Beyond Bar Soap: Upgrade Your Men’s Skincare Game with These Products

While skincare and beauty recommendations come aplenty for women, there has long been a gap in awareness and product availability for men, leaving them navigating uncharted territory or relying on the most straightforward skincare routine: soap and water. We know…how dare they! Jokes aside, it’s time to debunk the myth that skincare is reserved for women and shed light on the importance of a tailored routine. 

“I see a change in the younger generations, even inspiring the previous [ones] to take better care [of their skin],” assures Juan Silva, a skin therapist and esthetician at Silva Skin and Soul Spa in Orlando.He’s not wrong; according to industry authority NewBeauty, research has shown a 346% increase in men booking spa treatments since 2018, not to mention 49% of all spa-goers are now men. 

At Sumptuous Beauty in Alpharetta, Georgia, client Aaron Turner shares this sentiment, noting how he has started getting back facials and caring more about his daily skincare routine and body. “For most men, I think it’s a masculine thing — maybe not to want to admit to want to do a facial or take care of their bodies,” he says. “It’s something we should all look into.” But like everything in time, Aaron feels more men are becoming aware of their bodies and taking care of themselves. He has also become a men’s skincare advocate, encouraging his friends and brothers to adopt new habits. 

Here, Silva and licensed esthetician Franz Concepcion of FacialsByFranz in Meadowlark, West Edmonton, explore some of the best Repêchage products available for men and break down how to curate a simple yet effective skincare routine. 

Common Skincare Challenges

For most men, common skincare issues range from dry skin to hyperpigmentation to problematic skin. “Men with dry skin who book an appointment with me are usually those who are interested in skincare but have no clue what to do,” shares Concepcion. For new clients, Concepcion starts them off with a skincare routine involving a non-stripping cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and mattifying sunscreen to avoid an undesirable greasy feeling. Elemental damage, unbalanced skin types, and the eye area are issues Silva encounters in skin types regularly. “I suggest men seek out a professional skin therapist they vibe with — ask your friends and family for recommendations,” he says. “Monthly treatments are necessary for deep cleansing, extractions, and relaxation.” 

Silva also suggests that men who want to develop an effective routine should invest in the T-Zone Balance Starter Collection for combination skin and the T-Zone Balance Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. “I also highly recommend Repêchage’s eye creams, usually the Biolight Frost Bright Eye Contour Gel or the Hydra Dew Pure Eye Contour Cream, for easy product dispensing,” he says.  

Powerful Ingredients to the Rescue 

Formulation and ingredients matter in men’s skincare due to facial hair and increased oil production. Silva advises men to avoid heavy comedogenic ingredients that clog pores or irritate follicles. Both estheticians recommend hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, and Silva also suggests St. John’s Wort. Franz is also a proponent of antioxidant-rich ingredients like Vitamin C, especially for men who are outdoors a lot. “This will fight all of those free radicals and prevent stress on your skin,” he says.

3 Can’t-Skip Men’s Skincare Steps

Whether you’re reading this blog to improve your skin or trying to help your partner improve his skincare routine, here are three basic steps to implement daily. From here, you can build and add more products to your routine. Pro Tip: On “lazy” days when you might want to skip skincare, use a sheet mask to lounge around at home and let the mask ingredients work their magic.

1. Cleanse. The first and most crucial step in any skincare routine is to use a cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities — and we don’t mean the sliver of bar soap left in your shower. Cleansers are critical in maintaining good skin care hygiene and preventing various skin issues.Recommendation: Franz likes the Hydra Medic face wash for oily problem skin because it foams similarly to soap and has a “squeaky clean” feel.

2. Moisturize. Clean skin deserves some extra love. Apply a moisturizer to help hydrate and nourish your skin. Moisturizers also prevent issues such as dryness, flakiness, and premature aging.Recommendation: Franz recommends the Hydra Medic® mattifying moisturizer as it’s super lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky. 

3. Apply Environmental Protection. This is the holy grail for everyone’s skincare routine. Whether you’re in the sun all day or not, environmental protection is crucial to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, prevent sunburn and premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Regular use of protectants helps maintain skin health and reduces the likelihood of environmental damage.Recommendation: Franz and Silva recommend the Mineral Face Shield, which gives skin a matte finish without feeling tight.

You’ll soon notice a dramatic difference in your skin’s appearance by incorporating these three key steps and adding some crucial ingredients. Let Repêchage’s powerful arsenal of products help you uncover what healthy, radiant skin lies ahead.