Skincare and Facial Guide for Men

Facials are among the most excellent and beneficial spa treatments available to men, including manicures and massages. They are certainly one of the most enjoyable, and compared to eyebrow threading and back waxes; they're also the least painful. But, they're also definitely not just for women. Men can benefit from facials just as women can. Dull skin, clogged pores, acne, and aging issues can all be addressed with facials. Plus, they're relaxing, and self-care is guaranteed to help with stress. So, if you want to look the best for an upcoming event, address a specific skin issue, or need a little pampering, a facial might be the grooming treatment you need.

Should men get facials?

Having a facial is like eating at a restaurant: You probably could have the experience at home, but it wouldn't be as good without the correct tools, skincare, and expertise. However, put your trust in a facialist, and they'll cleanse, tone, exfoliate, mask, extract blackheads, massage, and moisturize your skin until you look your best and feel it too.

How are men's facials different from women's?

Men's skin is different from women's. For example, it's oiler, hairier, ages differently, and is thicker, but fundamentally, there are more similarities than differences. Generally speaking, the same facials for women also work for men. An exception involves the beard area, where sometimes men need specific products or treatments that help keep the hairs from becoming ingrown or irritated from shaving.

How to prepare for a men's facial

You do not need to prepare even if you have a beard. Most professional aestheticians are familiar with bearded men, so shaving before getting a facial is unnecessary.

Should you get a facial if you have acne?

Yes, it is encouraged to get a facial if you have acne. However, if it's very inflamed, we recommend getting it under control first with the help of a certified dermatologist. Facials with microdermabrasion can help treat and prevent breakouts because they exfoliate the dead skin cells that plug your pores.

How to choose the proper facial

There are a few main types of facials, though spas put their unique spin on them to stand out.

1. Standard: This usually involves cleansing, using a face mask, extractions, and a light massage. A standard facial is the best option if you want to de-stress.
2. Microdermabrasion or a peel: A suction device deep-cleans pores. Peels remove the outer layer of skin for brighter, younger-looking skin underneath. Please only receive peels from experienced professionals.
3. Hydrafacials: These facials cleanse, suction out the pores, and exfoliate. Infusions like antioxidants that fight acne or uneven pigment problems can be added. We recommend pore cleansing facials for all men.

Should men get extractions?

Extractions are the best, not to mention one of the most exciting facials. The esthetician clears clogged pores and blackheads during extractions, either manually or with special devices. When done professionally, extractions improve the drainage of pores, make topical medications, cleansers, etc., penetrate better, and reduce bacteria, helping prevent problematic blemishes in the future.

When should men get a facial?

You may want to look your best for a date, wedding, birthday party, or presentation at work. Facials often involve products and cleansing techniques your skin might not be familiar with, so sometimes they can leave skin temporarily irritated, flushed, or blotchy. Sometimes, they cause minor breakouts a couple of days later. After all, your facialist just went under and over your skin to get the grime and debris out, and this movement can stimulate the bacteria housed by your skin. Avoid getting a facial on the day of a big event. Time it for a week before instead. By then, the skin will have settled and look its best.

How often should a man get a facial?

The best thing about a facial is that you can reserve them for special occasions, or if you have the money, add them into your skincare routine as a regular treatment. Every 4–12 weeks is a reasonable time, depending on your skin issues. A 4- to 6-week interval is best for acne-prone skin.

Where to find an esthetician

The best way is a word of mouth and personal recommendations. You can start by asking your friends for advice. Unfortunately, the internet is the worst way to find healthcare in general. Anyone can put up a friendly website, and it's hard to verify credentials. You can always ask your dermatologist if they have any recommendations since facialists and estheticians might not diagnose medical skin problems, and it's best to visit a certified dermatologist if you have a skin disease. Still, they know about skincare because of all the skin they see in their job, so they use insights. Be sure to ask questions about what regimens and skin-saving strategies they recommend.

How much should you expect to pay for a facial?

Costs vary depending on the esthetician, location, and complexity of the treatment, but expect to pay around $90–$120 for a basic, hour-long facial. If cost's an issue, you want to see whether facials are suitable. Of course, you could always try a 30-minute express facial, which is often less expensive and will give you an idea of what you'd prefer.

The best skincare products for men after a facial

We have asked our estheticians at Skin Beauty what they recommend for a simple men's skincare routine after getting a facial treatment, and here are their favorite products:

1. Cleanser- Glymed Plus For Men Essential Face Cleanser
2. Toner- Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Toner
3. Moisturizer- Thalgo Men Intensive Hydrating Cream
4. SPF- Skin Script Sheer Protection SPF 30