Some simple guidelines to upgrade your skincare routine with top-of-the-line products created to target men
You are a law-abiding, politically correct, liberal man, who supports women empowerment and abhors anti-gay laws or anything else remotely regressive. In other words, you are familiar with some basic skin care products that the global cosmetics industry has grudgingly bestowed upon you. Other than standard shaving cream, astringent and a “musky”or “marine”body wash, you are the proud user of a Clinique facewash or may be a bodycare astringent. Of course you are not one of the really experimental men who so far as to use foundation and lip color. That is for models and filmstars. Right? Maybe. But even if you don’t “get” make-up, you could certainly do yourself a service by browsing the market for new skincare products which every man over 30 needs to know about. Actually, according to experts, the earlier, the better — even though most research shows that facial aging is slower in men than in women, mostly due to higher collagen content.
The bad news is that you should stop secretly using women’s night creams, anti-aging creams and sunblocks — starting from the texture, to thickness, to pH, your skin just isn’t the same as hers. Now that the market offers so many products, there is no holding you back. And you imagine yourself, glamorously gracefully gliding towards 50s like Johnny Depp, or George Clooney, or Richard Gere, or Arjun Rampal. There is just one drawback: you are not sure what is what.
“Indian male grooming sector is very active in India compared to the rest of the world,” says Gilles Moutounet, Country Head for L’Occitane, India.
Skincare for men has grown globally in the last decade, with India following suit, its market currently worth at $500 million per year, and estimated to grow at about 15 percent annually. Anti-aging products are a top priority in this category, providing premium and exclusive brands with incentive to make their products available in India. Gilles Moutounet, Country Head for L’Occitane in India explains, “Indian male grooming sector is very active in India compared to the rest of the world. The top VIPs (based on bills and amount spent) for L’Occitane in Indian market are mostly men.”
We offer you some simple guidelines to upgrade your daily routine with top-of-the-line products created for your skin.
WHO NEEDS ANTI-AGING TREATMENT?
An anti-aging routine is recommended if you are approaching your thirties. A stressful urban lifestyle exposes the skin to pollution, dehydration, free radicals and sun damage. All these contribute to loss of elasticity, firmness and texture — most visible on the face as fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, large pores or dullness.
WHAT DO THESE PRODUCTS DO?
Most active ingredients in these products focus on reversing the process of cell damage. Peptides promote the collagen production (absence of which results in wrinkles) and improve cell-repair.
Retinol This is an animal form of vitamin A. Its main effect on the skin is removal of fine lines and discoloration, and it is used in almost all intense anti-aging treatments worldwide.
Anti-oxidants Another popular ingredient, anti-aging anti-oxidants promote collagen production and eradicate free radicals from your skin. Common example: Vitamin C and E.
Cytokines, popularly known as Stem Cell Extract: probably the latest entrant in this list, and some claim in works wonders by simply removing the old cells and stimulating the skin cells to manufacture new tissue.
“Although the market is filled with 2-in-1 products, I always suggest to opt for separate products because any product can target only one problem area effectively at a time,” explains Delhi-based skincare expert.
WHAT DO I NEED?
- Anti-aging Face wash/Exfoliant/Cleanser As with a regular skincare routine, it is important to prep the skin by removing the accumulated sweat, dust and dead cells. This will ensure optimum effect of the topical treatments.
- Anti-aging moisturizer When your skin is well-hydrated, it behaves its best. The sebum production is less, resulting in less oily skin and less open pores. These are loaded on ingredients that help prevent the lines on your face by keeping skin plump and fresh. Always use it twice a day post cleansing.
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Classic La Mer Moisturizing cream Sunscreen/Sunblock We shop for a sunscreen before a seaside vacation, forgetting that in our climate, we are probably getting more sun than is good for us. UVA/UVB rays can damage the skin beyond repair, besides causing unsightly pigmentation. “Although the market is filled with 2-in-1 products that claim to protect from sun as well as moisturize/brighten, I always suggest to opt for separate products because any product can target only one problem area effectively at a time.” explains a popular Delhi based skincare expert.
nti-aging serums/eye creams Age becomes most visible around the eyes, as the skin is both fine and sensitive and the muscles in that small area take a lot of stress. These intense formulas specifically work on the problem area. While regular use of anti-aging eye creams before sleeping takes care of puffiness and crow’s feet at the delicate skin around eyes, the serums are the hottest new thing these days with a water-fluid based consistency.
Recent research underlines the restorative power of sleep. Tap into this fountain of youth with a night cream.
Anti-aging night creams Recent research underlines the restorative power of sleep. Tap into this fountain of youth with a night cream. These heavy-duty products are heavier in consistency, working on your skin while you get ready to face the day. You wake up with a noticeably refreshed and younger looking skin.
- Hydrating facial masks As opposed to masks that deal with oily skin and acne, moisturising masks hydrate and fight signs of aging. While they gently exfoliate and unclog pores, their main job is to hydrate the skin to its depth and improve blood circulation, promoting skin renewal.
BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS:
TwinLuxe Anti-aging SPF moisturizer ($50) (Available in India)
Dior- Global Anti-aging skincare collection ($70-$127) (Available in India)
L’Occitane Immortelle Anti-aging Skincare Repair & Rejuvenate Set ($79) (Available in India)
La Prairie Anti-aging Stress Cream ($138)
Crème De La Crème- classic La Mer Moisturizing cream ($250)
MORE SUGGESTED PRODUCTS (Available in India)
Dermalogica Extra-Firming Booster
Age Fight Anti-Age Perfecting Fluid from Lancome
Shiseido Men Deep Wrinkle Corrector
