The American Academy of Dermatology states that when it comes to skin care for men, simple was usually the way to go but more men are now reevaluating and actively pursuing healthier and more youthful looking skin. While major differences from women's skin include thicker and oilier skin, the skin care basics remain the same. To build an effective routine, men must first determine what's their skin type.

The Different Skin Types

Sensitive - easily irritated and stings or burns after using products.

Normal - clean and not sensitive to products.

Dry Skin - often flaky, rough, or itchy.

Oily Skin - often shiny or greasy.

Combination Skin - dry in some areas and oily is others; usually the T-zone.

Check Labels

When it comes to skin care for men, it's better to look for skincare products that say oil-free, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to avoid common skincare issues. For hair care, go for sulfate-free products as much as possible.

The Basics

Cleanser

Men's skin is oilier than women so looking for the right cleanser is a start. While this can be a plus since oil keeps men look younger than women, especially when they reach their 40s, greasy skin can be off-putting. Facial hair is also another thing to consider since they can be a source of ingrown hairs. Mask-wearing can irritate acne-prone skin. To target all this concerns, Esquire suggests looking for a facial cleanser with salicylic acid and/or witch hazel. Try Aesop In Two Minds Facial Cleanser which has both ingredients.

Moisturizer

Even if men have oily skin, moisturizer is still needed to regulate oil production. Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate and that's one thing you don't need. Look for gel or lotion formulations for a more comfortable feel and apply moisturizer while skin is still damp from the shower. Some of GQ's top picks include Kiehl's Age Defender Gel Moisturizer, Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream, Dr Dennis Gross B3Adaptive Superfoods Stress Repair Face Cream, Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Nourishing Moisturizer and The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer.

Also read: Dermatologists Remind You That Wearing Sunscreen In the Winter Is Cruci

Sunscreen

As dermatologists will always stress, sunscreen is a daily commitment, even in the winter. Look for an SPF level of at least 30 and make sure that it's also a broad-spectrum product to block harmful UVA and UVB rays. Men's Health suggests Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, and Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. For dark skin tones, avoid that dreaded white cast with Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 or Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Lotion. For acne-prone skin, try EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF46 Sunscreen

Exfoliator

Exfoliating gets rid of grime, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson tell Vogue that since men have thicker skin, they can tolerate more exfoliation than women. However, twice or thrice a week is enough. Use a gentle physical exfoliating scrub or if you're ready for a long-term commitment, include a chemical exfoliator in your evening routine. Esquire recommends REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. This tonic goes after your cleanser and before your moisturizer.

Don't Be Afraid of Makeup

A concealer can easily disguise dark undereye circles and blemishes. Check out Rihanna's Fenty Beauty for their gender-neutral product line and ultra-inclusive shade range. If your skin tends to get red a lot, mix a little green concealer or color corrector in your moisturizer to neutralize redness. Look for Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid, Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Cream Concealers in Green and Light or Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Color Corrector.

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