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This Not That: 5 Dos and Don’ts for Men’s Skincare

Guys, are breakouts, dry, itchy skin, or ingrown hairs keeping you from looking and feeling your best? Making a few simple changes to your skincare game can make all the difference when it comes to getting and keeping healthy, problem-free skin. Check out these five skincare mistakes men commonly make and how to easily fix them.

1. Wash with a Cleanser, Not Bar Soap 

Battling breakouts? Can’t shake dry, itching skin? The solution could be as simple as swapping out that generic bar soap for a face wash that’s a match for your skin type. If you have dry skin, go with a moisturizing face wash that doesn’t foam. Oily, acne-prone types can pick up a foaming cleanser that’ll help to keep excess oil at bay.

2. Use Shaving Cream, Not Plain Water 

Ingrown hairs are one of the most common skincare troubles for men of all ages. Always use shaving cream when shaving — and no, body wash or shampoo don’t count. Shaving cream reduces the friction between your skin and the razor, significantly reducing irritation, razor burn, and dreaded ingrown hairs. 

If you find that you break out when you use shaving cream, look for a product that’s specifically designed for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Look for an unscented shaving cream, as many fragrances — even natural ones such as essential oils — can cause irritation and redness.

3. Use Separate Body and Hair Products, Not an All-In-One

As convenient as an all-in-one body wash, shampoo, and conditioner might sound, it could end up causing more problems than it’s worth. Because many ingredients commonly found in shampoos and conditioners are known to irritate skin and may clog pores, using these types of products on your body can result in “backne,” chest acne, or dry skin. 

Instead, use a separate body wash and hair care products in the shower.

4. Use Lukewarm Water, Not Scalding Hot

You don’t need to use scaling hot water to “melt away” germs and dirt. In fact, not only is using very hot water no more effective at cleaning your skin than using tepid water is, but scorching your skin with hot water also causes dryness, flaking, and itching. This applies to your shower water and water that you use when rinsing your face. When in doubt, turn down the heat!