Best Face Moisturizers for Men of 2018 Reviewed

The skin is the largest organ of our body, and, like every organ, we need to nourish it.

While women have perfected the art of skin care, men do not seem to have reached a similar level of self-care.

But the skin should, regardless of gender, be taken care of properly.

Men should also moisturize to prevent premature aging of the skin, skin cancer, wrinkles, fine lines, and an overall lack of glow.

Moisturizing has limitless benefits for the skin, and everyone should give it a try.

Why Men Need Moisturizers

• Get Rid of Dryness

When you don’t moisturize your skin, the skin becomes much drier and flakier, due to the lack of hydration.

Tiny white flakes of skin will appear on your skin, and this has a tendency to affect our self-esteem.

The dryness can also cause skin dullness, which can make us look more tired, and potentially more aged (1).

• Avoid Acne

Most people think that when you have acne, you should keep your face totally bare.

While that is true to some extent, the lack of moisture in your skin can actually cause you to break out even more.

The excessive dryness causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can cause the growth of more bacteria on your skin.

The buildup of dry, flaky, and dead skin cells can also clog your pores and give rise to acne.

So while excessive oil buildup can cause more acne, excessive dryness can also do so.

• Avoid Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Excessive dryness of the skin can also result in the skin losing its elasticity, and being more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Not moisturizing daily can cause more wrinkles to form, but it can also cause existing wrinkles to look worse.

Your skin will be chronically inflamed, causing the breakdown of collagen of your skin which can make you look even older (3).

• Prevent Sun Damage

Moisturizing your skin also includes using a sunscreen.

If you don’t use a sunscreen every day at least twice a day, you are exposing your skin to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Even if you don’t want to use a sunscreen you should use a moisturizer that contains SPF.

This can protect your skin from UVA and UVB radiation.

• Improve Overall Appearance of the Skin

Using a moisturizer twice a day can really improve the overall look of your skin.

Your skin will be visibly softer, more even-toned, hydrated, and free of fine lines.

The aging process of your skin will be reduced, which will make your skin glow.

Moisturizing also protects sensitive skin from external agents such as dust, pollution, and the sun.

So, if you want to protect your skin from this damage, make sure that you moisturize daily.

What are Face Moisturizers

Face moisturizers are typically used to prevent the skin from being too dry or too oily.

They are composed of a mixture of moisturizing ingredients which is to be applied to the skin to prevent evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture (5).

It is designed to be used on the skin’s epidermis to make it soft and supple.

Facial moisturizers come in different types.

You should choose a moisturizer based on your skin type.

Here is a list of skin types that you can use to find the best moisturizer for you.

• Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, it means that your genetic makeup consists of more dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone which activates the sebaceous glands in your skin.

This can cause a buildup of sebum and oils on the epidermis of your skin.

To combat oily skin, you should use a moisturizer that is hydrating but not oil based.

Water based moisturizers are perfect for maintaining your skin’s optimal moisture.

• Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, then you need to be using a heavier oil based or petroleum based moisturizer.

Having dry skin means that moisture excessively evaporates from your skin.

To prevent that, you need to protect the skin with a more durable moisturizer.

Oils and chemicals such as glycolic acid, aloe vera, grape seed oil, and shea butter are the best agents for keeping your dry skin soft and supple.

• Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, it means that you have an oily T-zone, and the rest of the face tends to be dry.

So, to make sure that all the areas of the face receive enough moisture without having to compromise, you should use a lightweight, water based moisturizer (8).

This will ensure that your face isn’t too dry or too oily.

• Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin has the tendency to be susceptible to irritation, redness, and rashes.

So, if you have very sensitive skin, you should completely avoid moisturizers with fragrance and alcohols.

Be sure that the moisturizer also contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea, and chamomile (9).

This will ensure that your skin will avoid redness without having to compromise hydration.

So, moisturizers come in different formulations according to your skin type.

Check the oiliness or dryness of your skin before you choose a moisturizer.

Benefits of Face Moisturizers

Women have been taught to moisturize their skin since pre-adolescence, so they see the benefits of this practice when they are older.

Men, on the other hand, are not so aware of or concerned about the condition of their skin, so they do tend to neglect moisturizer.

But even if you are 30 years old and your skin has already shown the early signs of aging, it is never too late to start moisturizing.

Here are some of the benefits of using a face moisturizer.

This will definitely make you want to add moisturizing to your daily routine.

Younger Looking Skin

Using a moisturizer daily can take years from your skin.

The hydration penetrates deep within the layers of your epidermis to prevent the formation and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

This will make your skin look supple, and give you a nice glow that will make you look much younger.

A moisturizer is the best way to combat the aging process, and it is an investment that everybody should make.

Softer and More Hydrated Skin

When your skin lacks hydration, it will feel rough and dry.

This will affect the overall appearance of your skin as well.

When you use a moisturizer, you are adding a thin layer of protection to your skin to prevent it from losing its moisture.

This ensures that your skin remains hydrated which will make it feel softer (11).

Control of Oiliness and Dryness of Skin

Moisturizers control the dryness of the skin, as they are used specifically to add moisture.

But they are also used to control the oiliness of the skin.

When the amount of moisture in your skin is balanced, your sebaceous glands will not produce as much sebum as they would when you do not use a moisturizer.

This prevents the buildup and production of excess oils, which will prevent your skin from being susceptible to acne (12).

How Face Moisturizers Work

Your skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis – outer layer, the dermis – middle layer, and the hypodermis – lower layer (13).

Different types of moisturizers are used to reach the different layers of the skin.

For instance, the lower the layer, the heavier the moisturizer is needed to hydrate it.

Moisturizers typically do two things: they either trap the moisture within the skin, acting as a protective layer, or they restore the moisture to the skin.

So here is a list of the three common moisturizers and how they work to hydrate your skin.

• Humectants

Humectants are chemical ingredients found in moisturizers that prevent the loss of moisture from the skin, and can even attract moisture to the skin from the atmosphere.

They attract moisture due to the hydroxyl group (oxygen and hydrogen) they contain.

They penetrate the outer layer of the skin and keeps the moisture within the skin due to the moisture-loving OH (15).

• Emollients

Emollients are the opposite of humectants.

They are basically a softening agent that consists of long chains of carbon atoms that repel water from the skin, to ensure that it remains soft and supple (16).

• Occlusive

Think of occlusives as a barrier for the skin from everything in the atmosphere.

Occlusives are usually silicone based waxes and jelly-like petroleum based moisturizers.

They act as a protective layer on the surface of the skin, which prevents moisture loss and stops excessive evaporation of moisture.

Occlusives consist of a similar structure to that of emollients that repels water, but unlike emollients, occlusives do not penetrate the skin, but rather sit on top of it.

How to Use Face Moisturizers

Most people think that using a moisturizer is as simple as scooping it from a jar or squeezing it from the tube and applying it to your face.

Although this may work, there is a way to ensure that your skin is well moisturized and that the moisture actually penetrates deep within your skin.

Here are some tips to moisturize your skin effectively:

• Dot it Across Your Face

Take a coin sized amount of moisturizer and use a finger to dot it on your skin.

To ensure perfect coverage, use a dot on your nose, four dots on each cheek, five dots across your forehead, and two on your chin.

• Use Circular Motions

When applying a moisturizer, you should use your forefinger and your middle finger on your forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose.

Most people use their entire hand which can transfer more bacteria to your skin, and it can also tug and tear your skin.

So use those two fingers to rub the moisture into your skin and into your pores.

Use your ring finger around the delicate areas of your eyes.

This ensures that your skin will not become prone to wrinkles (18).

• Upward Motions on Your Neck

Your neck is also an area that shows the earliest signs of aging.

Most people neglect this area and suffer wrinkles here in the future.

So, use the tops of your four fingers to apply moisturizer on your neck.

• Don’t Slather it on Your Skin

If you use too much moisturizer, your skin can become very greasy; you don’t want that.

You should use just enough to cover your entire face with a thin layer of moisturizer (19).

• Usage Timing

You should use a moisturizer after you wake up in the morning and wash your face, after you exit the shower, and after you wash your face at night before going to bed.

After showering, your skin will be dry so the moisturizer will restore the hydration of your skin.

Using it in the morning will make sure you are protected throughout the day, and using it at night will restore the moisture while you sleep.

What to Look for in Face Moisturizers for Men

We all know that moisturizing can be tedious for men.

It doesn’t have to be, with the right products.

While women tend to have an extensive routine involving numerous products, men can get by with using just one.

But men do have larger pores than women, and a greater tendency to produce oil.

That is why you need to consider looking for products that are designed specifically for men.

Here is a list of things that men should look for while buying a face moisturizer.

• SPF

Sun protection is important for everyone, and, as I mentioned before, you should find a moisturizer that provides this for you.

So, find a moisturizer that contains at least SPF 15 to make sure that your skin is protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Avoiding SPF-containing moisturizer can be harmful to your skin as sun damage can cause premature signs of aging.

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents

You should opt for a moisturizer that contains anti-inflammatory agents such as oatmeal or allantoin.

Men are susceptible to inflammation, so it is beneficial to use a moisturizer with these agents.

• Vitamin E

You might have heard about the importance of Vitamin E in the world of skin care.

This vitamin is perfect for preventing sun damage, wrinkles, soothing the skin, and making sure that your skin has a natural glow.

It is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, which makes your skin look and feel better.

It is also an anti-inflammatory agent, so it can also soothe sensitive skin.

So, vitamin E is a must when you are looking for an all-in-one moisturizer.

• Plant-Based Oils

Organic or chemical free moisturizer is a great investment if you are new to the world of skin care.

Plant-based oils such as shea and coconut are great moisturizing agents that will ensure your skin is hydrated without being damaged by excess chemicals.

Plant-based ingredients are also easily absorbed by the skin, and soften the skin easily.

• According to Your Skin Type

Different people have different skin types, and as mentioned above, you should use a moisturizer depending on the dryness and oiliness of your skin.

So make sure you investigate your skin type before purchasing a moisturizer.

What to Avoid in Face Moisturizers for Men

When buying a moisturizer, you should find one that benefits you.

You should also know that not all moisturizers are formulated for the benefit of the user.

Some contain harmful chemicals that can be drying and damaging to the skin with prolonged use.

Here are some chemicals that you should avoid while buying a moisturizer.

• Alcohol

Using alcohol containing moisturizers is the worst thing you can do for your skin.

Alcohol damages the protective layer of your skin and robs it of the natural oils it needs.

You might think that alcohol will counteract oily skin, but it will only cause your skin to become greasier, which will make it even more susceptible to acne (25).

• Parabens

Parabens are widely used in cosmetic products, especially in face moisturizers, as an agent that prevents bacterial growth.

They have, however, been known to cause tumors in the body.

When you moisturize, the formula penetrates your skin and is absorbed by the body.

So be sure not to use a moisturizer containing parabens.

It should be said that parabens are known to affect the estrogenic functions of the body, so this may not be a concern since the male body contains negligible estrogen levels.

• Fragrance

Fragranced moisturizers may be great for using on the body, but the sensitive skin on your face might react to the scent-producing chemicals.

Not only are they harmful to your skin, they are also harmful to your respiratory tract, your reproductive system, and may inflame allergies.

• Synthetic Colors

If your moisturizer has any sort of a tint, then you should stay away from it.

The subtle coloring contains chemicals which can further dry out your skin.

Stick to regular clear or white moisturizers, which contain fewer chemicals.

Precautions

If you are new to the world of moisturizing, then you need to know about skin allergies, sensitivity, and other considerations to ensure that your skin gets the nutrients it deserves.

If you become aware of skin irritation or redness when you are using a new moisturizer,  you should immediately wash it off because this means that the moisturizer does not suit your skin.

Also, if you have dry skin, you should be moisturizing twice a day with a heavier moisturizer.

But you should not be slathering it on your face continuously, as this can cause excess oil to build up.

Conclusion

For all the men who have been neglecting to moisturize, it is high time that you went and bought one.

Moisturizing preserves your skin and makes you look younger.

Even though this may not be a concern right now, the effects of not moisturizing will definitely show in years to come.

So take my advice, get your skin checked to find out your skin type, then invest in a moisturizer.

It’s not too hard to apply it to your face twice a day.

In the next five years, you’ll definitely thank me!