It is not uncommon to see women with a vanity table (or cabinet) filled with skincare products, and a rather complex skincare routine. We can’t say the same about men in Singapore and across Asia (with maybe the exception of South Korea). Most men we know have a grooming regime, which includes basic ones like brushing your teeth and showering (we hope!). But we’ll be hard-pressed to find an Asian man who uses anything more than a cleanser – just ask your dad, brothers, or friends!
We’re guessing you’re on this article either because you’re a man looking to start a basic and simple skincare and grooming routine, or you’re a woman who’s looking to convince someone to care more for his skin. Either way, you’re at the right place. We’re going to share with you basic and simple skincare and grooming steps that definitely won’t overwhelm you and that you’ll benefit from.
Understanding Asian men’s skin
Much has been spoken and written about women’s skin – but we can’t say the same about men’s skin. So first of all, let’s understand men’s skin better.
Men’s skin is very different from women’s. It is thicker and produces more sebum. This is why you might notice that men’s skin, when not taken care of, tends to have a “leathery” appearance to it. At the same time, areas where men shave regularly are also subjected to more friction, and hence, are more sensitive and vulnerable.
The way the two genders age is also different. It has been found in studies that men have larger opening in the skull around the eyes, which makes them more susceptible to developing eye bags as a sign of ageing. And while men seem to see signs of ageing at a later age than women, they are also observed to have deeper wrinkles eventually compared to women.
As for the difference between Asian skin and Caucasian skin, dermatologists note that men of Asian descent tend to have oilier skin compared to the Caucasians. This is why they are more susceptible to acne outbreaks.
What skincare and grooming products should an Asian man use?
We’ll start off with the simplest, most basic products that you should look into:
1. Cleanser
This is the most basic step of any skincare and basic routine, and if you don’t already use one, we will highly recommend you to start. Our skin is exposed to all kind of impurities from the environment. These pollutants, together with the oil that our skin naturally produce throughout the day, are a great breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
Simply washing our faces with water (or worse, a “by-the-way” wash with water during shower) isn’t sufficient to get rid of the layer of impurities that have accumulated for the entire day. This is why it is very important to use a cleanser. Because of the oilier nature of Asian men’s skin, we will recommend going for one that has good oil-control properties, and preferably one that also guards against environmental aggressors. Look out for cleansers that say they help with deep-cleansing of pores and control oil.
2. Moisturiser
Our skin produce both sebum and moisture at the same time and need both to be at an optimal levels to look healthy. Now that you’ve used a cleanser to control excessive sebum, remember to hydrate your skin. Shaving can sometimes cause skin to be dry and flaky, and a moisturiser can definitely help to alleviate the discomfort and also to prevent further moisture loss from skin.
The most important factor to looking for a moisturiser that’s suitable for you, is to find one with a texture you love. This means to avoid those that are too sticky, too oily, or too thick. We know it takes quite a lot for many men to even take time to indulge in a skincare routine, so using a product that you actually enjoy using can encourage you to do it regularly. We’re pretty sure if you invested in a moisturiser with poor texture, you’re going to end up not using it at all.
3. Shaving foam
Remember we mentioned that shaving has detrimental effects on your skin? While it’s unlikely we’re able to avoid shaving altogether, using a foam when you shave can help reduce the damage. A shaving foam helps provide a smoother glide to your razor, and at the same time has a softening and moisturising effect to the area it’s applied on.
4. Deodorant
Finally, don’t forget that it’s important to smell good. Men produce more sebum and those who engage in physical activities are going to find themselves perspiring quite a lot. These, plus the long-sleeved shirts and long pants worn to work can cause odour to be especially noticeable. A well-groomed man is one who smell good! So never leave home without applying a deodorant. Simply find one that is convenient to use and has a scent that you like.
If you’re ready to upgrade your routine, here are other products that you can consider:
5. Eye cream
We mentioned that men are more likely to notice eye bags when they age. It’s quite difficult to get rid of eye bags once they develop – most of the time, you’ll need to go under the knife for an eyebag removal surgery to really get rid of it. If you’re concerned about developing eye bags, invest in a good eye cream as a preventive measure. Apply it with your ring finger (it’s the weakest finger) by tapping it gently around your eye area. The tapping motion also serves as a massage for your eye area to further prevent the appearance of puffiness and eye bags.
6. Sunscreen
UV rays are the number 1 culprit for causing signs of ageing to appear. And even if you don’t spend time outdoors, UV rays are able to penetrate through the windows and affect your skin. If you’re worried about developing wrinkles and pigmentation in the future, definitely make sure you wear a sunscreen every day.
7. Facial masks
This is certainly for men who already have a rather comprehensive skincare and grooming routine. Using a facial masks at least once a week, for 15-20 minutes each time, is going give your skin a boost, keeping it looking fresh and healthy. We know it’s not for everyone, and if it’s not for you, just keep to the basic products (from 1 to 4) we’ve shared with you!
Simple and basic skincare and grooming routine for men: When to do it and how to do it
In the morning
Do these after you wake up and before you head out.
Step 1: Rinse your face with water, then apply a small amount of shaving foam on the area you’re going to shave. Go with a small amount first and slowly build up to a thicker layer that you like. Starting with a small amount will ensure that you won’t be messing up your sink if the product falls over. Leave the foam on for a minute, then start your shave. When you’re done, rinse off.
Step 2: Squeeze out approximately a 20-cent size of cleanser onto your palm. Add some water then rub your hands together to lather up into a foamy state. Then, apply the foam all over your face for one minute, focusing more time on areas that tend to be oilier (usually your forehead, nose, and chin). Note that cleansers come in different formats so they may be used differently, but most products come with specific usage instructions on the packaging that you can follow accordingly.
Step 3: Dispense approximately a 20-cent size of moisturiser onto your palm. Dab the product onto your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then apply it from the centre of your face in an outward motion.
For the forehead: from brows to hair line.
For your nose: Down the bridge.
For your cheeks: From the centre of your face towards the ears.
For your chin: From centre of chin towards jawline.
The moisturiser should be fully absorbed when you’re done and not leaving behind any streaks or residue. Rub at any residue gently if you see it.
Step 4: Roll on or spray on your deodorant on your armpits – then you’re good to go!
Additional steps for advanced users:
- If you use an eye cream, do it after cleansing (and before moisturising). Dispense a pea-size amount of the eye cream onto your ring finger, then gently pat it all over your eye contours as if you’re drumming your fingers lightly on the table when you’re bored.
- Sunscreen goes after moisturiser. Apply it the same way you would do with a moisturiser.
In the evening
Do these after your shower and before bed-time.
Step 1: Squeeze out approximately a 20-cent size of cleanser onto your palm. Add some water then rub your hands together to lather up into a foamy state. Then, apply the foam all over your face for one minute, focusing more time on the high points of your face that’s most likely to have trapped impurities from the environment. (Usually your forehead, nose, and cheeks). Note that cleansers come in different formats so they may be used differently, but most products come with specific usage instructions on the packaging that you can follow accordingly.
Step 2: Dispense approximately a 20-cent size of moisturiser onto your palm. Dab the product onto your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, then apply it from the centre of your face in an outward motion.
For the forehead: from brows to hair line.
For your nose: Down the bridge.
For your cheeks: From the centre of your face towards the ears.
For your chin: From centre of chin towards jawline.
The moisturiser should be fully absorbed when you’re done and not leaving behind any streaks or residue. Rub at any residue gently if you see it.
If you tend to sleep in an air-conditioned room and find that you wake up with skin that feels dry and tight, you can consider applying a slightly thicker layer of moisturiser.
Additional steps for advanced users:
- If you use an eye cream, do it after cleansing (and before moisturising). Dispense a pea-size amount of the eye cream onto your ring finger, then gently pat it all over your eye contours as if you’re drumming your fingers lightly on the table when you’re bored.
- Want to indulge in a facial mask before you sleep? Wise decision! Do it right after cleansing (before eye cream and moisturiser). If you’re using a sheet mask, simply rest it on your face for 15 to 20 minutes (or read instructions on your product for the best recommended duration). When you’re done, there’s no need to wash the serum away (it’s good stuff!) Instead, gently rub the serum into your face for it to be absorbed. You can also swipe it onto your neck area and hands if there’s a lot of leftover serum.
You should now be ready to take on a new skincare and grooming routine that’s basic and simple. We know what you’re looking for next – product recommendations! Keep reading to discover products that are formulated especially for men.
NIVEA MEN recommends
Men’s and women’s skin are starkly different, this is why having a specialised skincare regime that is designed just for men is important. If you’re wondering where to start, here are effective and fuss-free products from the NIVEA MEN Deep Range that we’re sure you’ll love:
Mud Facial Foam
This may have a rugged-looking black mud texture, but transforms into a creamy foam to effectively remove the toughest dirt and grime in the pores, all while providing long-lasting oil control properties. No wonder it’s the star product in the NIVEA MEN Deep Range!
Liquid Facial Foam
If you’re looking for a facial cleanser in liquid format, you’ll like the Liquid Facial Foam. This is also a great solution for getting rid of micro-pollutants, dirt, and excess oil that are lodged within your pores, by detoxing your skin with its charcoal-enriched formula. Your pores will feel deeply and thoroughly cleansed.
Deodorant Spray
Now that you’ve cared for your face, don’t forget your body. This deodorant spray is formulated with charcoal to keep odour and sweat at bay – because you can rough it out, without smelling and looking like you did! You’ll love that it keeps your skin feeling clean and fresh for up to 48 hours.
Deodorant Roll-on
Prefer a roll-on deodorant? This product got you covered. Like the deodorant spray, it is enriched with charcoal to protect skin from odour and sweat, keeping you clean and fresh for up to 48 hours.
Shaving Foam
Did you know that shaving is one of the things that damage your skin? This is why it’s important to use a good shaving foam, like this one from NIVEA MEN. Besides providing a smooth razor glide so your skin feels comfortable, it also has anti-bacterial benefits and keeps your skin feeling fresh, thanks to the masculine dark wood scent that it comes with.
The NIVEA Deep Range products are available at Guardian, NTUC Fairprice, Shopee, Watsons, and other major retail stores.
