It’s Father’s Day 2020, the year when Dads across the globe got promoted from grill master and Mr. Fix-it to babysitter, teacher, psychologist, and entertainer. One role we don’t often associate with Dads? Skincare expert. But why not? Men represent the fastest-growing segment in the skincare and wellness industry, as brands new and old now have products specifically engineered for men. Let’s dive in to why these products exist and why our guys need them. You just might find that last-minute (or belated) Father’s Day gift, or perhaps just a little something for the man in your life for everyday use.
Men’s needs can differ from women’s.
First, the obvious: men have more facial hair than women! The prevalence of facial hair can mean higher production of oils on the face. When these oils are over-produced or combine with dirt the mixture can clog a man’s oversized pores, leading to acne and breakouts. Then of course comes the frequent shaving and dreaded razor bumps. In addition to altering his shaving technique (always with the grain), a good shaving product that doubles as a lubricant for the blade can really help. For a select few of us, the propellants used in traditional shaving creams can be irritating, so I prefer shaving lotions like the Coco Loco Coconut Oil Shaving Lotion or a wet shave cream like the one from Driftwood Caravan. Adding an after-shave balm like the one by Black Leopard can also help.
Men tend to be creatures of simplicity and routine.
Let’s be real, most of us men barely have a “get-ready” routine, let alone a skincare routine. We get up, jump in the shower, and get on with the day as fast as possible. We’ve got stuff to do! We also don’t grow up in the world of skincare and cosmetics like our better halves, so this is a fairly new concept. As James Clear writes in his book Atomic Habits, one of the four keys to habit change is making it easy. Help your man out by upgrading his skincare with better, more effective, and more natural versions of products he already uses. Contrary to your guy’s belief, not all shampoos are created equal. So give him an upgrade (and preserve that hair you’re praying he doesn’t lose) with something like the new évolis Professional Reverse Shampoo. This miracle-worker contains a protein inhibitor called FGF5 that restores hair suffering from thinning and aging.
Here’s a bonus tip – your guy probably uses at least two shower products, like a shampoo and a body wash, but he may not use a facewash or cleanser. Using a daily cleanser is the lowest-hanging fruit to healthier skin for men. So sneak in a cleanser by combining the shampoo and body wash by using a 2-in-1 product like Black Leopard’s 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash, then add a cleanser like DCL’s Ultra Comfort Cleanser, which comes in a black and silver bottle that he’ll think was made for him. It won’t feel like any more work because he’s still only using two products! Remember, make it easy.
Men spend a lot of time outdoors.
Whether it’s playing a round of golf, throwing a ball with the kids, or doing the weekly yardwork, men tend to spend a good amount of time outdoors. We all know the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, but we often forget how much sun exposure accelerates the aging process. Sunspots, dryer skin, and lack of nutrients are all domino effects of sun exposure over time. Help your dude out by giving him something that protects and moisturizes at the same time. Shoot for a minimum of SPF30 and for those all-day affairs keep it on-hand for reapplication every couple hours. I like Murad’s Age-Balancing Moisture SPF 30 because it protects and hydrates simultaneously. Another key to habit change is making it obvious. For this, don’t keep his Murad on the bathroom counter or in the cabinet, get a couple bottles of whatever sunscreen is preferred and keep one next to the lawnmower in the garage, one next to the baseball glove, etc. That way it’s easy and obvious next time he’s about to do those outdoor activities.
So there you have it! Improve the health and appearance of a guy’s skin with some simple skincare upgrades.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
-Josh, VP & CFO