Do you want better skin? Then you’ll need to stave off these common skincare mistakes men are known to make. Most men follow a simple skincare routine. Wash, moisturise and SPF. The thing is, if you aren’t paying attention to the various ways your skin is getting exposed to external aggravators, sun, dirt and the likes, you’re setting it up for acne, wrinkles and more. Read on to find out the greatest skincare mistakes men make and what you can do instead.

Not taking cleansing seriously

A blank canvas is what your skincare products need to truly perform well. Cleansing your skin may seem routine but if you skip doing it properly, chances are your skincare isn’t performing too! First of all, cleanse for longer. When you apply cleansing gel make sure to massage for a minute or so before rinsing off. Not cleansing well enough can lead to a build-up of bacteria and dead cells, which in turn gives clogged pores and breakouts.

Those with beards have even more reason to wash up! When you use products to style your beard, these tend to penetrate into your skin too. Wash it well and you keep breakouts and acne at bay while giving your beard a chance to flourish sans the dryness or dandruff.

Not washing up after a workout

This may be the number one reason men get acne! If you are heading to the gym or a run and not washing your face after, you could be harbouring bacteria that results in harming your face further. Even if you aren’t sweating enough, there’s ample on your skin to clog your pores. Cleanse properly after a workout! If you don’t have access to a shower, carry a pack of facial wipes and use these as soon as you are done. Once home, jump into the shower and give your body and face a proper cleanse and avoid a common skincare mistake men make.

Using multipurpose products

Love a cleanser + shower gel or a serum cum moisturiser? Fact check, the skin on every part of your skin is different and it needs a different formula. Make sure to invest in gentle cleansers for your face and keep your body gels different. Ideally, switch to more natural, paraben and toxin-free ingredients so your skin gets the best of what you can afford. Try to stay away from physical exfoliators like scrubs. These can cause micro-tears on the skin and are actually more harmful to your complexion. Read up on chemical exfoliators such as Glycolic Acid that slowly, slough away your dead cells, give you new, baby-soft skin over time.

Not shaving right

Is your shaving routine on point? Shaving in the wrong direction can lead to ingrown hair, but did you know that shaving on dry skin is equally as harmful? Ideally, give yourself a few minutes after your shower, so your skin is prepped for a close shave. Forgetting to change old razor blades is one of the common skincare mistakes men make! A blunt or dull razor can lead to cuts and nicks as can shaving without moisture. Running low on aftershave? Simply dab on your favourite toner, or borrow one from the Mrs! Toners that come with moisturising agents can work just as well while giving your skin that boost of hydration is needed after a shave.

Skipping skincare and moisturiser!

Skincare for men is all about keeping it fast and simple. If that means you are skipping essential skincare, you really should stop. Hydrating your skin with moisturiser is one of the most essential components of a healthy skin routine. And that applies even if you have oily skin! When you shave your skin, it is left open to external aggravators, making it even more susceptible to damage. This is why you need a moisturiser to repair skin cells and give them that healthy glow. When your skin is oily, the lesser hydration it gets, the more sebum it produces and results in making your face more oily with breakouts. The simplest solution? Invest in a gentle moisturiser that gives you effective hydration all day long!

Wearing sunscreen only for sport

The most common skincare mistakes men make include wearing sunscreen only when heading to the beach or for a sport. Whether you are inside the house or not, rainy or hot, you need to cover yourself with broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. Male skin is more susceptible to melanoma and sun damage can lead to pigmentation easily. Also, sun damage is the root of so many skin ageing problems such as wrinkles and fine lines – avoiding them is truly the better way out! If you hate sunscreen, it’s probably down to the formula you use. Plenty of skincare companies now makes sunscreen that is easy to use and does not leave a thick, goopy cast. Look around your favourite online store and find formulas that are sheer, and light to wear – some are even designed for oily skin types!