Clogged pores, daily shaving, dry environments, and excessive sun exposure can leave men’s skin more vulnerable to dehydration.
Hence the importance of using a daily facial moisturizer, one of the most beneficial and simple steps you can introduce into your skincare routine.
The right moisturizer can help protect your skin from weather conditions, shaving, and aging, intensely hydrating the top layers of the skin, and minimizing damage caused by aging, the sun, or lifestyle.
But where do you start? With the market saturated with options, it can be difficult to know what type of moisturizer to buy.
Whether you need a moisturizer for oily skin, an anti-aging solution for mature skin, or an “all-in-one” option, we’ve reviewed the most popular and best-selling options on the market to recommend only the best moisturizers for your skin.
For this analysis we have looked at the INCI (the list of ingredients that make up the cream), which is what will tell us whether or not the cream is worth it. And after the analysis you have very interesting information about men’s moisturizers, you cannot miss it if you want to choose well!
So that the article does not become too long, I just put the complete analysis of the two best options, and of the remaining 8 products there is a summary with a link that leads directly to the complete analysis of each cream, so that anyone can read it in depth.
And without further ado, we start with the analysis!
Index
Nezeni Cosmetics Collagen Cream – The best moisturizer for men
Buy on Amazon or on the cheapest laboratory website
There are many moisturizers on the market, but my pick is Nezeni Cosmetics Collagen Cream. I like it for several reasons, starting with what you see, the packaging.
Its airless bottle allows the cream to never be in contact with the air or that we have to insert the finger to remove the product, as happens with the jars in which the cream ends up contaminating.
The container is made of resistant plastic, I also like this because if it is made of glass, it runs the risk of breaking when falling, something that has happened to me on other occasions. And the truth is that it bothers a lot, especially if the cream is just started.
The texture of the cream is neither too light to run off the finger, nor too thick; I quite like it, and it spreads perfectly. The absorption is immediate, and you do not have to wait several minutes to be able to put on the sunscreen.
On my combination skin it does not leave shine in the T zone, and it does not produce more oil. This is because it is a non-comedogenic formula , it does not clog pores, nor does it promote acne breakouts.
It is also hypoallergenic , so it can be used after shaving, and even on sensitive skin because it does not include any ingredients that are potentially irritating.
It has a smell that I quite like, because it is not very cloying, but it is not as if it has no smell at all. The smell of a cream is not an important characteristic when choosing a cosmetic, but if you like it, it is a plus.
Another thing I like is that it is not tested on animals; and that it has an expiration date of two years (with the product closed), which indicates that they have not put preservatives galore.
For this reason, the most important reason to choose this moisturizer are its ingredients. It is at the INCI that it is distinguished whether a cream is high-end or low-quality, and Nezeni’s option leaves no room for doubt.
A list with natural ingredients, and several active ingredients in very good proportions. This time we are not going to analyze the entire list because we already have it in this other article , for those who want to look at it in depth, so we are only going to highlight the most important points.
I will only tell you that it has a high proportion of hydrolyzed collagen , an ingredient that not only deeply hydrates the tissues, but also smoothes, firms and plumps. In addition, it includes organic silicon, antioxidants, sunflower oil, or even apple stem cells.
If you look at it, it only has a couple of preservatives , that’s why it has a closed expiration date of two years maximum. In addition, the included ingredients have no risk of toxicity or irritation.
This, together with the omission of alcohols, silicones, and other ingredients harmful to our health and skin, defines Nezeni cream as a cosmetic free from the risk of the combined effect that most of the personal care products that we apply have .
It is not that the product itself is going to cause us immediate harm, since cosmetics are regulated by official bodies of the European Union; But what is not regulated or controlled is the accumulation on our skin of all the products that we apply daily (cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, treatment, eye contour, sunscreen, aftershave, etc.), and the The combined effect that harmful ingredients in a product can have in the long term .
These small amounts of harmful ingredients may not have any short-term repercussions, but 10, 20 or 30 years, they surely will.
I do not know if you have noticed the high incidence of skin problems, especially in middle-aged people. This is not causation, and it will certainly be a much bigger problem in the future.
That is why I always recommend products with natural ingredients, and avoid chemicals (not synthetic), such as harmful preservatives or alcohols. Nor am I saying to buy creams with organic or organic ingredients, as this label can be misleading.
I only recommend that you look closely at the INCI and avoid what I always tell you: parabens, too many preservatives, alcohols, perfumes, silicones, and other chemicals . Not only in moisturizers, but also in other cosmetics.
You may be wondering if I recommend avoiding perfumes, how is it that I use Nezeni cream that has perfume. Well, it’s a good question.
Perfumes are avoided mainly because their composition is not known. The regulation does not oblige you to specify which are the ingredients that compose it, and then you cannot know if it is an ingredient to which you have a sensitivity or allergy (or simply it is bad for you).
But Nezeni on its website specifies that the added perfume is amber essential oil, so you can avoid it if it is irritating to your skin.
As I have seen that the Nezeni range has good assets and avoids the ingredients that I want to eliminate, I use the full treatment, both the serum, the cream, the eye contour, and the sunscreen . And so I am calm when applying it every day on my skin.
It can only be purchased online, on Amazon and on the Nezeni website. To contact them for any questions, you must do so through their email or website.
You can buy on the Nezeni website from this link .
Sisleyouth Sisley Energizing Moisturizing Cream
Sisleyouth is a moisturizing and energizing cream that is also beneficial for fighting the first wrinkles, so it can be a good choice as a first treatment cream.
It works by protecting the skin from the first signs of aging thanks to the soy peptide extract, which helps to reduce the first wrinkles and improve skin tone.
It also offers an energizing action, using a powerful cocktail of active ingredients, such as kiwi extract, Ginseng, buckwheat seeds, and ginkgo biloba, which can minimize the damaging effects of oxidative stress and fatigue on the skin.
But above all, it intensely hydrates the skin with a new derivative of wheat sugars, which favors the fixation of water in the stratum corneum, and shea butter, which offers intense nutrition.
A perfect cream for young skin that begins to notice the first wrinkles, and fatigue. It is a non-comedogenic formula, so it is also suitable for oily skin.
From what can be seen, it is a cream with several active ingredients with different properties, but we are going to see in the INCI in what proportion they are found to verify its effectiveness.
- Glycerin : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Coco-Caprylate / Caprate : Analyzed in the Caudalie Premier Cru eye contour .
- Caprylyl Methicone : Analizado en la cream antiarrugas de Fiori di Cipria .
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil : Tested in Shiseido Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) : Tested in Nezeni Cosmetics anti-wrinkle cream .
- Cetearyl Alcohol : Analyzed in the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye eye contour .
- Arachidyl Alcohol : Analyzed in NeoStrata’s Bionic anti-wrinkle cream .
- Tocopheryl Acetate : Analyzed in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream as Tocopherol Acetate.
- Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract : Buckwheat seed extract. Stimulating and invigorating, buckwheat is widely used to reduce inflammation, increase circulation and oxygenation. It is also a rich source of bioflavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties and for protecting cell membranes from free radicals.
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein : Analyzed in Biotherm Homme Youth Architect Force Supreme Serum .
- Hydrolyzed Pea : The pea is popular for its high protein content, a unique assortment of phytonutrients, and antioxidant properties. In personal care, it provides a rich source of amino acids, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, argenine, and lysine, all of which have vital hair and skin care properties. Pea hydrolyzate locks in moisture, exhibiting powerful hydrating properties. In addition to the hydration benefits, it also has anti-irritant properties, ideal for the care of the most sensitive skin.
- Adenosine : Analyzed in the Lancome Génifique Yeux Light Pearl eye contour .
- Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract : Analyzed in the Lancaster Skin Therapy eye contour .
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract : Analyzed in Nezeni Cosmetics anti-wrinkle cream .
- Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract : Kiwi extract is an excellent source of antioxidants for the skin, including vitamin C and various polyphenols. Kiwifruit antioxidants can help defend skin from the visible effects of airborne pollutants. Kiwi is also a good source of lutein, a carotenoid antioxidant.
- Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil : Analyzed in the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye eye contour .
- Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil : Has natural properties that can minimize the appearance of pores and help with oily skin. These same properties plus the pleasant citrus scent also make Litsea Cubeba oil a good ingredient in natural deodorants.
- Potassium Cetyl Phosphate : Analyzed in the eye contour LIFTACTIV Vichy Eyes .
- Saccharide Isomerate : Tested in Clinique Moisture Surge Moisturizer .
- Behenyl Alcohol : Tested in Shiseido Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Dimethicone : Tested in Shiseido Men’s Wrinkle Cream .
- Panthenol : Analyzed in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream .
- Sodium Polyacrylate : Tested in Clinique For Men wrinkle cream .
- Cetearyl Glucoside : Analyzed in the Decléor Harmonie Calm eye contour .
- Pentylene Glycol : Analyzed in Nezeni Cosmetics anti-wrinkle cream .
- Arachidyl Glucoside : Analyzed in Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizer .
- Disodium Edta : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Citric Acid : Analyzed in the Fiori di Cipria anti-wrinkle cream .
- Sodium Hydroxide : Analizado en la cream antiarrugas de Fiori di Cipria .
- Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer : Tested in Shiseido Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Sodium Citrate : Analyzed in the anti-wrinkle cream Vita Lift 5 from L’Oreal Men Expert .
- Phenoxyethanol : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Sorbic Acid : Analyzed in the Lancaster Skin Therapy eye contour .
- Sodium Benzoate : Analyzed in the Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Potassium Sorbate : Analyzed in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Citral : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Linalool : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Limonene : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream .
- Geraniol : Analyzed in the Decléor Harmonie Calm eye contour .
Sysley offers one of the best moisturizing options on the market. The formula is packed with beneficial assets, not only to hydrate the skin, but also to treat acne and the first wrinkles.
Occlusive and emollient ingredients are present, as well as humectants; and together they form a very efficient hydrating combination.
The list goes on with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, antibacterial, or calming ingredients. Up to almost three-quarters of the list are active, so the ratios are pretty good.
However, the last quarter is where the formula begins to fail. This half is mainly made up of harmful preservatives, fragrances, and other irritating ingredients. They are in a low proportion, but it is something that must be taken into account.
Moisturizing Emulsion for Men by Shiseido Men
The same thing always happens with Shiseido cosmetics, in appearance and by the brand they seem quality, high-end products, but they are really full of ingredients with little value.
For example, in this cream, although there are certain assets that are good to hydrate and prevent moisture loss; most are pretty bad ingredients.
Alcohol, irritants, perfumes, sensitizing and potentially toxic ingredients, even parabens I have found. All of these ingredients occupy a position that could have been a beneficial asset. In short, it is better not to try it.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Shiseido Men’s Moisturizing Emulsion for Men, Analysis and Alternative .
Biotherm Homme Aquapower
Biotherm achieves a formula with a good amount of moisturizing agents in all its types: occlusives, humectants and emollients.
Use the power of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and some botanical extracts to get a very refreshing cream that deeply hydrates the skin.
It does not have parabens, which is good, but it also has its drawbacks: an alcohol present in the first positions, a toxic preservative, and a large number of fragrances and perfume that do not contribute anything to the skin.
You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Aquapower from Biotherm Homme, Analysis and Alternative .
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
For a luxury cream, in its first positions it only has silicones, and although they are a good occlusive, they tend to clog the pores and this has a drying and irritating effect on the skin.
The amount of ingredients that it has make the benefits are diluted, and that none provides enough proportion to be able to act correctly.
And I’m amazed that a cream at this price includes parabens (up to 4 different ones), up to 10 fragrance ingredients (many of which are irritating or sensitizing), and as many preservatives (irritating and toxic).
Although they are in a low proportion, together they can do more harm than good to the skin. That’s why I prefer to avoid it completely. For a cream of more than € 300, I expected more, much more.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, Analysis and Alternative .
Maximum Hydrator Concentrated Moisturizing Gel by Clinique For Men
As the name suggests, the Clinique For Men option hydrates to the fullest, thanks to its hydrating agents (moisturizers, occlusives and emollients).
Most of them are in very good proportions, and it also has some vitamins that act as antioxidants.
Best of all, it hydrates without using silicones. However, for my taste it has too many preservatives, which have the danger of the combined effect, in fact some of them are proven irritants and toxic. And that they are in a low proportion is not worth me, the danger continues.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Clinique For Men Maximum Hydrator Concentrated Hydrating Gel, Analysis and Alternative .
Creme by Nivea Men
We can think that if it has been on the market for so long, it will be good, but nothing could be further from the truth. The ingredients in Nivea’s moisturizer are not only of poor quality, they are also harmful to the skin.
This means that it is better not to apply anything, than to put this on your skin. An alcohol (irritant), a paraben, perfume, 4 more irritating ingredients and a couple of moderately toxic ingredients; And that the list only contains 17 ingredients, and one of them is water.
There are only 7 ingredients that are saved, and they are not to rave about as they are mineral oils, silicones, and thickeners. Everyone is free to put the product they want on their skin, but I think that seeing this analysis, there is not much desire to buy or use this cream.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Creme de Nivea Men, Analysis and Alternative .
Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 by Jack Black
Nothing to do with the previous cream, as the Jack Black option is full of moisturizing actives, antioxidants and sunscreen.
Top rankings focus on sunscreens, emollients, and occlusives to prevent moisture loss, and lower down are humectants, like hyaluronic acid, which are highly hydrating.
But there are also plenty of antioxidants, soothing, and antibacterials that help prevent aging, help oily skin balance sebum production, and soothe irritation.
I would just remove a couple of harmful preservatives, and increase the proportion of the actives.
You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 by Jack Black, Analysis and Alternative .
Hydrix Moisturizing Gel Lancome
Adding ingredients in a formula is not enough, you have to do it correctly, put the good assets in a large proportion so that we get all their benefits, and avoid ingredients of poor quality, or that can be harmful, as much as possible.
And this is where the Lancome option fails. That they are worth it for their properties and their proportion, there are only two ingredients: jojoba oil and provitamin B5.
There are other assets such as floods, and other emollients, but they are in a minimal concentration. In addition, it has other ingredients that are irritating, that have a moderate risk of toxicity, and that can cause allergic reactions, so I prefer not to expose myself to the combined effect.
You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Hydrix Gel Hydratant by Lancome, Analysis and Alternative .
Eucerin Dermopure Oil Control Mattifying Hydrating Facial Fluid
Very few moisturizers, some anti-inflammatories and exfoliants, and a couple of antioxidants, the active ingredients are in short supply, and therefore the results are also poor.
Minimally hydrates thanks to a fatty alcohol, a silicone and glycerin. Although it also does not act as an anti-acne treatment, since it does not have antibacterials.
Not that it is a bad cream, but it falls short as it does not focus on one problem. Perhaps the best thing it does is mattify the highlights.
You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Eucerin Dermopure Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizing Facial Fluid, Analysis and Alternative .
How are men’s moisturizers different from women’s moisturizers?
Although any moisturizer is better than nothing, there are some differences in the qualities and needs of the skin, as well as in the types of moisturizers that are produced and marketed for both genders.
For example, fragrances are more common in women’s moisturizers, and also more likely to irritate female skin. Men’s skin is slightly thicker, and generally less sensitive to irritation from fragrances.
Moisturizers for men are usually quite understated when it comes to fragrances . They are often unscented, which is an added bonus for men with sensitive skin, as fragrances can cause irritation.
Men are more likely to work or spend more time outdoors. As such, they have a strong need for a moisturizer that offers sun protection.
There are some notable differences in the skin of men and women. For example, men’s skin is more oily. Before the age of 50 or so, testosterone causes an increase in fat production. On the other hand, estrogen suppresses fat production.
As a result, men’s skin may age better naturally, but it will also be more susceptible to adult acne.
Another difference is that women’s skin is thinner. This means that women are more susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun. But as a man’s oily skin begins to dry out as he reaches middle age, his skin also becomes thinner .
Due to shaving, most men have more sensitive skin than women . Especially when daily shaving goes hand in hand with refusing to use a facial moisturizer. That is why we are going to see why it is so important to use a moisturizer on a daily basis.
Why should you use a facial moisturizer?
To understand the benefits of using moisturizer, you must first understand how your skin works. The top layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) is made up of dead cells. Just below this layer is where the skin stores water . But when the skin does not have enough water, it looks dry and flaky, it has lost its elasticity.
As the years go by, wind, sun, sweat, and other factors reduce the amount of moisture within skin cells . Dry skin can look worn, sagging, and make wrinkles appear more prominent.
This is where the moisturizer works: it prevents the loss of water from the skin, and absorbs water from the outside . The result is that skin immediately looks smoother and feels healthier.
But that’s not all, the regular application of moisturizer also prevents wrinkles, and long-term tired appearance. Helps skin look firm, hydrated and energized.
In other words, a facial moisturizer is probably the closest thing to the fountain of eternal youth that we will ever have.
Moisturizers have a long history, as we have used them as a species since we live in cold and harsh climates . The first humans used castor oil to protect the skin. The aborigines of Australia used emu oil. The Egyptians even used tar to cover the face and protect it from the elements.
The Greeks were the first to develop face creams. They mixed beeswax, olive oil, and water to get the perfect mix. Sometimes adding rose and floral oils.
The Romans, for their part, used whatever they could get, including bread, milk, and honey. The Chinese used eggs and vermilion, while the British Victorians used the slimy substance found inside whale skulls.
We have experimented with all kinds of creams and moisturizers over the years, but now we are lucky to have the perfect formula at our disposal.
Types of moisturizers
The best moisturizers have a combination of emollients, occlusives, and moisturizers.
Occlusives
Occlusive agents increase moisture levels in the skin by providing a physical barrier to epidermal water loss .
Ingredients with occlusive properties include petrolatum, waxes, oils, and silicones. Some occlusive agents such as petrolatum can leave a feeling of heaviness on the skin; therefore, they are often combined with other ingredients such as emollients to enhance consumer appeal.
Emollients
Emollients are used to soften and smooth rough and flaky skin. They are also occlusive agents – substances that provide a layer of protection that helps prevent moisture (water) loss from the skin.
The most popular emollients are silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone), vegetable oils (grape seed, sesame seed, jojoba, etc.), butters (cocoa butter, shea butter), fatty alcohols (stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol) and petrolatum derivatives (petroleum jelly, mineral oil).
Moisturizers
A humectant is a substance that binds to water molecules to increase the water content in the skin itself . They normally attract water to the skin in two different ways; They can draw water from a humid environment and improve the absorption of water from the outer layer of the skin.
Glycerin, for example, is frequently used due to its low cost and high efficacy. Other humectants include sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey), proteins, amino acids, elastin, and collagen.
Many humectants also have emollient properties, while not all emollients are humectants.
Skin types
You must know what your skin type is to choose a suitable moisturizer for the needs of your skin. Some products are suitable for all skin types; while others are specific to only one type, such as combination, dry or sensitive skin.
I encourage you to read these typologies so that you can make the wisest choice for your skincare needs.
Normal skin
Men with normal skin are lucky. It has very few imperfections, they do not have sensitive skin, or pores visible to the naked eye, and the tone is radiant and uniform.
For normal skin, you will need a light, water-based facial moisturizer that contains a few essential oils.
Oily skin
This is one of the most common skin types in men. Environmental factors, genetics, and stress can play a role in oily skin problems, which are typically enlarged pores, pimples (small and large), whiteheads, blackheads, and dry spots and shiny spots.
In this case, rich, thick creams will only accentuate oil, and will likely clog pores, leading to breakouts. But oily skin needs hydration. Opt for a moisturizer that is light, non-greasy, and doesn’t contain heavy ingredients like almond oil.
Mixed skin
Combination skin is characterized by blackheads, dry areas and oily areas, highlights on the cheeks, forehead or nose,
areas with dry skin, and an uneven overall tone.
You need a moisturizer that is a middle ground between a rich and thick cream, and a light one, to hydrate dry areas, without aggravating excess oil and shine in the T zone.
Dry skin
When the skin is dry, the symptoms are obvious: red and patchy areas, scaly areas, cracked skin, rough to the touch, dull complexion, visible lines, and almost invisible pores.
For exceptionally dry skin that cracks, look for a moisturizer that has a petroleum jelly base. Petroleum jelly-based moisturizers are also a great option for anyone with wrinkles or eczema.
Sensitive skin
Men with sensitivity usually have the following traits that stand out: redness, tenderness to the touch, spots, bumps, and dryness / itching.
It is important to select a cream that is specific for sensitive skin, as it will not have ingredients that cause problems (for example, heavy fragrances).
What moisturizer to choose?
Now that you have the basics of skin types and the types of moisturizers out there, it’s time to learn how to choose the right moisturizer for your specific needs.
Here are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a moisturizer:
Look for the best ingredients
When choosing a moisturizer, the first thing you have to look at is its ingredients. This is important because you need to know what you are putting on your skin.
In an INCI or list of ingredients all the ingredients that make up a formula are collected, ordered from highest to lowest proportion. This means that the first ingredients are the ones that will contribute the most to a formula , whether they are good or bad.
Therefore, the moisturizing assets that should be among these top positions are:
- Water : This is the main ingredient in moisturizers, and it serves to carry oil-based ingredients into the skin, but oil-based ingredients also help retain water in the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid : Provides deep, long-term hydration to leave skin plump, smooth and supple. Hyaluronic acid is extremely effective in improving the hydration of tissues, increases the moisture content of the skin and helps prevent water loss. It absorbs 1,000 times its weight in water, so it also reduces fine lines and improves the texture of the skin, giving it greater freshness and restoring its elasticity.
- Green Tea : A powerful antioxidant to firm, smooth, and brighten the skin. Contains polyphenols that neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Green tea extract has also been shown to be effective in reducing redness and irritation.
- Aloe Vera : To calm, regenerate and heal the skin. Aloe vera has moisturizing properties, improves the appearance of dry or damaged skin, and restores flexibility. It increases the elasticity of the skin through the repair of collagen and has an anti-inflammatory action that calms and prevents irritation.
- Natural oils (jojoba, avocado, grape seed, apricot, etc.): They act as protective antioxidants that help prevent the breakdown of elastin, while nourishing and increasing the flexibility of the skin. Some like jojoba oil also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and a fat-regulating action.
- Peptides : The powerful anti-aging peptides promote the production of collagen, the protein responsible for giving elasticity to the skin. They also help repair the skin and stimulate cell renewal.
- Shea Butter : To nourish and protect the skin during shaving and restore flexibility. Shea Butter is excellent for improving the condition of the skin. It retains moisture and reduces water loss by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface, while reducing the appearance of dryness. It effectively keeps bacteria out, facilitates the skin’s healing process and regenerates the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties.
- Retinol (vitamin A) : Exfoliates, fights acne and increases collagen production. It can be irritating, so sensitive skin should avoid it.
- Glycerin : Glycerin is a natural ingredient that balances the water levels in the skin. This moisturizer draws water to the outer layer of the skin from the environment, and from the deeper layers of the skin, to hydrate the skin and stop dryness.
- Allantoin or oatmeal : To soothe, heal, hydrate and promote skin regeneration. Allantoin is a botanical extract that promotes the formation of healthy tissue, softens the skin and allows it to absorb more moisture.
- Panthenol : A deep moisturizer that reduces redness and irritation from shaving and helps repair the skin. It has been shown to improve hydration, reduce skin inflammation, and accelerate the healing process, restoring the skin’s natural barrier function. It is also effective as an acne treatment due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) : To gently exfoliate and help stimulate cell renewal. AHAs like lactic or glycolic acid remove dead skin cells, de-scale pores, and help remove growing hair.
- Vitamin C and Vitamin E : These antioxidants help repair cell damage caused by the sun, pollution, and free radicals that are created during oxygenation.
- Botanical Extracts : While some animal-based extracts, such as lanolin, can be beneficial to the body, plant extracts are much more efficient, although they are more expensive. Macadamia and soybean oils are more easily absorbed and naturally soften the skin.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Opt for creams with natural ingredients over synthetic ones, shea butter, coconut or walnut oils, aloe vera and mineral oils offer complete hydration.
Say no to parabens . Parabens are a group of compounds used as preservatives in many cosmetic products, and have recently been known to be potentially carcinogenic. Parabens do not offer any good to your moisturizer, so avoiding them is a good idea.
Avoid alcohol . Alcohol is a drying agent in creams, and it can lead to dry skin, causing bumps and irritation, and enlarging pores.
The dyes are largely unnecessary because the moisturizer is absorbed by the skin. If you have sensitivity, you should avoid them entirely, as they can be irritating. If not, you should avoid them if you can.
It is always better to have a product with a pleasant smell than something that has a laboratory smell. But it’s possible to create good-smelling masculine moisturizers without synthetic fragrances . Unless you have sensitive skin, it is up to you.
Moisturizing day or night?
There are moisturizers that are only to be used during the day, others only at night, and there are options that can be applied interchangeably or both.
I recommend using the moisturizer both during the day and at night, so you may need to use two types of products.
Find a lighter water-based moisturizer in the morning , so you can wear it throughout the day while you work.
It is recommended that the day cream has a sunscreen, as it will protect your skin from the sun’s rays. But this is not essential, since you can apply the protector just after the moisturizer.
Some moisturizers contain caffeine or menthol to wake up your skin. These ingredients can be a real plus in the mornings, when your work or social calendar demands long working hours.
At night, when the temperature drops and you are preparing for a restful sleep, a thicker and creamier moisturizer, with more repairing actives , may be more appropriate.
The texture
Texture plays an important role in how moisturizer is absorbed by the skin, and there are a wide variety of textures.
There are ointments that can take longer to absorb, and on the other end of the spectrum, gel formulas that are faster. In the middle you will find lotions or creams that are usually the most popular.
The difference between one and the other textures is really a matter of preference. Feel free to test until you find the consistency that you like best.
Don’t look at the price
Unfortunately, there are many men who think that the more expensive a product is, the higher its quality. But this is not true.
There are dozens of men’s moisturizers that do an excellent job of hydrating skin, which don’t cost a fortune.
I am talking about products that have quality ingredients, that do not irritate, sensitize or damage the skin, such as the option that I have chosen as a moisturizer.
Also, there are creams that cost hundreds of euros, that have ingredients that are not recommended, such as La Praire, which costs more than 300 euros and has parabens and a lot of harmful preservatives.
Age
The older you are, the most important it is to retain moisture in your facial skin.
If you start a hydration routine at age 20, and stick with it over time, you will see great results and much less wrinkles. So get started as soon as possible.
Climatic conditions and environment
Of course, the climate and the environment around you have a great impact on your skin. Dry environments and high temperatures draw moisture out of the dermis, thus leaving the skin without water.
Wind and cold can also dry out the skin, so in these conditions applying a moisturizer more than twice a day can be beneficial, or even necessary.
However, it is possible that during the summer months you need something that is a little lighter, since the environment is not so cold and harsh.
When and how to use a facial moisturizer
You should apply it every morning (to help skin stay hydrated and fresh all day) and every night (which will help restore skin to prevent aging) ideally after washing your face with a cleanser.
If you apply it to an uncleaned face, you can make the moisturizer seal the oil, sweat and other impurities in the pores, causing breakouts.
In addition, by applying the moisturizer directly after rinsing, you not only replace the natural moisturizing oils that the soap has removed, but you also block the excess water that remains on the face within the skin, increasing the effects of the moisturizer, and results in a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
It’s also good practice to use your moisturizer after shaving. Since shaving is a natural exfoliator, you give back what you have removed from your skin by shaving.
The moisturizer also conditions hair as it begins to grow back, preventing post-shave irritation, razor bumps, and other forms of irritation.
It is essential to lightly dry the skin after rinsing, leaving a small amount of water on the skin. And cover it with the moisturizer so that it gets stuck on the skin.
To apply it, take a chickpea-sized amount of moisturizer and emulsify it, that is, rub it between your fingers to warm it, before applying it.
This helps distribute the active ingredients and breaks down some of the waxes in the cream so that it is applied easily and evenly. This is vital to ensure that all the moisturizing ingredients do not end up in one half of your face, leaving the other half dry.
Make sure to add a little more to the forehead and around the eye sockets, as these are the areas where aging is most noticeable in men.
If there is an area of your skin, such as the nose, more prone to acne or clogged pores, apply a little less cream in these areas.
If you experience any itching, burning, or redness when applying a moisturizer, immediately rinse your skin and stop using it. This is not normal. Either you have sensitive skin and need another moisturizer, or the product itself is faulty. Either way, you don’t want to take a chance on something as precious as your face.
Now that you know how to use moisturizer correctly, use it daily in your personal care routine. But watch out for these precautions:
What you must not do
- Don’t use an excessive amount of moisturizer, as your skin can only absorb a limited amount at a time. Too much will only cause unwanted shine.
- Do not apply moisturizer to the eyelids or the area just below the eyes . If you need to use a moisturizer to help remove dark circles or bags, use an eye cream.
- Do not use a moisturizer full of chemicals that can irritate your skin or dehydrate it more.
The importance of using sun protection
Regardless of gender or age, the use of sunscreen is a must in any skincare routine, even if it’s cloudy or cold.
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can stop using a daily sunscreen, as UV rays pass through clouds and window glass, reflecting off snow and ice.
They can cause cell damage that can lead to skin cancers, and they can cause oxidative and direct damage to the structural collagen of the skin, leaving it wrinkled, blotchy and thin.
For daily use, look for a moisturizer with at least SPF 30, preferably one with antioxidants to help prevent aging and free radicals.
Even if you are going to be outdoors for a short time, or work mostly indoors, you need to use a cream that offers protection, since 80% of the sun’s harmful rays penetrate the skin, even on cloudy days.
Finally, do your best to limit your sun exposure. When you are outside, wear a hat to protect your face.
Wear sunglasses designed to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays and cover the delicate area under the eyes. Remember, the eyes are the first place wrinkles appear, and they are one of the biggest signs of aging.
Maintaining adequate hydration is one of the best things you can do for your skin, and for your body in general. Facial moisturizers can help you in this, in addition to drinking enough water.
And if your best moisturizer doesn’t have SPF, be sure to add it to your routine, too.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.