A healthy complexion starts with the right skin care routine, and a bar of soap across your face right before bed doesn’t cut it when you get older. While men of a certain age tend to look more distinguished and sophisticated after 40, the silver fox look is hard to pull off if you don’t properly take care of your skin. Fortunately, if you are already over 40, all hope is not lost. There are plenty of tips to try that can revitalize your skin. Here are the best hacks for taking care of your skin after 40:
Use a good cleanser
Most women check the ingredients in their cleanser before buying to make sure what they use is gentle, effective, and worth the purchase. On the other hand, men have a reputation for using harsh soaps and scrubs that irritate their skin. The first step in choosing the right cleanser for your skin is to know your skin type. Do you have oily skin? Dry skin? Combination skin? Skin that breaks out easily? It’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your complexion before adding a new cleanser to your skin care routine. If you are over 40, it’s important to choose a moisturizing cleanser that prevents your skin from looking dry or wrinkly.
Never skip moisturizer
Moisturizer is a must-have for every skin type, whether you have oily or dry skin. Most men with normal or combination skin respond well to oil-based moisturizers, especially if their complexion is on the dry side. You should always moisturize after cleansing, when your skin is still slightly damp, to seal in the moisture.
Shave carefully
One of the most common skin problems in men is razor burn — tiny rash-like bumps that appear on the skin after shaving. Razor burn, which is often caused by shaving against the grain, can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. To soothe your skin and protect your face in the future, always shave in the direction that feels smooth rather than against the grain. If you’ve tried shaving toward the smooth side of your face and still ended up with razor burn, you may have sensitive skin. Fortunately, shaving in the shower or right when you get out helps lubricate the skin and soften the hair.
Always use aftershave
Shaving causes irritation and razor burn in many men, but it doesn’t have to! Aftershave is a fantastic product that calms and hydrates your skin. When searching for the right product for your skin, choose an alcohol-free aftershave, as alcohol naturally dries out your skin.
Use sunscreen
Seriously, guys! Use. Sunscreen. Every. Day. Sunscreen is a crucial part of your morning routine that should feel as ingrained as washing your face. Not only does sunscreen protect against skin cancer, it also prevents sun damage, wrinkles, and dry skin. There are plenty of sunscreens available (SPF 30+ is best) that feel just like your regular moisturizer and dry quickly, leaving your skin as soft and smooth as possible.