AS MEN ENTER midlife, they start noticing changes in their skin that seem to appear overnight. So it’s never too late to start addressing ageing skin, just like it’s never too late to start going to the gym. It is a journey you can take control of, empowering you to make positive changes for your skin’s health.
First, men’s skincare has to be easy, intentional, and consistent – cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise. The visible changes in your skin in midlife aren’t sudden; they’ve been developing slowly over time. They become noticeable now because your skin has reached a tipping point. This understanding of the gradual process can help alleviate any sudden concerns and allow you to approach your skincare routine with a sense of calm and control, empowering you to make positive changes for your skin’s health.
- Collagen Loss: One key factor in midlife skin changes is collagen loss. Collagen production starts declining by about 1% per year in our twenties. By reaching our forties, this cumulative loss becomes more apparent. Reduced collagen leads to drier, rougher, and less plump skin. Similarly, sun damage accumulates over the years, further contributing to these changes.
- Sun Damage: Similarly, sun damage accumulates over the years. Our skin’s antioxidant response diminishes with age, weakening our natural defences against UV damage. This results in everyday issues like dark spots, dilated blood vessels, and uneven skin tone.
Establishing a Skincare Routine
While you can’t undo the damage already done to your skin, you can prevent further damage and help reverse some changes. A skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. A simple routine can be just as beneficial, if not more so, than a complex one.
I have a simplified regime using a liquid cleanser and moisturiser, and I exfoliate twice weekly. However, some people’s skincare routines are as simple as a bar of soap and a splash of water, including my late mother. Their skin often showcases the effectiveness of a basic bar of soap.
Traditional bar soaps were once known to dry out the skin, but newer formulations have evolved. These soap bars, enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, or shea butter, cleanse, hydrate, and nourish the skin. Hyaluronic acid, a humectant, attracts and retains moisture, while ceramides help lock it in, preventing dehydration.
Some skin concerns benefit from specific targeted cleansers. While soap bars are fine for most people, choosing a product that matches your skin’s particular needs is essential. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturising cleansing bar, while those with oily skin might prefer a bar with oil-regulating properties.
All skin types can benefit from weekly exfoliation. Essentially, your skin cells turn themselves over every four weeks. Regular exfoliation promotes a smooth and even complexion by helping the skin shed excess dead skin cells. It helps keep the skin free of congestion and allows moisturising face creams to permeate the skin easily. Regular exfoliation can help “turn over” dark spots from the sun or acne marks.
Skincare is not just for women. Men, like women, need to moisturise their skin to keep it looking and feeling healthy. A moisturiser featuring SPF (blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays) is more than just a protective layer on your skin. It’s a way to trap moisture in the layers below while shielding you from skin ‘ageing’ pollutants in the air.
Embracing a back-to-basics approach to skincare is not only a preference for guys but is also gaining popularity among millennials and Gen Z. On TikTok, the search term’ unsexy skincare’ has garnered over 100 million views, with many young people choosing effective, affordable skincare options over fussy, expensive ones. This reassures us that effective skincare doesn’t have to break the bank.
In conclusion, whether you opt for a simple bar of soap or a few targeted products, consistency is vital. Along with diet, exercise, and sleep, a straightforward, effective skincare routine—cleanse, moisturise, and exfoliate—can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy, youthful skin as you age.
