Why grooming means more than using a bar of soap

Brad Pitt is reported to have a strict skincare routine before he hits the sack every night, while David Beckham admits to sharing products by a top LA-based dermatologist with fashion designer wife Victoria. But the latest report on male skincare habits reveals the majority of men are not following suit.

In fact, according to global information company The NPD Group, only a quarter of men globally bother to use skincare products, leaving a whopping 75 per cent relying on a morning shower and quick pat of a towel as their beauty routine.

‘There is a feeling among men that facial skincare products are not needed unless you have a specific problem, such as acne,’ explains Karen Grant, vice-president and senior global industry analyst at The NPD Group. ‘For the majority of men to use a product, they first must be aware that there is an underlying need that requires addressing.’

So why the reluctance? Sharon Hernandez, beauty educator at The Nail Spa, explains, ‘Lots of men have at least some idea that they should take care of their skin, but most are about as comfortable discussing skincare or worrying about looking good as they are with holding a woman’s purse while she shops. This doesn’t change the fact that just like women, most men need help to take the best care of their skin. They absolutely shouldn’t ignore skincare.’

But it’s not just a case of wearing moisturiser now and again. Rebecca Treston at Euromed Clinic Dubai says it is important for men to establish a daily skincare routine. ‘Most men have thicker skin than women and therefore show the signs of ageing later, but to ensure their skin looks its best, they should have a fixed routine.

‘In fact, men should have the same routine as women, which is to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, apply SPF, and have regular skincare treatments suited to their skin type. Given that the number one cause of skin ageing is sun damage, wearing an SPF, particularly in a climate like the UAE’s, really is vital.’ 

However, the UAE can take a bow, as according to one expert, men in this region are far more serious about skincare than elsewhere in the world. ‘Good grooming is a sign of prosperity and in the Gulf it is important to look good,’ says Dr Neetu Nirdosh, one of the UK’s top anti-ageing experts. ‘Men enjoy taking care of themselves. They know the ingredients, they understand what is in a product and what it does.’

Rebecca Treston agrees, adding: ‘Certainly in my experience, I find that men here do invest in their skin. I have many male patients who come to the clinic for facials and laser treatments to improve pore size or remove hair. Given that appearance is very important here, men in the UAE will spend money on skincare products and really look after their appearance, probably more than men in other countries.’

So now that we’ve convinced you to convince the man in your life to follow in the steps of Brad and David (and a lot of other men in the region), what products should they use and how often? Here’s the handy Friday guide for men to follow for fabulous skin… 

Cleanse (Morning and Night, Daily)

So why bother cleansing? The skin on your face is quite different than that of a woman’s. It contains larger pores, whiskers, more collagen and elastin and a denser supply of blood vessels, and produces more sweat. Put all these factors together and by the end of the day, your skin is covered in dirt, dried sweat, sebum and all of the nasty pollutants that come from modern living. Water alone isn’t going to get rid of that – and neglecting to wash away that excess oil and dirt will eventually clog pores and leave skin prone to breakouts.

Most men have grabbed a bar of soap to wash their faces in the past, but it can do more harm than good. That innocent looking slab can strip away natural oils in the skin and change the overall pH balance, causing irritation, dryness and even premature skin ageing.

Instead, men should pick a mild, gentle face wash that suits their skin type, which may be dry, sensitive, oily, acne-prone, or even a combination of all of them – and the label of the cleanser should state whether it is suitable. Apply the cleanser to damp skin, massage in circular motions, and wash thoroughly, before patting dry with a towel.

Shopping List

Elemis Facial Wash Dh134

Dr Dennis Gross All-in-One Facial Cleanser with Toner Dh165, basharacare.com 

Exfoliate (Morning only, 1- 2 times a week)

Exfoliation is the next step – but you can be forgiven if the word alone leaves you baffled.

Exfoliation is essentially scrubbing, which sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal the fresher, younger skin underneath. The shedding process unclogs pores and helps to reduce acne breakouts. Exfoliating skin also leaves it brighter and healthier, and it helps prepare your face for shaving by softening the hairs and skin, making for a smoother, closer shave with fewer nicks and less irritation.

Most exfoliators contain a combination of granulated pumice, sea salts, fruit seeds, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or beta hydroxy acid – all of which promise to loosen and slough off dead skin cells.

Take it easy though, as scrubbing too frequently can make skin look worse with redness and irritation. Stick to once or twice a week and you’ll soon notice your skin is clearer, brighter, and smoother.

Shopping List

Refinery Face Scrub Dh148, basharacare.com

Homme Eisenberg Purifying Facial Exfoliator Dh292, Paris Gallery 

Shave (Morning Only, when required)

If you are planning to shave, this should be your next step in the mornings – and you should be doing it with a gentle, irritant- and fragrance-free shave cream.

This is for three reasons – a shaving cream will lubricate your skin, allowing the blade to glide. It will also lock moisture into skin and hairs to make them easier to cut. And finally, it will soften and smooth skin as you shave, without irritating or drying it.

Look for shaving creams containing natural oils, which allow the blade to glide without dragging your skin.

Shopping List

Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream Dh95

Shiseido Shaving Cream Dh125, Paris Gallery 

AfterShave (Morning Only, following shaving)

Once you are clean shaven, grab an aftershave lotion or balm and apply generously.

Aftershaves contain antiseptic to prevent potential infection from any nicks in the skin. Secondly, they contain moisturisers to soften and nourish the new layer of skin revealed by your razor. Make sure you pick a product that is unscented to reduce the chances of irritation, and look out for skin-repairing ingredients, anti-irritants, and antioxidants in the formula to strengthen skin and reduce redness.

Shopping list

NIP + MAN Aftershave Power Lotion Dh69, basharacare.com

Dermalogica Post-Shave Balm Dh120, thebeautyfloor.com 

Moisturise (Morning and Night, Daily)

You’ve washed, scrubbed, and shaved – now it’s time to rehydrate.

Men should moisturise morning and night for exactly the same reason that women should: the skin is the largest organ in the human body, and not only does using a moisturiser prevent it from drying out (a big concern in the UAE’s air-conditioned climate), but it also helps minimise premature ageing through dehydration, and plumps it up so it looks fresh and healthy.

Although the name implies something that adds wetness to the skin, the role of a moisturiser is actually to retain moisture. The effects tend to last for only six to eight hours, which is why you need to apply it in the morning and at night for best results.

If you want to skip the next step, pick a moisturiser that has SPF included in the formula. Otherwise, apply your moisturiser and follow immediately with sunscreen.

Shopping list

L’Occitane Cade Complete Care Moisturizer Dh259

Clinique for Men SPF 21 Moisturizer Dh220, Sephora 

Sunscreen (Morning Only)

Think of applying a sunscreen to your skin every morning as an insurance policy. You only need to be outside for a few minutes to expose your skin to enough sunlight to cause some photoageing – the sun is responsible for the vast majority of wrinkles.

If your moisturiser doesn’t have an inbuilt SPF, apply one before you leave the house. Look for non-greasy formulae that will feel light on your skin and won’t block the pores.

Shopping list

Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF30 Dh165, basharacare.com