Men, put on your festive face: Male skincare tips for the holiday

Grooming hasn't been just about women for a long time now, with contemporary men leaving no stone unturned to get their skin game on point. Anyone who knows skincare knows how different skin types can be and that it is a different challenge altogether for men owing to their thicker and porous skin. Some easy practices can help them get a radiating glow.

For those who want flawless skin, dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty answers essential skincare questions just in time for the festive season.

What are some daily practices that one should follow for good clear skin?

Lifestyle modification - including long working hours, less physical activity, increased mental stress and unhealthy diets - have caused detrimental effects on people's skin health besides affecting their body. As the use of digital devices has increased manifold, blue light exposure is significantly harming our skin as well as the body's circadian rhythms. Good daily habits such as drinking lots of water; eating fruits, vegetables, healthy carbohydrates and proteins; and making sure that you control or reduce your stress can benefit your skin.

Please share a basic skincare routine for men who want to take care of their skin in their everyday lives.

The basic skincare routine should include face wash, moisturiser (for oily skin type, water-based moisturisers are recommended), and then a layer of SPF. One should also include serums in their skincare too. Aftershave balm should also be used post shaving.

In your opinion, what is the one essential skincare practice men should be following but which mostF end up skipping?

It has been seen that men hardly apply moisturiser as they feel it will make their skin oilier. By not applying moisturiser, they are actually making their skin more harsh and uneven. So, make sure that you are applying moisturiser every time you wash your face. The moisturiser holds water near your skin, giving you that 'glowing skin' treatment. Excess moisture reduces wrinkles, too. It simplifies the effects of dry skin, and can make the skin look smoother, softer and better. Moisturising creams are actually the middle ground between oily ointments like petroleum jelly and watery lotions.

Stepping out for errands and social engagements during festive season is the norm. What can be done to minimise the impact of UV rays?

Consume food that has antioxidants. It's highly recommended that one should apply SPF every two hours regardless of the season and time.

How does food impact skin?

It's crucial to check what's on your plate. From the fight against free radicals to smooth fine lines, some foods are full of the beauty of glowing skin. Our eating pattern matters a lot when it comes to skincare. In a nutshell, our plate should have more fruits and vegetables. We need to cut down on sugar and salt, and choose whole foods over processed ones. Flaxseeds, kiwi, avocado, spinach and yogurt are some of the food items that can do wonders for your skin. Since the festive season is all about eating oily food, you can drink green tea or herbal tea to detox your body.

Diwali is a time of indulgence when people dig into sweets and fried food. How can men treat and avoid acne breakouts during the festive season?

Hygiene is important, as is control of food substances. Cutting out anything inflammatory like sugar and dairy may help, but some people react to eggs and chicken too. You need to find what is flaring up your acne. Using the correct face wash is very important. Make sure that your face is super clean. Use salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid - these ingredients in a face wash can dry the acne externally.

With Diwali parties in full swing, many lose out on sleep and consume alcohol which may cause puffy eyes. What is the best way to treat puffy eyes?

The easiest way to help fight puffy eyes is to apply a cold compress. Use a cold washcloth and put it under your eyes while putting gentle pressure for a few minutes. Using cucumber slices on your eyes also helps, or simply dunk your face in a bowl full of ice for a few minutes.

Which is the easiest DIY face mask that men can use?

Face masks can hydrate your skin, remove the dirt and help in improving the pores of the skin. Honey face masks are good for scars and dark spots. It's also extremely easy to make. You just need two teaspoons of raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Combine the lemon juice and honey, and apply the mixture to your face. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse it with water. Apply this mask 1 to 2 times per week for the reduction of scars and dark spots and welcome glowing skin.

Are there any minimal aesthetic treatments that men can opt for to give an instant glow to the skin from within?

In order to enhance the elasticity of the skin, one can opt for Profhilo. It is an injectable skin re-modelling treatment containing one of the highest concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). The slow release of HA stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, in turn improving skin tone, hydration and the appearance of fine lines. Even the ClearLift skin treatment refreshes the skin and smoothes out fine lines. This procedure is equally effective in highly sensitive areas of skin such as around the eyes, neck and decollete, which are typically prone to pain and scarring with this type of laser treatment.

Many men in their mid-20s/30s don't realise their skin is changing, how can men adapt to these changes?

Skin changes with age and so should your skincare routine. Washing your face twice a day with face wash is highly recommended. One should start using serums in their routine which have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol as these ingredients help with fighting premature ageing. Sunscreen and under eye creams are also an important part of the skincare routine and thus should be included on a daily basis. Vitamin C should also be included in the skincare routine as it helps in controlling unstable oxygen molecules.

Also Read: Diwali 2021: What the five days of the festival of lights stand for