This week at Mankind we’re taking everything back to the basics. Not only will we be delving in to the first steps to a brand new fitness journey, in celebration of a month of sporting events; but we will also be looking at ways to take your skincare back down to the basics too.
When it comes to skincare, the plethora of skincare products available can sometimes seem like a daunting selection to get your head around. But when you take a step back and choose products which contain the right ingredients for your skin type, it can actually be a fairly straight forward task.
The Basics of Your Skincare Routine
Before you look at what products to invest in, you will need to determine your skin type. Working out what your skin type is as early as possible can help you to save money in the long run - so you’ll want to nail this one as quickly as possible. Your skin will generally fall in to one of 4 categories: Dry, Oily, Combination or Normal.
Not sure how to determine which skin type is yours? Follow the steps below.
- Wash your face with a gentle, fragrance free cleanser and lukewarm water. Once you pat your face dry with a soft towel, leave it for around an hour. This will give your complexion a fresh start; so avoid using too much product in this initial cleanse. Your aim is for your skin to act in its natural state.
- Next up, grab a tissue. Dab this across your face, paying particular attention to the T-Zone (the area between your eyes and down your nose).
- Lift the tissue away and evaluate if there is any grease-like residue on the tissue. If there is, you may have an oily skin
- If there is no grease on the tissue and your skin is feeling tight or showing signs of dryness, then you may have a dry or combination skin type.
There are, of course, other types of skin. For example, you may be acne prone or have a sensitive skin type. It’s always worth remembering that skin types and preferences vary from person to person and not one size fits all.
Confident You Know Your Skin Type? What Now…
Now you feel confident that you’ve work out your skin type, it’s time to tailor your skincare routine to it. If you are not suffering from any specific dermatological concerns, then your skin will only generally require the following on a day-to-day basis.
1. CLEANSE
Cleansing is the first part of your skincare routine each morning and evening. By cleansing with the correct products you will prime your skin ready for the rest of your routine. Cleansing removes dead skin cells and dirt, which ensures your pores are not blocked and you have a fresh face each and every time.
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2. TONE
A step which is often forgotten about in many male skincare routines, but could be crucial in making sure your skin drinks up every bit of moisture that the following step will deliver! Toning your skin can help to restore the PH balance which can be disrupted by tap water, whilst helping to support your skins protection barrier. Avoid toners that contain alcohol if you have dry skin, as this may dry your skin out more.
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3. MOISTURISE
Finally, end your skincare routine with a moisturiser which will help to boost hydration, restore suppleness and help to prevent the signs of aging. Moisturisers don’t have to be a heavy cream formula either. You can restore the moisture of your skin with many different product types such as oils, serums and gels.
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Take a look at the Mankind Skincare for Men section and discover your new routine today.
