I wrote a previous article on whether men really needed their own line of skincare products and I said I did not think so for various reasons set out in there.
However, when I investigated further online, I discovered that not only are there many lines of skincare for men, there is a whole website dedicated to men’s skincare in Mankind which is based in the UK and stocks men skincare lines like Lab Series and Dermalogica to name just two.
Men are clearly starting to take better care of themselves and groom themselves better by taking care of their skin. Age is something that affects everyone, not only women and I think men have realised that with women being more independent these days, men too have to keep up appearances.
I may not think much of men’s skincare lines, but I am a great advocate of men (and women) taking good care of the skin. To me, there is nothing effeminate about men using skincare and especially sunscreen, because I think the days of having leathery skin like the infamous Marlboro Man is past. Further, its unhealthy. I observed once to a friend that many top corporate figures seem to have pretty good skin and nicely manicured nails. I suppose at their level of success, it is not only important for them to be able to perform, but it is equally important to look good too for people do place credibility on looks, no matter what others say.
I can imagine that most men fear being labelled a “metrosexual†because its not “manly†to indulge in skincare or facial treatments. However, I think there are benefits to being a metrosexual without going overboard, of course. Men who look after their skin by using proper skincare products and going for regular facials, more often than not, attract more attention of the opposite sex. It might just be all to do with the changing perception of male beauty.
In Asia, the craze is now all about Korean tv and pop stars. Previously, it was all about Japanese stars. The common trend to be noted is that these Asian stars not only have smooth good skin, they endorse men’s skincare products too (and sometimes, even women’s). I suppose it makes it less of a stigma for the men who want to look after their skin, to look like their favourite celebrities.
The men around me have a skincare regime and use sunscreen religiously so maybe my perceptions on this issue could be a little biased. That said though, while I’m all for men using skincare, I draw the line at them taking up more dressing table space then I do. Some areas of the bedroom are still a woman’s domain eh? 😉
What’s your take on this then?
I’m still working on my husband. This is the first summer that he has reached for the sunscreen without my having to tell him. As for his own skincare line, he would rather use mine and be done with it. As long as it’s not too perfumey. But that just gave me an idea for stocking stuffers this year! 🙂
PB says: Thanks for coming by. At least he is making the effort. The sun is nothing to play with.
I have always thought men should be using some sort of skincare after there skin gets rough and flaky too , specially with all the shaving . I got my hus the lab series for xmas a couple of years ago. He has enjoyed using it ever since. And I have noticed a most definite improvement in the look , texture and feel of his skin. Yes I am all for men taking care of themselves as well.
PB says: Welcome and I fully agree with you! It makes their skin nicer to touch too eh?
i totally agree that men should use skin care. In fact, I always can’t help but nag at my guy friends who do not care about how they look!
PB says: Good for you!
I like this trend of men being so into grooming! I’m always lookign for new products for my hubby to try!
PB says: Welcome and I like it too. I hope you find some new stuff for him to try.
I bought Husband the entire L’Oreal Homme care line… and he has YET to train himself to use the face wash daily, and the moisturizer/shave balm daily/after shaving….
It’s a long process, but we’re getting there.
PB says: Better late than never! After a while it’ll come naturally.
I wish there were lines for men that didn’t contain harsh and irritating ingredients or fragrance, or that men would just use women’s lines and take care of their skin!
PB says: I agree. Men’s lines tend to have harsher ingredients which I think is unnecessary. But I suppose men shy away from women’s lines due to the feminine packaging…
I think having skincare products marketed to men is a great idea, starting with sunscreen. I’ve never met a man who would willingly wear sunscreen.
PB says: That’s true. There’s the perception that its sticky which it doesn’t have to be.
I think that men would be more prone to use a product designed specifically for them. A lot of men have a complex when it comes to using something that was designed for a woman. I think that most skin products were designed with women in mind since men taking care of their skin is a relatively new thing. Do I think it really makes a difference in the product? No. But I do think it gets more ment o use them.
PB says: I think you have a point and that’s probably why men’s skincare lines evolved! Thanks for the thought!
I know this is late, but I just read this entry and thought i might put my 2 cents in.
I’ve been using skincare for ages and have gone through a few different brands. I think most men would be happy to use skincare when they just have 2 or 3 steps to follow. cleanse, tone and moisturize. i’m using stella mccartney’s organic line at the moment, but another good one for really lazy men are the MD Skincare facial wipes. just open the packet, take out the wipe and use it all over the face… one step and it’s all done. totally worth checking out, although it’s not available in malaysia.