Sensitive skin requires additional care and attention, especially for men, who often face different skincare challenges related to shaving and even environmental stressors. Managing sensitive skin can be tricky, but with the right approach and natural products, you can maintain healthy, balanced skin that isn’t plagued by redness, dry patches, or other signs of irritation.
Many men who struggle with sensitive skin haven’t been to a dermatologist, and as a result, they may not even know that their skin is more sensitive than most. This is why we think it’s important to keep men of all ages informed on what they can do to identify and properly take care of sensitive skin.
At Anthony, we know you probably have tons of questions that need to be answered before you make any changes to your skincare routine. For instance, how can you tell if you have sensitive skin? What are the different types of sensitive skin? What can you do to manage and treat sensitive skin? Finally, where can you find the best skin care products for sensitive skin?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
Different Types of Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can manifest in different ways, and understanding which type you have is crucial to addressing it effectively. This is why there’s no one “best” skincare for sensitive skin. If you’re concerned that you might have an underlying condition or may require medical-grade treatments, you should definitely reach out to a dermatologist as soon as possible. In the meantime, most experts agree that there are 4 main types of sensitive skin:
- Naturally Sensitive Skin - This type of skin is usually a genetic predisposition and is characterized by conditions like eczema and rosacea. People with naturally sensitive skin tend to react to a variety of triggers, including allergies.
- Environmentally Sensitive Skin - Exposure to pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather can irritate anyone’s skin — whether it’s sensitive or not. Men with sensitive skin who spend a lot of time outdoors or in polluted environments might develop sensitive skin due to prolonged exposure to these triggers.
- Reactive Skin - Your skin will almost always react to skincare products. Sometimes the reaction is good (like more hydrated skin), and sometimes it’s bad. Common ingredients that can trigger reactive skin in a bad way include alcohol, strong fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Men with this type of sensitivity might notice redness, itching, or burning after using new skincare products.
- Thin Skin - Men have skin that is naturally thicker, but as they age, their skin will get thinner. As this happens, the skin begins to lose its protective barrier, making it more sensitive to irritants. This can lead to increased dryness and irritation, requiring gentler skincare solutions.
How to Address Sensitive Skin
Caring for sensitive skin requires a consistent routine involving gentle, non-irritating products. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Cleansing - Cleansing sensitive skin means choosing a cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. Look for natural ingredients that can soothe and hydrate the skin while cleansing it. If you shave, always make sure to cleanse beforehand; this removes dirt and oil, which can help achieve a closer, smoother shave without causing irritation.
- Shaving - Shaving can be a big problem for men with sensitive skin. This is why you should always cleanse first (as mentioned previously), and look for gentle shaving creams and gels that can calm the skin and reduce the risk of razor burn. For additional protection, you can apply a pre-shave oil before the shaving cream.
- Moisturizing - Moisturizing is one of the easiest ways to help balance out sensitive skin. Look for lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizers that can hydrate without clogging pores or causing breakouts. We’ll cover a bit more about what to look for in a moisturizer later on, but as a general rule, you’ll want to find one that is designed for sensitive skin and uses all-natural ingredients.
- Protecting - Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your skin is protected. Sun exposure only exacerbates sensitive skin, often leading to redness and flaky skin. Always apply an SPF cream to your skin when you go out, even on cloudy days. Look for a product with broad-spectrum protection (ideally SPF 30).
What to Look For In a Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
Finding the right moisturizer can make a world of difference when you have sensitive skin. In fact, one could argue that the moisturizer you choose is the most important factor for minimizing irritation and maximizing the strength of your skin’s natural barriers. Since it’s such an important aspect of skin and face care, we took the time to identify a few things you should look for in a quality moisturizer:
Gentle Ingredients
When choosing a moisturizer, look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender are known for their calming properties and can help soothe irritation.
Non-Comedogenic Formula
A non-comedogenic moisturizer won’t clog your pores, which is very important for preventing acne and irritation, especially with sensitive skin. Lightweight moisturizers are often best, though just because a moisturizer says it is lightweight doesn’t mean that it will do the trick. It’s best to specifically look for the term “non-comedogenic” before you make a purchase.
Ample Hydration
Like any skin type, sensitive skin requires moisture — and plenty of it. However, many heavy moisturizers can leave your skin feeling greasy and uncomfortable. This heaviness can also worsen any underlying sensitivity. Look for products that provide 24-hour hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy residue on the skin.
Dermatologist Approval
If you don’t know exactly why your skin is sensitive, it’s all the more important to check that your moisturizer is allergy-tested and dermatologist-approved. This ensures that the product is safe and unlikely to cause unexpected irritation. It also means that the product is likely free of harmful ingredients that can exacerbate skin sensitivity, like sulfates and parabens.
The Best Skin Care Products For Sensitive Skin
Are you struggling with skin that seems to react badly to everything? Are you tired of trying to hide red patches or deal with overly dry, itchy skin? Finally, do you want to find the best skincare products for sensitive skin? If so, Anthony is here to help.
At Anthony, we offer a wide array of skincare products that are specifically designed for men with sensitive skin. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Anthony’s Algae Facial Cleanser - A one-of-a-kind cleanser that uses algae and aloe to cleanse and hydrate, plus extracts like rose hip oil to soothe sensitive skin.
- Anthony's All Purpose Facial Moisturizer - The perfect moisturizer for men who want a gentle yet effective moisturizer that won’t irritate sensitive skin. You can even get our top moisturizer for sensitive skin together with our algae facial cleanser if you opt for Anthony’s Sensitive Skin Duo.
- Anthony’s Shave Gel - Our non-foaming shaving gel uses natural antiseptics and extracts to ensure that every shave is smooth, comfortable, and safe for all skin types.
- Anthony’s Alcohol Free Deodorant - While we focus most of our attention on the face, it’s also important to consider other areas that can be sensitive — like the armpits. If you want the best men’s deodorant for sensitive skin, Anthony’s Alcohol Free Deodorant is the answer.
Want to learn even more about men’s skincare for sensitive skin? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
