“It’s extremely important for men to take care of their skin in the summer because the warmer weather leads to more sweating when exercising,” says dermatologist and Dove expert Terrence Keaney, M.D. “Sweat and friction can lead to irritation, especially in the skinfolds, such as the underarms.”
And then there’s sunburn, chapped lips, and oily skin. And while these issues are top of minds during the warmer months, the winter sun could also lead to a host of problems if you’re not taking care of your skin, too. If you’re someone who liked to snowboard or ski, your proximity to the sun puts you at a heightened risk of UVB rays—the main cause of sunburn and skin damage, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
You might be asking yourself, “Why should I care about my skin?” For one, happy skin means healthy skin. If you’re not looking out for your body’s largest organ you might be leaving yourself susceptible to conditions like skin cancer that, while treatable, can be pretty serious.
But don’t you also want to look good? You could be the most jacked guy or girl on the planet, but if your entire skin looks like the surface of a Roman forehead (look it up) very few people are going to want to associate with you. You watch over your physique, immune health, and food intake—you should be worried about your skin, too.
So how can you combat these woes? It’s easy—just follow this guide and stock these 10 types of products.
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Chris Ryan / Getty
1. Sunscreen
“The most common mistake that men make when it comes to skincare is to not wear sunscreen,” says Dr. Keaney. “Protecting your skin from UV rays is the most important thing you can do and helps prevent wrinkles. Every day men should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or greater. It should be a standard part of every guy’s daily routine.” When you’re outside, reapply every two hours (consider setting a reminder or alarm on your phone if you’re having a beach day) and wear protective clothing or stay in the shade, since long periods in the sun can be harmful even when you’re wearing sunscreen.
TRY: The 100% oil-free formula won’t pores or cause breakouts, making it a great option for outdoor activities. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, $19.99, Amazon.com.
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Olena Yakobchuk
2. Body wash
Clearly this shower mainstay is a must, but the key is finding the right formula. “The micromoisture technology in this new body wash helps maintain skin hydration levels, especially as the seasons change,” says Dr. Keaney. “Retaining it successfully cleanses skin, removing excess oils, sweat and dirt without stripping the essential moisture.”
TRY: Naturally absorbent, Kaolin clay is a key ingredient with major skin health perks. Dove Men+Care Oil Control Body Wash, $5.47, Amazon.com.
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Prostock-studio
3. Moisturizer
Hydrating your skin daily is crucial, even in the summer. “Men produce more sweat and sebum, so finding the right moisturizer that doesn’t make you feel too greasy [or break out] is important,” says Dr. Keaney. “Retaining moisture in your skin prevents dry, irritable skin.”
TRY: Perfect for summer, this water-based moisturizer isn’t too heavy but will keep your skin from drying out, plus it has SPF for protection. COOLA Face SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Cucumber Matte Finish, $36, Amazon.com.
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Africa Studio
4. Exfoliator
Exfoliating won’t just leave your complexion refreshed—it also clears the way for a closer shave. “Light exfoliation prior to shaving helps relieve trapped hairs and prevent ingrown hairs,” Dr. Keaney says. “Remember to avoid being too aggressive as over-scrubbing hard will only lead to skin irritation.”
TRY: Gentle enough for daily use, this facial scrub exfoliates without drying. Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Face Scrub, $4.89, Amazon.com.
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Maridav
5. Face wash
“It’s always important for men to wash their face, but, more importantly, to do it correctly,” Dr. Keaney says. “Men are often overaggressive in how they cleanse the skin by scrubbing too hard.” To protect you from your own strength, pick the right cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps that can strip away the natural oils your skin needs. Look for cleansers that are specifically formulated for the face and include moisturizing ingredients to replace the skin lipids lost during the cleansing process.
TRY: Charcoal naturally draws out impurities and oil from the skin. Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash, $29.99, Amazon.com.
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fizkes
6. Face serum
Don’t blow this off as advanced skincare—while a serum might sound unnecessary, its myriad benefits are not. Depending on the formula, they can target everything from reducing fine lines and wrinkles to reversing sun damage to guarding from the elements.
TRY: Apply this gel after shaving to protect against oxidative damage caused by sun exposure, which is something sunscreen doesn’t do on its own. Skinceutical Phloretin CF Antioxidant Treatment Gel, $96.95, Amazon.com.
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aslysun
7. Foot cream
“Summer is flip flop season, and feet are exposed more than ever,” says Dr. Keaney. Soften dry, cracked feet with a foot repair cream.
TRY: Alpha hydroxy acids in this cream will reduce callouses and slash the risk of athlete’s foot. Eucerin Intensive Repair Foot Crème, $4.63, Amazon.com.
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pikselstock
8. Hair thickener
Having a thick head of hair is always in style. “No guy wants to lose his hair, no matter what time of year it might be,” Dr. Keaney says. “It’s easier to prevent hair loss than correct it.”
TRY: Qilib is a treatment that prevents hair loss in men, thanks to a new formulation of 5% minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine). Qilib Men’s Hair Regrowth and Revitalizing System, $37.99, Target.com.
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Olena Yakobchuk
9. Deodorant
When it comes to antiperspirant, it’s not just about keeping odor at bay. “Statistics show that skin irritation in this area leads to 8 out of 10 men feeling less confident,” says Dr. Keaney. “Skin irritation may be more prevalent in the summer, so guys should adopt steps to minimize it.”
TRY: This gentle dry spray antiperspirant keeps you dry and odor-free for 48 hours while moisturizing skin. Dove Men+Care Cool Silver Dry Spray Antiperspirant, $5.41, Amazon.com.
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TrustWolverines
10. Lip balm
Keep your lips smooth and appealing to a woman who’s thinking of kissing them by applying lip balm with SPF. “This is the best way to avoid chapped lips, which can often come about in the summer after spending time outside or in the water,” Dr. Keaney says.
TRY: Get long-last moisture with a fresh aloe scent. Vaseline Lip Therapy Aloe Tin, $3.49, Amazon.com.
