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Skin Hydration | A Complete Guide For Men

Rahul Gambhir -
Table of Contents +


Many men wonder how to get clear skin. If you spend your time searching for skincare tips from time to time, you know that hydration is the secret to glowing skin. And if you're new to all of this, we're here to tell you why the statement above is 100% correct. It is no secret that the tips of hydration are misunderstood. It is not just for men with dry skin, but for all men with all skin types. Now that you know this, there's no need to struggle. We've got you covered with hydration tips so that you don't need to look anywhere else!

Moisturizing Vs. Hydrating Skin

Numerous male skincare brands endorse moisturizers and hydrators in an interchangeable way. We're here to tell you that they are definitely not the same. There is quite a significant difference between them. Moisturizers protect your skin like barriers locking the water inside them.

Meanwhile, hydrators absorb the water from your environment and lock it in your skin. These 2 skincare products must be picked and chosen thoughtfully because they keep your skin supple.

So how do you choose? It depends largely upon your skin type. The ingredients or constituents present in your product are a big determinant of this. Make sure to look carefully at the back of your product bottle.

Remember, moisturizers are made up of emollients and occlusives, while hydrators constitute humectants.

Some widely recognized occlusives are:

  • Mineral oil
  • Paraffin
  • Petrolatum
  • Squalene

Some widely recognized emollients are:

  • Cocoa butter
  • Lanolin
  • Shea butter
  • Beeswax

Some widely recognized humectants are:

  • Sodium hyaluronate.
  • Glycerin
  • Propylene glycol
  • Sodium PCA
  • Butylene glycol
  • Allantoin
  • Sorbitol

You can also try using Ayurvedic herbs for better skin.

How to Hydrate Skin

There is no dearth of products available that can hydrate your skin. There are home remedies, sheet masks, and serums too! With numerous options, it is up to you to choose the best fit for your skin type.

Serums

Serums provide an intensified form of active ingredients to your skin. However, they have a thinner consistency than regular moisturizers. They are also complemented with moisturizers in men's skincare routines.

Serums are lifesaving if you have dehydrated and dry skin. Try using a hyaluronic acid one. This acid is not only naturally occurring but also retains 1000 times its weight in water. Wet your face or make it damp before usage, especially if you live in a place with a dry climate.  

Also read: Vitamins for glowing skin

Sheet Masks

Are you aware of the recent trend taking over the world. It's Korean sheet masks! What are these, though? They are thin, soft sheets drenched in certain actives to be placed on your skin for a certain duration of time.

Most of them have an active ingredient in their serum form that effectively hydrates your skin. Most sheet masks are individually packed to avoid one active spilling into another. Hence, they may not be very sustainable but are excellent while you are travelling and experience the need for skin hydration.

Gels or Creams

Gels are often sold as moisturizers. Much like sheet masks, even these contain active ingredients like humectants and occlusives. Use these in the final step of your skincare routine just before you slap that sunscreen on!

Natural products or home remedies

There are many natural skin hydrators that you can try. In fact, many of these ingredients, in some form of the other, occur in many formulated skincare products. Some hydrating natural ingredients you can consider including are:

Feel free to create a home hydrating facial using any of these constituents.

Hydration alone will not do the trick. You need to drink enough water. But what is the recommended amount? A minimum of 2 litres of water per day is the way to go. No matter how many expensive products you use, if your body is not getting enough water, your skin will not be hydrated either.

Hydration for Different Skin Types

Different skin types need different products for hydration. Read the ingredient list to ensure you are using the right product for your skin type.

Oily Skin

People are often of the opinion that men with oily skin must use various products to strip their face-off of moisture. However, the skin barrier of men with oily skin is often compromised. Hence, it actually loses more moisture than a normal skin type.

So if excess sebum is your problem, you have to address its route- natural dehydration caused by a skin barrier.

Hydrating gels will benefit you greatly as they are light and do not clog skin pores. Make sure to use non-comedogenic products and those that are water-based as they will be absorbed better.

Multani Mitti for oily skin may also benefit you.

Dry Skin

Oil-based moisturizers with occlusives are essential to locking in moisture in your skin. If you have particularly dry skin or live in a very dry region, then a thick emollient cream might be the right call for you. You could also use a pure form of an emollient like shea butter or petroleum jelly, particularly as your night-time routine.

Normal Skin

For normal skin, a non-comedogenic product is best as it does not sit heavily on your skin. You may or may not need a serum for this skin type. Which moisturizer you choose, however, will be important. Make sure it is specially formulated to address the needs of your skin type.

Other Hydrating Products

Skincare is a booming industry. Nobody can deny it. Hydrating products are many. Consider some of the following, keeping in mind the nature of your skin:

Hydrating Sprays or Mists

Hydrating sprays keep you refreshed throughout your day. They can even be used over makeup if you apply any to give you a more lively look in a matter of seconds.

These can be available as mists. The best part? You can use them as many times in a day as you please! However, do not substitute this spray with your daily moisturizer. Not the best route to take. Instead, use it as an additional form of hydration for your skin.

Hydrating Body Butters

Hydrating butter is heavy on the occlusives, ideal for men who suffer from dry skin problems or those living in dry regions. Body butter is responsible for locking moisture in your skin and is best used post a shower on damp or slightly wet skin. Don't leave the sunscreen out after the body butter, though. That is not suitable for your skin.

Some hydrating products that can be used along with your regular moisturizer:

  • Hydrating toners
  • Hydrating primers
  • Hydrating masks
  • Hydrating cleansers

It doesn't matter what hydrating product you use. However, the ingredients need to be checked carefully. Make sure to do a patch test before use. Pick a hydration routine that is compatible with your skin type and the skin concerns you wish to get rid of.

References

2)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7498985_The_clinical_benefit_of_moisturizers