We all know that certain products work for some and not for others. To offer a fair appraisal to your grooming products you must first make sure that you're using the correct formulas for your skin type. We've enlisted the help of our resident Male Skincare Guru Graham Matthews, and asked him to share his expert knowledge to guide us in the right direction when it comes to men's face washes. Here's what he had to say...
Washing or cleansing the face is quite possibly the most important part of any good skincare regime. If the face is not clean then the rest of your products will not be able to work to their maximum potential. Firstly, if the face has residual dirt on the surface and you apply a moisturiser or serum, the cream will draw the dirty residue into the lower layers of the skin as it moisturises. On arrival, the skin's natural defence mechanisms will reject the dirt and try to expel it, this is usually in the form of a spot or a break-out. The former can also result in a grey/ashen complexion and increased blackheads. The science taken care of, I'm going to guide you through selecting a suitable face wash for your skin type that will work in partnership with the make-up of your skin and really help you to get the best out of it.
For men with regular skin that doesn't take too much nurturing:
You have carte blanche to use whatever you like, however you won't need to use anything to balance the level of oil on the skin. For this reason, opt for something basic (uaually less expensive too) that will simply remove the dirt and let the skin manage itself. For this skin type, I would recommend Zirh Wash, Nickel Super Clean Soft Face Wash or 6630 Organics Purity Cycle Face Wash.
For men with oily skin and those with a shiny complexion:
For men with dry skin:
Treat your face with kid gloves. Dry skin is the most delicate of all skin types so getting this right is absolutely essential. Try Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing Gel or Men-U Healthy Face Wash. Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing Gel leaves a hydrating barrier on the surface of the skin which prevents moisture from the face escaping and ultimately increases the skin's moisture level.
For men with combination skin:
Troubled skin or those with an ashen complexion: Try using Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel. This 2 part face wipe will gently exfoliate the skin using dermatologically approved acids, leaving an improved, renewed appearance.