The foundation of skincare
The skin is our largest organ and acts as a protective barrier between our internal organs and the external environment. On average, the skin is about 2 mm thick, but thickness varies significantly across the body. On the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, it can be as thick as 4.7 mm, while around the eyes it is only about 0.12 mm. Men’s skin is approximately 24% thicker than women’s and has a firmer, more elastic and compact structure. As a result, men tend to develop wrinkles later, as their skin contains more collagen that helps maintain firmness.
Summary
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The skin is strongly influenced by lifestyle and habits. With the right skincare routine, it becomes more resilient, healthier and less prone to problems.
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The foundation of effective skincare is identifying your skin type (normal, oily, dry or combination) and choosing products that suit both your skin and lifestyle.
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Avoid common mistakes such as harsh, drying cleansers and aggressive scrubbing. Instead, focus on gentle cleansing, balanced exfoliation and hydration to keep the skin in balance.
Why skincare?
Your skin is influenced by how you live and what you eat and drink. Skin that receives the right vitamins and care is more resistant to external stress and therefore less problematic. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, drink enough water, get proper sleep, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and invest in a good skincare routine – your skin will look healthier and more vibrant. There is a wide range of products available, and at Gents we do our utmost to help you find what suits you best. The first step is identifying your skin type and learning what works for your lifestyle.
Normal skin
If you’ve never considered your skin type, chances are you have normal skin. Normal skin is elastic and clear, neither dry nor oily. With this skin type, most standard skincare products will work well.
Having problem-free skin doesn’t mean you can skip skincare – it means you have excellent conditions for achieving great results with the right routine.
Oily skin
Oily skin is characterized by visible pores and a shiny surface, especially on the forehead and nose. Blackheads are also common.
Unfortunately, oily skin is more prone to breakouts and can be difficult to keep matte. However, it ages more slowly and gracefully than dry skin.
Men generally have oilier skin than women due to larger sebaceous glands. While oil can cause shine, it also acts as the skin’s natural protection and helps reduce wrinkle formation.
A common mistake is using harsh, drying cleansers, which cause the skin to compensate by producing even more oil.
Cleanse your face and neck morning and evening using a mild gel or cleanser that cleans effectively without overdrying. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this stimulates oil production. The ideal pH level is 4.4–5.5.
Use a gentle scrub once a week to refresh the skin and improve absorption of active ingredients.
Dry skin
Dry skin tends to crack and flake and may feel tight, especially after cleansing. Pores are often less visible, but dry skin requires extra care to prevent premature ageing.
You can test for dehydration by applying a thick layer of moisturizer. If no residue remains after 5–10 minutes, your skin has absorbed it all.
Avoid drying your skin completely after washing. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to improve moisture retention. Richer creams protect better, and a night cream can provide extra nourishment while you sleep.
Combination skin
Many men have combination skin – oily on the forehead, nose and chin, and drier on the cheeks.
The forehead, nose and chin form the T-zone, which often has enlarged pores and blackheads, while the cheeks and neck are less oily or even dry.
Combination skin can be more complex, as different areas may require different products. Use oil-based products on drier areas and oil-free products on oilier zones.