Skincare misconceptions are a dime a dozen. And since many men are new to the world of skincare, it’s easy to get confused.
Knowledge is power - and you deserve to have both when it comes to your skin. Here are 8 of the most common skincare conspiracy theories you’ll hear - and why they’re bogus.
1 - There’s one ideal skincare routine that works for everyone.
Your skin is unique. The way it reacts to skincare products depends on your skin type and the ingredients in those products. Just because a certain soap, cream, serum, or toner works for one guy doesn’t mean it will necessarily work for you.
You should take note of how your skincare products affect you and stick with the products, formulations, and ingredients that work best. Since your skin is affected by many things - including the seasons and your stress levels - it’s best to adjust your routine throughout the year if you want to see consistent results.
2 - The latest antioxidant ingredient is also the best.
There is no one magic bullet skincare ingredient that will turn back time and erase your wrinkles. It doesn’t exist. Don’t believe the hype.
Instead, use products that contain a variety of antioxidants. These compounds eliminate the free radicals that cause oxidation and speed up the aging process. In our products you’ll find a variety of different antioxidant ingredients, including green tea, vitamin E, and olive oil.
3 - Anti-aging products should show immediate results.
That would be nice. But the effects of the aging process don’t reveal themselves overnight - and neither do the benefits of anti-aging products. Instead, consistent use over the course of 2+ weeks is needed to see full benefits.
Even so, you may notice some quick results from your anti-aging products. For example, our Restoring Eye Cream contains caffeine which works fast to promote improved circulation. But with regular application during several weeks, its protein peptides help promote collagen production and smoother skin.
4 - You can apply your skincare products in any order and get the same results.
Nope. Order matters. When cleansing your skin, use this guide for the best results:
- Face Wash - Removes surface level dirt, oil, and bacteria.
- Scrub / Exfoliator - Deep cleans your pores of skin damaging buildup. Limit use to 2-3 times per week.
- Toner - Reduces oil, refreshes skin, lowers inflammation, and minimizes pores.
- Serum - Delivers concentrated hydration and nourishment deep into the skin.
- Moisturizer / Cream - Supports your skin barrier and draws in water to maintain hydration
- Sunscreen - Protects your skin from damaging UV rays.
When it comes to anti-aging, you’ll get the most from your skincare efforts if you start with the thinnest products with the most active ingredients and then layer on thicker products.
For example, our Advanced Anti-Aging Routine comes with three products. Here’s the best order to apply them in and why:
- Repairing Night Serum: Serums are thin, concentrated products that can’t absorb into the skin as effectively if they’re applied over a cream or moisturizer. So always start with your serum. Rub it in gently and let it soak into your skin completely before moving on.
- Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream: This thicker cream is packed with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients. It seals in the benefits of the serum and supports your skin’s natural barrier.
- Restoring Eye Cream: This lightweight cream should be applied next . Lightly dab it onto the sensitive skin just under and around your eyes (not your eyelids). That way it can absorb easily and help prevent and smooth wrinkles.
5 - You don’t need to moisturize oily skin.
If you don’t moisturizer your oily skin, it could become dehydrated. That’s bad news, as it could lead to your skin producing even more oil in a vicious cycle that leads to blemishes, redness, and irritation.
Your goal, regardless of your skin type, should be balance. So after washing your face, use an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer like our Daily Essential Face Moisturizer. It’s suitable for all skin types - including oily skin - since it keeps your skin hydrated (with appropriate water content) without making it greasy.
6 - The more you wash your face, the better.
Over washing your face will make you look worse, not better. That’s because soaps - especially those that contain harsh detergents - tend to dry out your skin and compromise its microbiome. You’re more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity if you wash your face several times throughout the day.
Want to avoid trouble? Stick to washing just twice a day - in the morning and before bed. You can add another wash after sweating heavily. But remember - less is more. Don’t overdo it.
To further prevent irritation, use a gentle face wash. Our Purifying Charcoal Face Wash is designed for guys with dry or sensitive skin. It won’t leave your face dehydrated or irritated - but it still effectively removes dirt, debris, and excess oil with olive oil, activated charcoal, jojoba, and aloe vera.
7 - You need to use a lot of skincare products to see results.
Be smart about skincare - not excessive - if you want the best results. There are many products available for men’s skin, but not all of them are right for you. How can you choose which products to use?
Start by identifying your skin type. Do you have normal, dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin?
If you have oily skin, for instance, our Balancing Toner can help you reduce oil and eliminate shine.
But if you have dry skin, you will better results using our Reviving Day Serum. It delivers hyaluronic acid to your skin’s deepest layers for maximum hydration.
The key is to know your skin and build a personalized routine that best addresses your concerns. There’s no need for overkill.
8 - You shouldn’t use anti-aging products unless you already have wrinkles.
Preventing wrinkles is easier than trying to go back and erase them. So if you’re in your late 20’s or early 30’s - the time that guys start to produce less collagen and elastin - you’d be wise to begin an anti-aging routine.
One of the best places to start is around your eyes. This thin, sensitive skin is one of the first places that guys start to notice wrinkles. Using our Restoring Eye Routine each morning and evening is an easy way to slow the appearance of common signs of aging - like crow’s feet, fine lines, and under-eye puffiness.
