A lot of guys couldn’t care less about their skin being dry or (gasp) sunburned. “We like it when we look rugged and scruffy and masculine,” says Nic*, a twenty-something photographer and runner. But how about when their skin is oily? “Eeew, gross! That’s so uncool.” We would second the motion—would you want a date who will outshine you, and not in a good way?
Before your man starts feeling more like Mr. Giant Pores instead of Mr. Pogi, it’s time to make him switch to an oil-control facial wash, formulated especially for men (stop lending yours!). Let him know these basic face-saving commandments.
1. Thou shalt not use soap
With all the men’s cleansing products out there today, it amazes us that some guys still subject their face to harsh body soap. “I like soap because it’s simple, and it leaves my face feeling squeaky clean,” confessed Nic.
The thing is, when skin feels squeaky clean, it usually means your face is taut and drier than it should be. Which sounds like a good thing, but see, your skin has a mind of its own, and when it feels too dry, your sebum glands going into overdrive to compensate—before you know it, excess oil is oozing out of your pores.
2. Exfoliate
Once or twice a week, remember to exfoliate. A good facial scrub (yes the ones with the beady things) helps unclog pores, slough away dead skin cells, sebum and dirt build-up, and softens hair follicles for a smoother shave. Warning: exfoliating more than twice a week can really irritate your skin.
3. Thou shalt not pick at your zits
What’s worse than oily skin? Oily skin with zits! Blackheads, whiteheads, and zits may be caused by dirt, sweat, oil, and bacteria clogging your pores (also, stress, diet, and lack of sleep among other things). But whatever you do, don’t touch those zits! Pricking them may spread the bacteria and lead to more zits, or worse, leave unsightly scars.
Pimple care 101: every morning and evening, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, wipe away deep-seated dirt with a toner formulated for your skin type, then apply spot treatment on the offending zit (like benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil; for serious acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist).
4. Thou shalt not forget to apply moisturizer
Yes, it sounds like a contradiction—why apply moisturizer when your skin is oily already? But the airconditioning in offices, classrooms, malls, and even your own bedroom can be murder on your skin, sapping it of essential moisture and making some parts dry and rough to the touch. The answer? Rehydrate skin! Moisturizer isn’t just for girls. Aside from maintaining proper skin moisture levels, it helps prevent razor burn. If moisturizer feels too heavy on your skin during the day, at least apply a layer at night. Skin will start to look more fresh, and you (and your significant other) will feel the difference in no time.
5. Blot away!
Having a particularly greasy day, but have no time to splash your face with water before your presentation or coffee date? Oil-blotting paper to the rescue! There are a couple of variants in the market (it also comes in more manly black)—choose from the blotting film that sops up the oil, or paper dusted with talc to zap the shine. If he doesn’t want to be caught dead carrying some, he can casually bum one off from you whenever you freshen up.
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