Skin

A Guy's Guide to Skin Care

Skin care — it's for men, too! A routine for the guys that's easy as 1-2-3

by Nicholas Pilapil | COMMENT

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You guys — yes, literally "you guys" — have you had The Talk? Perhaps your mom talked you through it as a pizza-faced kid? Your girlfriend or boyfriend may have brought it up once or twice Or, maybe, you're the one who needs to have the talk with the guy in your life? We're talking about the very important talk about skin care, of course.

So why is skin care important? First off, the skin is one of the largest organs of the body and acts as a barrier against our environment — so take care of it! Skin care helps maintain a healthy complexion, so it can do its job better and longer. And, honestly, washing your face is just basic hygiene. So, please: Don't be gross.

There are a handful of men in my life whose skin care regimen have truly left me shook! One friend moisturizes his face — when he remembers to — with body lotion. My dad is married to his stubborn refusal to use an exfoliator. Another friend washes his face with a face scrub everyday (PSA: face scrub does not a face wash make). And the worst one of all, I have a friend who doesn't do anything. At all.

The truth of the matter is some men's skin care routines aren't up to par — or they're entirely non-existent. With skin care products marketed primarily towards women and misogynistic gender norms running rampage throughout our society, it's no wonder some men are being left to fend for themselves in the war against oily skin, clogged pores, sun damage and premature aging. And armed with only a shield of dirt, oil and dead skin cells layered on top of their faces, it's a war they're set to lose.

As a guy, skin care can be intimidating. I've been there, and I'm here to help. Read on to learn how to step up your skin care game.

Image via @baxterofca

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