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Recently, I became interested in facial care due to some articles I read. Facial care seems like a taboo when a man is interested in it. It’s no surprise, as I even thought for most of my life that it was something exclusive to women. Most men use little or no products for their face, but when I discovered the long-term benefits, I realized that this had to change in my life.
It’s enough to mention that using sunscreen every day will reduce skin aging, helping you look younger for more years. While the sun offers health benefits, UV rays can be potentially dangerous, even causing skin cancer.
Therefore, using a sunscreen with a good SPF level is essential, whether you’re directly exposed to the sun or not. UV rays can affect the skin even if you are inside.
Now, sunscreen isn’t the only product needed to keep your face looking and feeling healthy. Some creams and gels can be added to your facial care routine. So today, I will present some of the best products to start with, based on my research, no matter if you’re a man or a woman. Keep in mind that, since there are dry, mixed, and oily skin types, I’ll try to provide the best recommendations to guarantee the best results.
When will you see results?
To see significant changes, you need to use facial care products correctly for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Some results may take longer, but they will be noticeable, especially if you’ve never used these types of products before.
1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch
If you’ve used sunscreen in the past, you’ve probably had bad experiences since most of the ones available in supermarkets aren’t from good brands. For example, some sunscreens leave a sticky feeling, which for many is uncomfortable and one of the main reasons people avoid using them.
On the other hand, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch is an SPF 70 sunscreen (highly protective) with ultra-fast absorption, which avoids the strange sensations other sunscreens may cause. It also has benefits like vitamin E and antioxidant properties. It doesn’t contain oxybenzone, a substance harmful to marine ecosystems, so if you frequently visit the beach, you’ll probably appreciate this.
It’s one of the best-selling sunscreens worldwide and definitely a great option if you’re looking to protect and improve your skin.
Available at the best price here on Amazon!
2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cleaning your face when you wake up and before going to bed is beneficial to remove impurities and make your skin look more vibrant. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is one of the most popular gels due to its effectiveness. It contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, ingredients that provide benefits from the first use.
The great thing is that its gel format turns into a soft foam for easy application. It’s perfect for normal to oily skin and doesn’t leave any strange sensation; on the contrary, it makes your face feel fresher. You can use it in the morning when you wake up and at night before going to bed.
If you plan to incorporate multiple products into your facial routine, it’s ideal to start with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser before applying the rest of the products.
Available at the best price here on Amazon!
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
If you’ve never used a water gel, you’ll definitely notice a big change. It’s recommended to apply it right after using a facial cleanser, as it helps keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. The main active ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which penetrates the deep layers of the skin, improving its texture and appearance.
No matter your skin type, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has been tested on normal, dry, mixed, and oily skin, making it safe to use and offering potential benefits from the first week.
Available at the best price here on Amazon!
4. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
If you’ve had problems with acne or imperfections on your face (like blackheads), The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is one of the most recommended options by dermatologists. However, it’s important to note that this is a stronger acid, so it should be applied with more care, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
There are two variants that may confuse people, but choosing the right one is quite simple. The option shown in the image (transparent bottle) is ideal for mixed to oily skin since it’s water-based. On the other hand, the brown bottle variant is for sensitive or dry skin, as it is formulated anhydrous (without water), meaning it’s less potent.
It’s recommended to apply it only at night on areas of the face with imperfections and acne. During the first few weeks, apply it 2-3 times per week. Results can be seen from the first week. It’s also advisable to test the reaction by applying a small amount to see how your skin reacts to Salicylic Acid.
A great option if you want a real solution for acne and imperfections. It should not be added to your facial care routine if you don’t have these issues.
Get it here if you have dry or sensitive skin!
Or get it here if you have mixed or oily skin!
We hope this guide helps you get started with your facial care routine. Over time, you’ll be able to adjust and add other products based on what your skin needs. Remember that facial care is an ongoing process, and the most important thing is consistency!