Is Your Face Moisturizer Aging You?

Want to slow the aging process and prevent wrinkles? You’ve got to make skin hydration a priority. There are many factors affecting your skin that you can’t 100% control - like environmental toxins, UV damage from sunlight, and the aging process itself. But then there are others that you can - and should - act on. For example, using the best face moisturizer for men twice daily.

But with so many face moisturizers on the market (yes, even for men), how can you be sure that yours is having the right effect? Is it possible that your moisturizer is actually aging you worse than if you weren’t using it at all?

Keep Your Skin’s Proper pH Balance

Your body has a natural pH of about 7 with your face at about 5.5, slight more acidic. This is important since the acid mantle, a thin protective layer covering your skin - helps prevent bacteria and environmental toxins from damaging your skin or infiltrating your body.

The trouble is that many skincare products - especially those made with harsh chemicals and heavy detergents - throw off your pH balance. Many synthetic skincare and grooming products have pH level of 8-10. Using them will dry out your skin, weaken your protective acid mantle, and put you at risk for acne blemishes and early development of wrinkles.

To avoid this, use a natural face moisturizer for men that locks in hydration and supports your skin’s natural pH balance. Avoid products with alcohol, parabens, and other harsh chemical ingredients. Look out for products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient. This catch-all term can include all kinds of synthetic ingredients, many of which are potentially hazardous to your skin and health. Opt for naturally scented (with essential oils) or unscented products instead, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Apply Moisturizer Properly

Once you’ve chosen a natural face moisturizer, the next major concern is how you’re using it. For the best results, follow these general rules:

Wash before you apply. Your skin gets covered in a layer of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells over the course of the day. You don’t want to apply your moisturizer directly over all that junk. So first, cleanse your skin with a natural face wash for men. This will get rid of all that debris and leave a clean slate for your face moisturizer for men to cover, protect, and restore.

Apply twice daily. Maintaining a healthy level of skin moisture all day and night is critical to preventing blemishes, slowing the aging process, and preserving a youthful skin tone. To do that, wash your face and apply moisturizer twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening.

Be consistent. The best results require consistency and patience. Your skin will look and feel different immediately after applying moisturizer, sure. But the long term effects of daily use are what you’re really going for. So stick to a basic skincare routine for men, consistently applying face moisturizer twice daily.

What If You Have Oily Skin?

Guys with oily skin still need to use face moisturizer daily. In some cases, you may only need to apply once each day. To help get your body’s oily production under control and prevent excessive build up, use a natural face scrub for men about 3 times each week. This will clear out your pores, get rid of oily debris, and keep your skin refreshed and renewed. Use face scrub after washing your face, then apply face moisturizer afterwards. It’s one of the best ways to restore a brighter, more youthful skin tone regardless of your age.