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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
MoreWhen it comes to men’s grooming, skin care probably figures on the lower end of the priority list for most guys. And as we all know, summer brings on its own special set of skin care challenges. The heat and humidity makes skin sweaty and oily and, of course, there is the constant threat of sunburn. I am not an expert in these matters but Emma Greco, an aesthetician at the Quinntessential Gentleman in Baltimore, certainly is. Having personally benefited from Emma’s expertise, I invited her to share some of her summer skin care tips. Take it away, Emma!
A Summer Skin Care Primer
During the warmer months, perspiration and oil production increase in our skin, which means we have to work a little bit harder to maintain clear skin. Because we spend more time outside in the summer, the constant applying of sunscreen over the sweat and dirt that we accumulate throughout the day causes breakouts and the appearance of greasy skin. Following a regular skin regimen of a cleanser, exfoliant, toner and lotion with an SPF of at least 15 can make a huge difference with any concerns that men may have during the hot summer months.
- The cleanser will remove the layer of dirt and oil that builds up throughout the day and purify the skin so that it is prepared to absorb additional products.
- Using an exfoliant will help to further the cell renewal process by lifting off the top layer of dead skin cells.
- Toner will aid in hydration, balance the skin’s pH level, and help to build back the protective barrier that our skin naturally produces.
- Finishing with a lotion will hydrate the skin, while the SPF will protect from harmful UV rays.
Why do men need to think about skincare?
Skin care has evolved immensely from the days of bar soap, which actually causes damage to your skin. The ingredients in bar soap strip the skin of the protective barrier it naturally produces, leaving our skin vulnerable to environmental pollutants and irritants. In a society that is based on quick fixes, wouldn’t it be better for our skin if we just start taking care of it now, rather than worry about it in our later years? What we do to our skin today will affect our skin for the rest of our lives.
What is a good daily summertime skin care routine?
- Morning: Use a clay based cleanser to thoroughly cleanse and purify the skin, then evenly apply a toner and a lightweight oil-free lotion with a base SPF of at least 15.
- Afternoon: Wipe the skin with a cleansing toner to remove any excess oil and sweat, then reapply your lotion to protect the skin.
- Night: Cleanse, exfoliate (three times a week maximum) to stimulate skin cell renewal, tone, then finish with a hydrating and soothing lotion.
Shop Emma’s Summer Skin Care Picks
How can I take care of my skin but not have it look greasy?
Following a regular regimen to help regulate the oil production will make a huge impact, but what goes on the skin after cleansing will make the biggest difference. Look for a fast absorbing oil-free lightweight lotion. Products specifically made for oily skin will help to control oil throughout the day.
Do I need to wear sunblock all the time?
Absolutely! The sun only needs 15 minutes to cause damage to the skin. The sunburn might go away a after few days but that damage will definitely show up later in life causing unsightly pigmentation, premature aging, and skin cancers. You should reapply sunblock every two hours, after swimming, and excessive perspiring.
What do I do if I get a sunburn?
The first step is to calm down the irritation and inflammation. Take a cool shower and avoid exfoliating or using anything abrasive. Apply a cooling gel to the area. I find that 100% aloe vera works best. Take a pain relieving aspirin and drink plenty of water each day, because the skin becomes dehydrated when burnt. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine—they constrict the capillaries, which can slow down the healing process. Do not pick at the peeling skin. That is just your skin’s natural way to get rid of the damaged cells. And finally, stay out of the sun and continue to apply sun protection.
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A big thank you to Emma from the Quinntessential Gentleman for her amazingly informative guest post. If you ever find yourself in Baltimore, I definitely recommend stopping into the shop.
Do you have any other skin care questions for Emma? Let her know in the comments.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo.
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
