Determining Men’s Skin Type Most men are still washing and treating their faces with products that they used as a teenager fighting acne. However, with the growing focus on men's skin care, it's due time for men to start cleansing and caring for their skin with products that fit their unique type. This is especially true when it comes to Black men skin care products as there are several unique issues that are specific to their skin types. There are actually six different skin types that different products cater to. Some men's skin will overlap into one or more categories but hopefully with these definitions you will be better equipped to find products to suit your needs. Normal If you’re skin is normal, you can usually consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Normal skin is not too tight, and not too oily when first waking up in the morning. The skin is usually healthy and comfortable with not much care needed. Pores are unnoticeable with few to no blemishes. However, one must maintain this balance by using lightweight cleansers and products that don’t over dry the skin or add extra oiliness. Also, sunscreen is still a necessity. Dry Dry skin is tight when first waking
up in the morning. It is easily irritated and can become worse due to changing weather. Dry skin is also prone to rashes. Stick with creams and lotions to soothe the skin. Avoid drying ingredients such as alcohol based products and keep hot showers brief. Oily Oily skin is unfortunately prone to acne, blackheads and blemishes. This skin type is usually classified with medium to large pores and a slickness in the morning or throughout the day. Use oil-free moisturizers and cleanse the skin twice a day with drying and exfoliating agents such as AHA. Toners are also helpful for oily skin as they remove excess dirt and oil that cleansing may have left behind. Sensitive It can be quite difficult to treat sensitive skin types as most products cause breakouts and
irritation to one’s skin. Having sensitive skin requires extra care; reading product’s ingredients and knowledge of what agents break out the skin. Natural products are usually the safest bet when dealing with sensitive skin types. Mature Mature skin is identified with fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and in-elasticity. Use collagen boosting ingredients such as AHA to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Moisturize and use sunscreen daily. There are several eye creams and anti-aging products to keep skin looking youthful longer. Combination Oily in the T-zone but dry in the cheeks? Combination skin is extremely common and is difficult to treat with only one product. Try products for normal skin and combine ingredients for dry and oily skin where needed.
As stated, these skin types can change through a man’s life and can overlap due to one’s unique skin care needs. The key is to use products that keep your skin balanced and healthy. No matter what skin type the most essential ingredient to healthy and youthful skin is sunscreen even within skin care for Black men! But we’ll get into this further in an upcoming article!