What are Men's Thoughts on Skincare?

What do men think about skincare? Most people assume men do not care to look after their skin. For some, skincare is associated with being feminine. After speaking with a few different men on the topic, that stereotype quickly eliminated itself. Skincare is not just about looking good, but to keep it healthy. This article does not discredit women’s skin issues to men's. It is obvious every individual, both men and women, have their own skin issues. Instead, it helps elevate men’s perspectives on the subject, and to end the conversation about men not caring for their skin. We are way past gender roles and such to not want to keep our skin healthy. Did you know men’s hair is 20%-30% thicker than women’s? As a result of thicker hair, men are more prone to oily skin. Most men with beards are forced to make an effort on their skin because of how natural it is for their skin to breakout from underneath the hair on their face. Like women, guys can also have combination skin, which is having both oily skin areas and dry skin areas on your face. Men with beards usually deal with combination skin.

I was able to talk to the following men: Wonyae Korli, Wayne Bright, Brandon Soum, and Nick Okerholm. Although these men have different stories, they all agree that it is important for men to care for their skin. Whether it is Wonyae in his music videos, Brandon with his food review channel, Nick with his modeling career and tiktok videos, or Wayne working behind the camera at a photoshoot or creating a new makeup look, they are all in touch with their own skin. They all have some experience behind the camera.

"That self love has nothing to do with anybody else

but yourself"

Bright said working as a photographer has definitely made him more skin aware. He said the effort you take to care for yourself helps self-esteem, and can also keep you grounded. In addition to photography, Bright enjoys doing his makeup. Because of it, he has learned how to keep up with his skin routine. Bright washes his face twice a day, once or twice a week will use a face mask, and uses beard oils and balms almost everyday.

“How far a camera lens can zoom in shows how much damage we do to our skin,” said Bright. “It has been very eye opening to me and helps me understand the deep layers and beauty that is in clear skin, but helps me do what makes my skin look good.” Wonyáe Korli is a singer, song writer, and model from Massachusetts. Knowing that you have to look good in front of the camera, Wonyáe goes the extra mile to groom himself to his liking. Although his skincare routine is sweet and simple. Wonyáe uses shea butter for his body, and other products such as witch hazel, rose water, and after a sweaty workout, he uses sea breeze. For his beard, he uses beard butters and oils as well for growth and overall appearance.

“That self love has nothing to do with anybody else but yourself,” said Wonyae. He acknowledges that your hair looks fuller, darker, and grows longer when you take care of it. It is important to keep in mind that men can groom themselves however they please and still keep it healthy.

Brandon Souma from YouTube channel, Food•Booze & Friends, also talks about his issues with acne and how he cares for it. He said no matter how good your skin may look, everyone should have a regiment for cleaning their skin. Souma washes his face every morning and during his nightly shower. He uses cetaphil face wash and cetaphil face moisturizer. He emphasizes that men too can also smell as good as women and can rock a nice floral smell when he wants to.

"I had really bad acne through my teen years, so I'm doing what I can to make sure it doesn't come back," said Souma.

It is evident that skincare throughout the years has been hyped through social media, in which has brought more skin health awareness. Nick Okerholm, model and TikTok star (known as Libert Bell), said his skincare routine has been influenced by social media.

"When I see someone whose skin is so flawless, it influences me to try something different and new," said Okerholm. "I think social media has a huge influence on how people treat their skin."

At the end of the day, acne is normal and skincare is normal. People will do whatever it takes to uphold it. Although, certain parts of skin health have been materialized and feminized, it's not true. Skin health is far-reaching and essential to everyone. Do you think women's skin care is spoken about more than mens'? Why isn't skincare pushed as heavy for men as it is for women?