In our current whirlwind of a world, the necessity of self-care is finally trickling down to men's grooming. Skin health was once an afterthought for many men—a belief bolstered by ads featuring soap and water as the wardens of good skin. But oodles of skin health awareness campaigns (some might even call them skin health "evangelism") have come our way, and they've brought something with them: The balm of lotion. Men are now using lotion in record numbers, and for good reason—lotion is every man's first line of defense against the elements, and it's not half bad at warding off the signs of aging, either. But with all that it has going for it, is lotion even necessary?
There are multiple reasons why a man's skin is different from a woman's. On average, a man has thicker skin, with larger pores. This generally results in a greater oil production on a man's skin. And despite the stereo-type that women have more skin issues, men are just as prone to problems like acne, dryness, and irritation (especially after shaving). A man's skin, though, carries some of these conditions to a greater extreme. When skin problems do occur, they're usually more pronounced. Keeping a man's skin properly hydrated with a high-quality lotion serves two essential purposes: one, it maintains skin health, and two, it helps address and mitigate specific skin concerns.
Several factors should be considered when searching for the ideal lotion for men. The first and most crucial is understanding your skin type. Are you oily, dry, or somewhere in between? Knowing this will guide you in selecting the appropriate product. Ingredients matter too. Look for beneficial components, and steer clear of harmful substances. What about the purpose of the lotion? What exactly do you want it to do? L'Occitane has a fabulous lotion that I use on my face, but it was never meant for that; it was formulated for hands. Finally, fragrance—or the lack thereof. Most men want something subtly masculine but not overly perfumed. That's it. Follow these steps, and you'll find a lotion that works for you.
Taking the aforementioned points into account, here are some of the best lotions for men that are available today:
1. **Nivea Men Maximum Hydration Lotion**: The lightweight formula of this lotion delivers intense hydration. Nivea has loaded this stuff with skin-friendly ingredients—aloe, vitamin E, and so forth—and the lotion absorbs like a dream. You won't feel greasy or slimy after applying it, and your skin will feel soft and smooth. This is a good pick for daily use, and it’s also versatile enough to be used pretty much anywhere on your body.
2. **Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion**: The 'Nivea' got on the 'CeraVe' (which means, basically, that this stuff is good for you), and then we added a few extra ingredients, and this is what we got: the 'Nivea' with a 'Jack Black' twist. The moisturizing elixir that is Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion is lightweight, smells like heaven, and has a cadre of natural ingredients like aloe, blue algae, and vitamin E. It is another solid pick for a daily moisturizer.
3. **Baxter of California Hydrating Body Lotion**: This is a lotion made for men with a formula that is light and just a tad thick (in a good way), with some really awesome scents. You're looking at something that's ultra-hydrating, and with its ingredients (like aloe, vitamin E, and green tea), your skin can even handle some environmental stressors. Whether this is a daily-use product or something you'll reserve for special occasions, you really can't go wrong with this lotion.
Maintaining a daily application of lotion to the skin is not simply a matter of maintaining appearances; it is a way to keep the skin healthy. The skin is the body's largest organ and its primary means of interacting with the outside world. Keeping the skin in good condition, therefore, is of paramount importance. Applying lotion is one way to do that, especially for people whose skin seems prone to dryness or who worry about the effects of aging. And some studies have linked better skincare with increases in self-esteem.
When it comes to selecting lotion for men, the key is knowing and understanding what your individual skin type is and what your specific skincare needs are. There are a variety of excellent lotion options for men, and they do more than just hydrate and calm the skin; many enhance the overall male grooming routine.
Investing in a quality lotion is investing in something that will do both magical and mundane things for your skin—keeping you and your skin healthy and confident in the process.