The skincare industry is mostly targeted towards women. While women do tend to spend more time (and money) on skincare products such as lotions, makeup, and special treatments, men’s skin is just as important as that of women. To help men have healthy, nourished skin, here are some tips that you can follow.

First, to understand how to keep skin healthy, it is important to learn how this organ works. The skin is actually the largest organ in the body, and it works as a protector against pollutants, germs, and physical damage. Additionally, it provides insulation and acts as an energy reserve. In women, the deeper skin layers provide curves. Lastly, the skin houses sweat glands that allow us to regulate our body temperature.

There are two main layers of skin, the deeper dermis, and the top layer epidermis. The dermis houses blood vessels, hair roots, nerves, and sweat glands. The epidermis produces new skin cells, including those called melanocytes, which give skin its color. Pores are openings through the skin that allow the secretion of sweat, the production of hair follicles, and the creation of the skin’s natural moisturizer, sebum.

Pores primarily become clogged through excess sebum and debris. When this happens, it can cause acne, including blackheads, as well as ingrown hairs. For men, ingrown hairs can be a major problem due to the need to shave. These problems result when a pore is blocked, disallowing a hair to grow properly out from the skin. Thus, it is important for men to keep their pores open so that ingrown hairs do not arise.

To keep pores clear, cleaning the face once per day is recommended. More than that can dry out the skin, and these dry flakes can cause pain and irritation. Exfoliation can provide an even deeper skin cleanse. Scrubs, microdermabrasion, and chemical treatments are ways to exfoliate and keep the skin clear. For men, shaving also works as exfoliation, but it is important to also keep your face clear while the hair is growing back.

Next, since men typically neglect daily skin cleaning, getting a facial provides a deep clean that extracts debris that may have collected over the course of several months. Additionally, many facials offer customized skincare that can help a man target his specific problems. Also, men are usually not as faithful about sun protection as women, and some facials offer a sun protection step as well.

Lastly, as mentioned above, it is important to keep the skin moisturized to prevent irritation.

For customized skin care, it can be incredibly helpful to meet with a dermatologist who can teach you what your problem areas are. Also, some spa technicians offer a free consultation before a facial or other such process so that they can meet your exact needs.