Skincare goes beyond washing your face over running water, that much we have established to be true. But in the case of men living in Malaysia, this also means keeping in mind skincare practices that play well with the local heat and humidity, while maintaining a dedicated summer skincare routine on the daily.
Having a consistent skincare regimen is essential for everyone, regardless of their gender. Contrary to popular belief, a skincare routine doesn’t have to be extravagant or involve numerous steps and products.
All you need is to allocate time and acquire the appropriate essentials, and you’re set! If you are uncertain about when to begin taking care of your skin, the answer is simple: start now.
Dr Meghna Mour, founder of Skuccii Supercliniq, believes that men’s skincare routine can be basic yet effective. “Typically, men’s summer routine includes cleansing, toning, moisturising and exfoliating the skin twice a week with a gentle scrub. Additionally, using a gentle aftershave and sunscreen is essential. Don’t forget to take care of your neck by applying moisturiser and sunscreen,” she says.
From choosing the appropriate products to establishing a straightforward yet efficient skincare regimen, we have curated a list of simple summer skincare tips for men. So, up your grooming game and confidently embrace the summer months with glowy skin.
A guide to the best summer skincare tips for men
Here are some easy tips for men to level up your skincare routine:
1. Make double cleansing your new habit
Double cleansing is the backbone of Korean skincare and has been practised for decades. To put it simply, double-cleansing is using two types of cleansers to wash your face. For the first wash, start with an oil-based cleanser that will help you remove the accumulation of dirt and sweat caused by the summer heat.
Now for the second wash, use a gentle cleanser with lightweight formulas that won’t clog your pores. With this approach, you can achieve smooth skin without stripping away all the moisture or suffocating oily skin.
Do this twice a day to avoid triggering an increase in oil production.
2. Use serums for extra hydration
Post-cleansing, keep your skin hydrated and protected against the sun with summer serums. These actives are packed with extra goodness that combats issues like dryness, pigmentation, acne and dull-looking skin.
For the uninitiated, serums should be used before moisturising and selecting the correct serum is crucial for improving the skin’s natural texture. They are typically transparent gels or liquids with a light texture, making them perfect for combining with other skincare products.
During summer, it is best to opt for brightening and hydrating serums as they are designed to reduce pigmentation, enhance brightness and moisturise your skin. Ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the major three ingredients to look out for while adding serums to your regime.
3. Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise
It is crucial to replenish the moisture lost from your skin after being exposed to the sun for extended periods. To achieve this, you should use a hydrating face moisturiser specifically designed for men.
Dry skin can give a fatigued appearance and accelerate the ageing process. The presence of fine lines and wrinkles becomes more noticeable when the skin lacks hydration.
Following your double cleansing and serum routine, apply an oil-free face moisturiser, especially a gel-based one designed for men specifically. However, if your skin is excessively dry due to sun exposure or if you have naturally dry skin, it is ideal to opt for an anti-ageing cream for men instead. This type of cream contains higher levels of moisturising agents and has a thicker consistency, making it more effective in restoring lost moisture.
4. Sunscreen is a must (duh!)
To shield your skin from the sun, the most crucial step is avoiding stepping out in the most intense UV rays, which occur between 10 am and 2 pm. Additionally, wearing a hat throughout the day will provide extra shade, offering protection against harsh elements. But that’s not all — sunscreen is a must for all occasions. Be it staying indoors and doing nothing or stepping out for even five minutes, this holy grail product is never to be skipped.
Dr Nadia Zakir of Kaya Skin Clinic says, “Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially in the summer months. Men should prioritise using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to shield their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Applying it every two hours, particularly after swimming or sweating, can safeguard your skin against age spots, cancer, and sagging.”
5. Make skin treatments your new BFFs
During the summer, men must tailor their skincare routines to combat the challenges of increased humidity, sun exposure and heat. Apart from regular routines, they can add an extra step to give their skin the much-needed hydration and a healthy glow. The best way to do so would be to get a facial or skin treatment at a dermatologist’s clinic.
Hydrating facials are particularly beneficial during this time, as they can replenish moisture and calm irritated skin. Additionally, the combination of heat and humidity often leads to excess oil production and greasy skin, making gentle exfoliation essential for preventing breakouts.
Men prone to acne can benefit from treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to keep breakouts at bay, recommends Dr Nadia Zakir.
6. IV drips for skin – a gamechanger?
Yes, you read it right! IV drips are now dominating the skincare world. These give you an ample amount of nutrients and vitamins needed to get that instant glow.
Dr Geetika Mittal, the founder of Isaac Luxe, explains the concept: “IV drips can offer quick hydration and deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Popular ingredients in these drips may include vitamin C (for antioxidant benefits), B vitamins (for energy), glutathione (for skin brightening), and others. The use of IV drips for such purposes has gained popularity because it allows direct delivery of nutrients, vitamins and hydration.”
7. Tackling pigmentation
In addition, a major concern that men should not overlook during the humid season is pigmentation, which is becoming increasingly prevalent. This issue is not solely due to sun exposure but also from excessive blue light emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers.
Men are particularly susceptible to this, perhaps because they tend to not dedicate as much time to skincare. Therefore, it’s important to emphasise that sunscreen is not only necessary during direct sun exposure but also to protect against the harmful effects of UV lights encountered in our daily routines.
Moreover, addressing pigmentation concerns can be managed through treatments such as monthly laser sessions like Q-switch and chemical peels. “These procedures not only target pigmentation but also help alleviate issues such as acne-prone skin, oiliness and blemishes,” adds Dr Zakir.
8. You are what you eat – a healthy diet is a must
While skincare routines do the job externally, eating right is the best way to keep your skin healthy from the inside. Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is essential for boosting c synthesis and maintaining skin elasticity.
You can start by incorporating fruits, vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids that can help protect against UV damage and promote skin repair.
Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial for overall skin health. Try drinking 1-2 litres of water daily.
The best skincare products to add to your skin regime
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Japanese skincare brand DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil is one of the hottest-selling skincare products and is so popular that one bottle is sold per 10 seconds worldwide. The organic olive oil-based cleanser effortlessly removes dirt, sunscreen, sebum and comedones without clogging your skin.
Cosrx Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cleanser
As the name suggests, Cosrx’s Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cleanser is filled with intense hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that adds extra moisture to ensure your skin does not feel dry, tight or flaky while dealing with heat.
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Klairs Vitamin C serum is hailed as one of the best vitamin C serums, especially in the Korean skincare realm. It is specifically designed to rejuvenate dull skin, fade brown spots, even out skin tone and minimise enlarged pores.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men
Kiehl’s face moisturiser is formulated with caffeine, chestnut seed extract and vitamins C and E, making it one of the best options to revive fatigued skin during humid months.
Laneige Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Laneige’s waterproof sunscreen, which comes in a lightweight texture, moisturises your skin while also tackling UV rays. For the summer months, it is an excellent option as the formula penetrates the skin without feeling sticky or leaving a white cast.
(Hero and feature image credit: Pexels/Ron Lach and Unsplash/Lance Reis)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which is the best sunscreen for men in summer?
Laneige Watery Sun Cream, Neutrogena Ultrasheer Face sunscreen and Innisfree Hyaluronic Moist sunscreen are some of the best sunscreens for men in summer.
– Which is the best face wash for men with oily skin in summer?
Cerave foaming cleanser, Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial cleanser and Cetaphil Oily Skin cleanser are some of the best face washes for men with oily skin during summer.
This article first appeared here.
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Sanika lives for fashion and skincare. She enjoys writing about style, beauty, and lifestyle. She worked as a fashion writer for Man's World India magazine. When not writing about designers and trends, she likes to shop, travel, try new Sushi restaurants, practise pilates and rewatch her comfort shows.
