearance.
3. For the Love of God, Ditch the Bar Soap
If you’re unsure about the distinction between Irish Spring and a suitable facial cleanser, take a moment to consider your laundry, according to Dr. Colbert. He poses the question of whether you would use Tide detergent to wash your cherished cashmere sweater. “Think of your skin as a fabric,” he suggests. “Similar to cashmere or a pair of jeans, it will age and undergo wear and tear. It will become worn down, thin, and develop imperfections. Your skin is a living fabric, which necessitates proper care.” It is important to treat it accordingly.