Taking care of your skin is essential, regardless of gender. However, it is often seen that men tend to neglect their skin health, especially after becoming parents and having to navigate through the busy responsibilities of work and personal life. The idea of sticking to a long and elaborate skincare routine can seem daunting for many busy dads.
But fear not, experts suggest that following a minimalist 3 or 5-step skincare routine can still make a significant impact on the health and appearance of your skin. In an exclusive interview with WION, Dr Ankur Sarin, a Consulting Dermatologist at Fixderma, shared his recommended 5-step skincare routine for busy dads looking to take care of their skin efficiently. Let's dive into the routine:
Cleanser: The first step is to cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, or combination.Make sure to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Moisturizer with SPF: Hydrate and protect your skin by applying a moisturizer with built-in sun protection (SPF). Even if you spend most of your time indoors, UV rays can still penetrate through windows, making this step crucial for skin health.
Eye cream: Address concerns like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines by gently patting a small amount of eye cream around the orbital bone. Use your ring finger to tap lightly and avoid causing damage to the delicate skin around the eyes.
Lip balm: Keep your lips moisturized and shielded from the sun by applying a nourishing lip balm.Look for one with SPF to prevent sun damage to your lips.
Optional treatments: If you have specific skin concerns such as acne or signs of aging, you can incorporate targeted treatments like serums or spot treatments into your routine. Apply them after moisturizing and before applying eye cream.Dr Ankur emphasizes the importance of performing this routine both in the morning and at night for optimal results. Keeping your skincare products organized and easily accessible can streamline the process, making it manageable for busy dads to maintain healthy and well-cared-for skin. In addition to Dr Ankur's insights, Dr Swagata Chakrabarty, a Consultant at Kaya Clinic, also recommended a similar skincare routine tailored for busy fathers:
Cleanser: Look for a facial cleanser specifically designed for men's skin, which tends to be oilier and thicker due to higher testosterone levels.Ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Moisturizer: Find a moisturizer that suits your skin type and addresses specific concerns such as oiliness, dryness, or signs of aging. Look for products with antioxidants or anti-aging ingredients like retinol.
Sun protection: Men need sun protection just as much as women do. Incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 into your daily routine. Opt for lightweight formulas that don't leave a greasy residue on the skin.
Dr Swagata also suggests including the following optional steps in your skincare routine:
Shaving: If you shave regularly, take care of your skin before and after shaving to minimize irritation. Use a shaving cream or gel for lubrication and protection, and consider using a razor with multiple blades for a closer shave. Finish off with a soothing aftershave balm or moisturizer.
Beard care: For those with a beard, maintain cleanliness and grooming by using a mild cleanser specifically for beards or a gentle shampoo. Trim and shape your beard regularly and consider using beard oil or balm to moisturize the skin underneath and keep the facial hair soft.
Serum: After cleansing, apply a serum targeted towards your specific skin concerns. Vitamin C serum can be used to boost radiance, while retinol serums are great for increasing collagen production. Gently pat or massage a few drops of serum onto your face and neck for added benefits. In conclusion, taking care of your skin doesn't have to be overly complicated, even for busy dads. By following a simple and efficient skincare routine like the ones recommended by Dr Ankur Sarin and Dr Swagata Chakrabarty, you can still achieve healthy and well-maintained skin while managing your hectic schedule. Remember, consistency is key, so make sure to stick to your skincare routine daily for the best results.
English (US)