Men
Advice
Under the supervision of Julie Chamoun,
Medical and Scientific Relations,
Vichy Canada
Dermatologist
Are women's skincare products suitable for men?
Did you know?
Unlike women, men's skin is dependent upon the male hormone testosterone. This contributes to several physiological differences: it is 20% thicker than women's skin, has more pores, and its dermal structure contains more collagen fibers. Additionally, men’s sebaceous glands are more numerous and more active, which tends to make men’s skin oilier. Men’s cutaneous metabolism is quite different as well, and thus the skincare needs of men are not the same as women's. It is therefore important to choose products that are specifically adapted for men’s skin.
On a daily basis:
Choose products specifically designed to clean and protect the skin. To avoid skin irritations, go for gentle cleansers. For shaving, it is recommended to only use soap-free, pH neutral shaving foams or gels. After shaving, avoid lotions with alcohol that will only amplify burning sensations and discomfort. Instead, opt for soothing and non-greasy lotion or moisturizers for your skin.
Unlike women, men's skin is dependent upon the male hormone testosterone. This contributes to several physiological differences: it is 20% thicker than women's skin, has more pores, and its dermal structure contains more collagen fibers. Additionally, men’s sebaceous glands are more numerous and more active, which tends to make men’s skin oilier. Men’s cutaneous metabolism is quite different as well, and thus the skincare needs of men are not the same as women's. It is therefore important to choose products that are specifically adapted for men’s skin.
On a daily basis:
Choose products specifically designed to clean and protect the skin. To avoid skin irritations, go for gentle cleansers. For shaving, it is recommended to only use soap-free, pH neutral shaving foams or gels. After shaving, avoid lotions with alcohol that will only amplify burning sensations and discomfort. Instead, opt for soothing and non-greasy lotion or moisturizers for your skin.
How to avoid ingrown hairs?
Did you know?
Male skin is genetically much thicker than women's skin (up to 20%). Small hairs (like those from a beard) cannot always poke through the thick layer of dead skin cells that accumulate and remain in the hair follicle. As a result, this blocks the hair from coming out, causing ingrown hairs, or folliculitis. Dark and bi-racial skin is more affected by this because the hair grows in a curling formation and loops back at an angle rather than perpendicularly. This type of hair growth does not always manage to poke through the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). After shaving, the hair is unable to emerge from the opening of the hair follicle and a razor blade can cause the beginning of an irritation that only increases over time.
To do on a daily basis:
Choose a gentle exfoliating cleansing gel (containing AHA, for example) before shaving to clear the skin of impurities, excess sebum and dead cells that prevent access to the hair while shaving. Before taking a blade to your skin, rinse your face with warm water to soften your facial hair. This will allow for an easier and faster shave, since you will not have to go over your face so much with the razor. You should consider changing razor blades frequently. As soon as you feel the razor pulling at your stubble, the blade is no longer sharp enough. Shaving will be less irritating and more effective the more often you switch out blades.
Male skin is genetically much thicker than women's skin (up to 20%). Small hairs (like those from a beard) cannot always poke through the thick layer of dead skin cells that accumulate and remain in the hair follicle. As a result, this blocks the hair from coming out, causing ingrown hairs, or folliculitis. Dark and bi-racial skin is more affected by this because the hair grows in a curling formation and loops back at an angle rather than perpendicularly. This type of hair growth does not always manage to poke through the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). After shaving, the hair is unable to emerge from the opening of the hair follicle and a razor blade can cause the beginning of an irritation that only increases over time.
To do on a daily basis:
Choose a gentle exfoliating cleansing gel (containing AHA, for example) before shaving to clear the skin of impurities, excess sebum and dead cells that prevent access to the hair while shaving. Before taking a blade to your skin, rinse your face with warm water to soften your facial hair. This will allow for an easier and faster shave, since you will not have to go over your face so much with the razor. You should consider changing razor blades frequently. As soon as you feel the razor pulling at your stubble, the blade is no longer sharp enough. Shaving will be less irritating and more effective the more often you switch out blades.
How to avoid discomfort and irritation after shaving?
Did you know?
Every day, men's skin is irritated by repeated swipes of the razor. With each sharp swipe, facial micro traumas are created by the resistance of stubborn facial hair.
The epidermis becomes less protected, which can provide an easy gateway for germs. In addition, classic formulas of shaving foams and shaving soaps have highly basic pH levels, which tend to break down the lipids which form the protective hydrolipidic film of the skin. Without this crucial protective layer, the skin becomes dehydrated, which increases the feeling of discomfort and tightness.
To do on a daily basis:
Avoid irritating the skin with soaps or cleansers that are too aggressive.
Wet your facial hair with warm water in order to facilitate shaving. Choose shaving foams that are soap-free with a neutral pH to minimize the deterioration of the skin's hydrolipidic film. After shaving, apply a moisturizer to soothe and rehydrate your skin.
Every day, men's skin is irritated by repeated swipes of the razor. With each sharp swipe, facial micro traumas are created by the resistance of stubborn facial hair.
The epidermis becomes less protected, which can provide an easy gateway for germs. In addition, classic formulas of shaving foams and shaving soaps have highly basic pH levels, which tend to break down the lipids which form the protective hydrolipidic film of the skin. Without this crucial protective layer, the skin becomes dehydrated, which increases the feeling of discomfort and tightness.
To do on a daily basis:
Avoid irritating the skin with soaps or cleansers that are too aggressive.
Wet your facial hair with warm water in order to facilitate shaving. Choose shaving foams that are soap-free with a neutral pH to minimize the deterioration of the skin's hydrolipidic film. After shaving, apply a moisturizer to soothe and rehydrate your skin.
How to prevent imperfections during adolescence?
Did you know?
Imperfections are common during puberty. Over 76% of teenagers between the ages of 11 and 18 have skin problems (1). During this time of life, hormonal secretions, especially androgens (male hormones), are at a maximum because these particular hormones trigger puberty and cause increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. Other factors such as stress, fatigue and pollution also stimulate this overproduction, which tends to generate micro-inflammations (which are at the origin of imperfections.)
To do on a daily basis:
To avoid excessive stimulation of the sebaceous glands, and over-population of bad bacteria, the maintenance of healthy skin is crucial. It is also necessary to avoid irritating the skin, as it responds to it with increased secretions of sebum. Morning and night, you have to eliminate impurities and sebum by cleansing gently, remembering to be respectful of your skin's pH. If the imperfections become too large, please consult a dermatologist.
Imperfections are common during puberty. Over 76% of teenagers between the ages of 11 and 18 have skin problems (1). During this time of life, hormonal secretions, especially androgens (male hormones), are at a maximum because these particular hormones trigger puberty and cause increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. Other factors such as stress, fatigue and pollution also stimulate this overproduction, which tends to generate micro-inflammations (which are at the origin of imperfections.)
To do on a daily basis:
To avoid excessive stimulation of the sebaceous glands, and over-population of bad bacteria, the maintenance of healthy skin is crucial. It is also necessary to avoid irritating the skin, as it responds to it with increased secretions of sebum. Morning and night, you have to eliminate impurities and sebum by cleansing gently, remembering to be respectful of your skin's pH. If the imperfections become too large, please consult a dermatologist.
Why does hair fall out? How do I avoid losing it too quickly?
Did you know?
In men, 95% of hair loss cases stem from androgenic alopecia. Androgenic alopecia has both genetic and hormonal origins. It is triggered at puberty and the resulting hair loss is particularly noticeable over the temples (temporal gulfs) and on the top of the head (vertex).
To do on a daily basis:
Avoid irritating the scalp by washing it too frequently with unsuitable, harsh products. Take action as soon as you feel that your hair is falling out or thinning at the temples. Ask your dermatologist, as he/she will be able to advise you of specific treatments that will prove all the more effective with early application.
In men, 95% of hair loss cases stem from androgenic alopecia. Androgenic alopecia has both genetic and hormonal origins. It is triggered at puberty and the resulting hair loss is particularly noticeable over the temples (temporal gulfs) and on the top of the head (vertex).
To do on a daily basis:
Avoid irritating the scalp by washing it too frequently with unsuitable, harsh products. Take action as soon as you feel that your hair is falling out or thinning at the temples. Ask your dermatologist, as he/she will be able to advise you of specific treatments that will prove all the more effective with early application.
How to avoid imperfections without irritating the skin?
Did you know?
Men's skin is an organ that is very hormone-dependent. It has many receptors for sex steroid hormones; more specifically, it is very sensitive to testosterone. This hormone stimulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands. These glands are more numerous and active in men. Men's skin, therefore, produces more sebum. This means that men's hydrolipidic film is much richer in essential fat and oils.
To do on a daily basis:
Forget alcoholic lotions that will only dehydrate the skin. Cleanse your skin every night and every morning to remove impurities and excess sebum. Choose a mild, soap-free cleanser that is pH neutral. And after shaving, use a sebum-regulator, preferably one with a non-greasy formula. Make sure whatever you use is non-comedogenic and is hypoallergenic.
Men's skin is an organ that is very hormone-dependent. It has many receptors for sex steroid hormones; more specifically, it is very sensitive to testosterone. This hormone stimulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands. These glands are more numerous and active in men. Men's skin, therefore, produces more sebum. This means that men's hydrolipidic film is much richer in essential fat and oils.
To do on a daily basis:
Forget alcoholic lotions that will only dehydrate the skin. Cleanse your skin every night and every morning to remove impurities and excess sebum. Choose a mild, soap-free cleanser that is pH neutral. And after shaving, use a sebum-regulator, preferably one with a non-greasy formula. Make sure whatever you use is non-comedogenic and is hypoallergenic.
After I finish cleansing and/or shaving, why does the skin around my eyes feel tight, making me looked tired and droopy?
Did you know?
Often a man's routine at the bathroom sink ends with a face full of water. Depending on the region, the water used for that final rinse can be full of mineral content. In such cases, rinsing ends up forming a deposit on the surface of the skin, causing sensations of dryness and tightness, especially on the thinner skin of the eyelids.
To do on a daily basis:
Opt for a gentle gel-based, soap-free, neutral pH cleanser. Do not forget to moisturize the skin by choosing a product that is adapted to your skin type, and that will quickly absorb into the skin without any greasy residues.
Often a man's routine at the bathroom sink ends with a face full of water. Depending on the region, the water used for that final rinse can be full of mineral content. In such cases, rinsing ends up forming a deposit on the surface of the skin, causing sensations of dryness and tightness, especially on the thinner skin of the eyelids.
To do on a daily basis:
Opt for a gentle gel-based, soap-free, neutral pH cleanser. Do not forget to moisturize the skin by choosing a product that is adapted to your skin type, and that will quickly absorb into the skin without any greasy residues.
Are creams effective, even with a stubble?
Did you know?
Contrary to popular belief, the beard, even after a few days of growth, is not an obstacle to skincare products, including moisturizers and anti-aging products. Although it is true that after shaving, dead skin cells are removed and the skin is becomes more receptive. However, even with a stubble, facial hair becomes a driver that allows the cream to reach the skin.
To do on a daily basis:
Every day after shaving, be sure to apply a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients such as allantoin.)From age 40 on, add in an anti-wrinkle cream to your routine, especially around the eyes. In men, wrinkles settle more slowly around the mouth because the blood supply to that area is stimulated from shaving. However, the eye area becomes wrinkled much faster and sooner.
Contrary to popular belief, the beard, even after a few days of growth, is not an obstacle to skincare products, including moisturizers and anti-aging products. Although it is true that after shaving, dead skin cells are removed and the skin is becomes more receptive. However, even with a stubble, facial hair becomes a driver that allows the cream to reach the skin.
To do on a daily basis:
Every day after shaving, be sure to apply a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients such as allantoin.)From age 40 on, add in an anti-wrinkle cream to your routine, especially around the eyes. In men, wrinkles settle more slowly around the mouth because the blood supply to that area is stimulated from shaving. However, the eye area becomes wrinkled much faster and sooner.
Even after washing my hair every day I still have recurring dandruff. How do I get rid of this problem for good?
Did you know?
Dandruff is not associated with poor hygiene. It is rather the result of a hyper-scaling of the scalp. Every 14 days, the cells of the scalp are naturally replenished. They are eliminated in the form of tiny, mostly invisible flakes. However, certain factors accelerate their renewal. Piles of dead cells collect, and these form into very visible dandruff flakes. They are also the result of the proliferation of microscopic yeast on the scalp called Malassezia. In addition, dandruff proliferation can increase by washing too often and stripping the scalp of its essential oils. Stress can also be a contributing factor to its production, along with poor diet and the prolonged wearing of a hat.
To do on a daily basis:
Avoid washing your hair too aggressively using excessively hot water. Beware of an overly warm hairdryer. Choose an appropriate dandruff shampoo that will eliminate flakes. If you notice persistent dandruff, please consult your dermatologist. They will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and find the appropriate treatment.
Dandruff is not associated with poor hygiene. It is rather the result of a hyper-scaling of the scalp. Every 14 days, the cells of the scalp are naturally replenished. They are eliminated in the form of tiny, mostly invisible flakes. However, certain factors accelerate their renewal. Piles of dead cells collect, and these form into very visible dandruff flakes. They are also the result of the proliferation of microscopic yeast on the scalp called Malassezia. In addition, dandruff proliferation can increase by washing too often and stripping the scalp of its essential oils. Stress can also be a contributing factor to its production, along with poor diet and the prolonged wearing of a hat.
To do on a daily basis:
Avoid washing your hair too aggressively using excessively hot water. Beware of an overly warm hairdryer. Choose an appropriate dandruff shampoo that will eliminate flakes. If you notice persistent dandruff, please consult your dermatologist. They will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and find the appropriate treatment.
How to avoid perspiration odors?
Did you know?
It is perfectly normal to sweat. It is quite essential for the regulation of body temperature. However, sweating can become excessive when under the influence of male hormones, which serve to activate secretions of the sweat glands.
Contrary to popular belief, perspiration is practically odorless. Rather, it is the bacteria that feeds on perspiration that makes sweat smell bad.
When it comes to the armpits, some glands (apocrine) produce more malodorous substances than usual, particularly during adolescence.
To do on a daily basis:
Impeccable hygiene is essential, but it is not necessarily enough. Use an antiperspirant or deodorant.
An anti-perspirant helps block sweat glands and prevents their activation. It helps to fight against excessive sweating and odor as well. A deodorant does not diminish sweating, but it prevents bacteria from developing, and therefore, prevents odours from forming. Deodorants should suffice when sweating is not excessive.
It is perfectly normal to sweat. It is quite essential for the regulation of body temperature. However, sweating can become excessive when under the influence of male hormones, which serve to activate secretions of the sweat glands.
Contrary to popular belief, perspiration is practically odorless. Rather, it is the bacteria that feeds on perspiration that makes sweat smell bad.
When it comes to the armpits, some glands (apocrine) produce more malodorous substances than usual, particularly during adolescence.
To do on a daily basis:
Impeccable hygiene is essential, but it is not necessarily enough. Use an antiperspirant or deodorant.
An anti-perspirant helps block sweat glands and prevents their activation. It helps to fight against excessive sweating and odor as well. A deodorant does not diminish sweating, but it prevents bacteria from developing, and therefore, prevents odours from forming. Deodorants should suffice when sweating is not excessive.
Vichy Homme
15 products EXPERT SKIN CARE RANGE FOR MEN