Most often people assume that skincare is different for men and women, either because they believe that male skin behaves differently or because they fall victim to marketing tactics that play into society’s expectations of gender stereotypes.

Irrespective of age and gender, men should have a basic skincare regime in place that includes a cleanser that is skin type-specific and includes beneficial active ingredients such as vitamin C, resveratrol, BHA and AHA.

“The truth is that our skin behaves in the same way as a women’s skin and as a result men also require the same ingredients to help treat skin concerns such as wrinkles, pores, breakouts, pigmentation and the natural aging process,” said Dr Alek Nikolic, renowned medical doctor in Aesthetic Medicine and Executive Director of high-end online skincare store, SkinMiles.

There are some minor differences due to the increased testosterone hormone found in men, but ultimately the same ingredients that benefit women also benefit men.

“Being a male and in the cosmetic medical industry, I need to take care of my skin and appearance. It will do me no good treating patients and advising them on skincare and skin regimes if I don’t take care of my own skin. I am like any typical guy who wants to do the least possible to save time when applying my skincare regime, but I also want to see results. So, in short, I want maximum effect, with minimal fuss,” he continued.

Below Dr Nikolic provides some simple tips and advice in order to achieve a minimal, but effective skincare regime:

1. Don’t think you only need to use men’s skincare ranges

More often women’s skincare ranges are loaded with the highest concentration of ingredients that will be more beneficial to your skin.  

2. Read the ingredient labels

It is important to know what you are putting on your skin. Many men’s brands include irritating ingredients such as fragrances and certain types of alcohol.

3. Choose products that help your skin with grooming concerns

The number one concern that men have are red bumps, irritation, ingrown hairs and razer rashes that are caused from shaving. You can effectively treat these concerns by using products that contain salicylic acid (BHA). This active ingredient helps to smooth out rough, bumpy skin and also helps reduce oiliness.

4. Know your skin type

Before you start looking at skincare products, it is important to know what your skin type is. Once you know that information you can use products that are specifically formulated for your skin type. This will guarantee maximum results. 

Visit www.skinmiles.com and sign up for a free Face2Face Assessment. You will receive personal recommendations from Dr Nikolic for your skin type or skin concern.  

5. Don’t use bar soaps as your cleanser

Cleansing your face correctly is a vital step often overlooked by men. A good cleanser gets rid of dirt and helps to prepare the skin for grooming. Soap bars tend to strip the skin of natural oils and cause damage to the skin’s natural barrier and pH level.

6. Don’t overlook serums

Serums are a great tool to add to your skin regime as they have a number of uses. They moisturise and fight aging skin and they also help to calm irritated and inflamed skin.

7. Don’t forget about your sunscreen

This is the most important step in your skincare regime. The biggest cause of red sensitive skin, pores and pigmentation are due to UV damage. Use an SPF 30 or higher that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide every day, even if it is overcast. 

It’s normal for everyone to get confused as to which skincare products to choose, especially considering the wide array of products that are out there. Therefore it is important to keep it simple and really focus on what your skin needs are.