The cosmetics world is a vast and ever-changing industry. Most everyone likes to look and feel good, so the industry has many roles to fill. Just like any successful enterprise, cosmetics welcomes new demographics and innovation. When it comes to skincare you might be thinking that everyone has skin so everyone will benefit from skincare products. But the truth is that the modern skincare market didn’t advertise heavily towards men until the past decade. However, the current trends show a steadily growing market for men’s skincare products and accessories. So, there’s no better time than now to jump in and start taking care of your skin.
Moisturizer for Men Through the Ages
Evidence of the use of moisturizers and face creams is present in ancient text. Surviving fragments of the Roman poet Ovid mentions the use of face cream and describes the ingredients necessary for the concoction, some of which being eggs, antler powder, and even lead. Ancient Egyptians are also early devotees of skincare regimens using oils and animal fats to soften and protect their skin. While it should come as no surprise that the Ancient Greeks used olive oil to moisturize the skin and help rid it of impurities before scraping it clean. Since antiquity, there have luckily been many changes to ingredients and methods for proper skincare. But the general concept of moisturizing the skin remains the same. Now, moisturizers are more than pure oil and avoid using lead as an ingredient. Moisturizers come in ointments, gels, or varying creams, some with SPF for daytime use, and some exclusively for nightly use.
Face Moisturizer Benefits
Even those that are unfamiliar with skincare products will have some general knowledge of what a moisturizer is. It might seem simple to some, just a product used to moisturize dry skin, right? Although its name can speak for itself, there are more nuances to exactly what a moisturizer is and what it can do for you.
Hydrates Skin – Okay, so it might be pretty obvious by now that moisturizer will hydrate dry skin, but daily moisturizers take it up a notch. You can choose a product that will specifically target your skin type, leaving skin with the proper balance of hydration.Wrinkles – Daily moisturizing is a great way to boost skin’s elasticity and help fight the appearance of wrinkles. When skin is dry and lacking proper moisture, it will feel taut and lack elasticity. Dry skin will also show deeper lines and wrinkles. Proper hydration will lessen the appearance of wrinkles by locking moisture within the skin.Offers Protection – Aside from protecting against dryness, you’ll also protect your skin from sun exposure. Spending time in the sun does wonders for increasing your vitamin D intake but it can greatly harm your skin. So, to combat the negative side effects of sun exposure many moisturizers contain an antioxidant called coenzyme Q10. This antioxidant is found naturally in the human body but as you age you produce less and less. By applying a product that contains coenzyme Q10, you can help protect and rejuvenate your skin.
Men’s vs. Women’s Moisturizer
Aside from marketing tactics and specific fragrances there isn’t much of a difference between men’s and women’s moisturizer. Women’s moisturizer will frequently add more perfumes to their skincare products, which often results in skin irritation. Along with irritating scents, there’s irritating marketing strategies of gender-based containers, and price differences with women often paying more. However, differences between men and women’s skin do exist and will require some mindfulness. A man’s skin is thicker than a woman’s skin, which will give him fewer fine lines and wrinkles. But instead of fine lines and wrinkles men get deeper frown and laugh lines. Men also produce more oil than women and have more pronounced pores. Men that shave their faces are also more prone to irritation and dry skin. Neutral products with labels boasting fragrance-free, anti-aging, or that include SPF are going to be good options for men or women without the additional prices for feminine containers or floral fragrances. Products that specifically target men will be even better by taking into consideration the unique skincare needs of men. Either way, don’t let the label scare you off. Your skin won’t judge so why should you?
When and How to Use Face Moisturizer
There are multiple types of moisturizers and with each option comes another method of use. You can moisturize your skin day or night but it’s important to consider the product. Products containing SPF are going to be for daytime use when your skin is at risk of UV damage. Daytime moisturizers are also lighter and feel less oily than their nighttime counterparts. While you’re sleeping is the ideal time to use a thicker cream to really lock in moisture and hydrate your skin. Applying a moisturizer while your skin is still damp will help achieve the results you desire.
Different types of moisturizers work better for some skin types than others and there are a several to choose from:
Gels – Gel is lightweight and suitable for many skin types. It can leave you with a refreshing feeling and lacks that oily feeling some heavier creams have.Ointments – Ointments are the heaviest of moisturizers and also have the highest oil concentration. If you have oily skin, you should avoid the use of ointments and stick to another option. Ointments are best for extremely dry skin types. They don’t evaporate off your skin, allowing the moisture to remain until you remove the ointment.Cream – Creams are a great choice for moderate to severe dry skin. The high water content will help trap moisture for the skin to absorb.
Best Face Moisturizer for Men
1. Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
Jack Black is a standout men’s skincare company. They’re cruelty free and use the best ingredients available to them. Double-Duty Moisturizer is perfect for all skin types to help hydrate and improve the appearance of the skin. Not just a moisturizer, Jack Black Double-Duty has an SPF of 20 and will help protect against harmful rays. It’s best for daytime use and can even be used after shaving without worrying about irritation.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost is one of the best-selling moisturizers on the market. The gel formula absorbs quickly but hydrates like a heavier cream. Hydro Boost contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to soak up moisture to better hydrate the skin. Neutrogena’s award-winning lightweight gel is perfect for daytime use and is suitable for all skin types. However, Hydro Boost lacks the additional protection of SPF, so consider adding a broad-spectrum sunblock to your daily routine.
3. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
If you’re looking to add a moisturizer to your morning routine, then CeraVe AM with SPF 30 should be taken into consideration. CeraVe is a dermatologist recommended skincare company and the AM Facial Lotion is one of their best-selling products. The formula is oil and fragrance free and contains hydration boosting hyaluronic acid. It’s a lightweight cream that works great on all skin types. CeraVe Am with SPF 30 also comes recommended for daily use by the Skin Cancer Foundation. You can find CeraVe products in your local drugstore or order them online making your pursuit of softer skin even easier.
4. L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic 3-Day Beard Moisturizer
L’Oreal Paris offers a wonderful example of innovation within the skincare industry with their Hydra Energetic 3-Day Beard Moisturizer. The lightweight formula softens the skin and facial hair without leaving behind a thick oily residue. L’Oreal Paris makes a point to consider the differences between men’s and women’s skin with Hydra Energetic 3-Day Beard Moisturizer. This gel contains vitamin E and peppermint leaf extract for your beard to feel soft and to reduce irritation after shaving.
5. La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
For those that have sensitive, allergy-prone skin, La Roche Posay Toleriane has the solution for your moisturizer woes. Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a lightweight cream without SPF, so it can be used day or night. In fact, you could even use it twice daily if you desire to. Toleriane Double Repair is fragrance free, oil free, and perfect for sensitive skin types. The oil free formula and intense hydration make this a good choice of moisturizer for dry or oily skin.
6. Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer
The founders of Brickell seek to produce skincare products that keep men’s needs in mind and use high quality ingredients. The ingredients in their Daily Essential Face Moisturizer include aloe leaf juice, green and white tea leaf, and hyaluronic acid. The moisturizer also features peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass essential oils for an added soothing scent. Brickell recommends using their moisturizer twice daily. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and is suitable for use day or night. Brickell makes a point to produce cruelty free, vegan, and tries to only use natural ingredients. Because of their efforts, men of any skin type can use this product.
7. Cetaphil Daily Oil Free Hydrating Lotion
Cetaphil is a highly recommended brand among dermatologists and is excellent for sensitive skin. This daily use lotion is fragrance-free and hypoallergic, which is why it works wonders for those with sensitive skin. Cetaphil is oil free and lightweight making it suitable for a variety of skin types. Use it after washing your face both during the day and at night.
8. Rugged and Dapper Age and Damage Defense Facial Moisturizer
Rugged and Dapper skincare is designed with hard-working men in mind. This moisturizer helps hydrate skin and works as an aftershave. The 2-in-1 product is great for all skin types and can be used any time of day. Rugged and Dapper skincare uses only the best ingredients and never tests on animals. You can trust what’s in the products and the results they produce.
9. L’Oreal Men Expert Vita Lift
If you’re looking for a men’s moisturizer that takes into account the distinctions of men’s skin then look no further than L’Oreal Vita Lift. This moisturizer does more than hydrate your skin, its pro-retinol formula helps diminish the signs of aging. Pro-retinol is used to describe molecules that will work to form retinol once combined with certain enzymes in the skin. Retinol is known for its age defying properties and anti-wrinkle properties. If you’re wanting to maintain younger looking skin, then a retinol moisturizer is right for you. Vita Lift moisturizer targets five main signs of aging, wrinkles, loss of firmness, sagging, roughness, and dryness. This makes for a well-rounded product that can be used on most skin types.
10. MARLOWE No. 123 Men’s Facial Moisturizer
It’s hard enough to change up your daily routine, so adding a moisturizer should be easy. As a company, MARLOWE prides itself in being down to earth, and simple. From the ingredients to the application of products, this moisturizer is as straightforward as can be. MARLOWE products are also cruelty free, so no need to feel guilty. The ingredients used in No. 123 are free from harsh chemicals and dyes. It’s a water-based cream that’s great for any skin type but specifically works well for oily skin. No. 123 also features citrus and willow bark extract for a refreshing scent to liven up your skincare experience.
CONCLUSION: The Best Moisturizer for Men
With the recent growth of men’s skincare, there’s certainly an abundance of products on the market to choose from. This list should help narrow down your search once you determine your specific needs. Have any tips for achieving soft skin or adding a moisturizer to your daily routine? Let us hear about it in the comments below!
