How to: Care for Your Skin

There’s a secret war being waged on the cellular level, 24 hours a day. Your skin is in the trenches, and the attack is double-pronged: barraged by external elements, such as UV rays and pollution, the battlefield is made all the worse by internal factors, like smoking, poor diet and late nights. Clogged pores, ingrown hairs, dull skin and even adult acne are prevalent during warm weather due to your skin’s overproduction of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands. By following this simple daily routine, you’re sure to master the art of flawless, smooth skin.

MORNING:
Regardless of whether you plan to shave or not, it’s crucial to start your day with a cleanser or exfoliant. A gentle scrub will clear away skin-dulling impurities. Many men turn to their run-of-the-mill soap bar, but dermatologists agree that soap strips your skin of essential oils and contributes to the development of wrinkles. Try Dermalogica’s rice-based Daily Microfoliant ($72) for an all-natural approach to sloughing away dead skin cells. For oily skin, a splash of alcoholfree toner will tighten your pores and limit the production of sebum throughout the day. For normal skin, a minutelong rinse in cold water will do the trick. To seal in moisture and prepare for the coming day, apply a nutrient-rich moisturizer, such as Kiehl’s Facial Fuel ($30) while your skin is still moist. If you’re a chronic night-owl, or need a quick fix to erase the night’s sleeplessness, try a product aimed at de-puffing eyes, such as Clarins Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum ($40), which promises to correct dark circles, shrink puffiness, and make you look all-around bright and bushy-tailed.

POST-GYM:
A man’s busy life usually means lunchhour gym breaks. Don’t waste time prepping yourself to return to the office; try a multi-effect facial wipe such as The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Facial Wipes ($14). Choose a wipe that contains salicylic acid to clean away oil and sebum, an astringent to contract pores and a moisturizing element to restore your skin’s moisture barrier.

NIGHT:
Nighttime is the right time for skincare. Not only is it an opportunity to strip away the day’s impurities, but a proper moisturizing routine ensures optimal regeneration. During the night, skin cell repair goes into overdrive, while your body’s higher temperature allows skin lotion to penetrate deeper into the dermis. Choosing products to target your specific concerns can take years of your face in the long term, and feign a luxurious night’s sleep in the short term. As in the morning, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly for at least 30 seconds and finish with a dash of cold water. Cleansers containing moisturizing extracts such as glycerine, aloe and lavender will remove dirt and oil build-up without aggravating your skin. Finally, ensure your skin has the tools to rebuild damaged cells with a nutritive cream, such as Biotherm Homme Force Supreme’s Nutri-Replenishing anti-aging lotion ($45).