Mens skincare basic questions

QUESTIONS ABOUT MENS SKINCARE?

Get the answers to your frequently asked questions about men's skincare below.

MEN’S FACE WASH QUESTIONS

What’s the best face cleanser for combination / oily / acne prone skin?

A great starting point for combination, oily and acne prone skin is the NIVEA MEN DEEP Face & Beard Wash. It helps clear oils and acne causing bacteria without dehydrating your skin. You can pair it with the DEEP ANTI-BLACKHEAD SCRUB and exfoliate a few times a week for a deep pore cleanse and a fresh clean feeling. The NIVEA MEN DEEP formulas contain charcoal powder, which acts like a magnet, drawing out dirt and impurities out from deep within your pores.

SHOULD I USE A CLEANSING WASH, SCRUB OR GEL ON MY FACE?

Cleansing forms and gels are gentle on skin and can be used multiple times a day. On the other hand, scrubs should be used less often, around 3-4 times a week maximum due to their exfoliating effect on the skin. Whether you have sensitive, oily, dry, blackhead or acne prone skin, daily cleansing is recommended to help maintain healthy looking skin. NIVEA MEN offer a range of different cleansers specifically formulated to suit your skin type.

How often should I wash my face?

Washing your face daily with a gentle and hydrating face wash is optimal to help rinse off dirt, oil and bacteria. For a deeper clean, complement your face wash with a face scrub every 3-4 days to unclog pores from dead skin cells and refresh your skin.

What’s the difference between using a face wash and a body wash?

The skin on your face is very different in its biological structure to the skin on your body., being much thinner, having smaller pores and a higher concentration of oil glands. This means your facial skin is extremely sensitive and is thus, prone to breakouts, blemishes and acne. To care for your facial skin, it is best to use gentle facial cleansers as opposed to harsh products like body wash.

MEN’S SHAVING QUESTIONS

Is Pre-Shave necessary?

Shaving is quite a traumatic process for the skin  , as the blade can remove the outermost layer of the skin along with the hairs. By removing this protective barrier, the skin not only becomes dehydrated but also more vulnerable to germs and bacteria. It can cause invisible micro-cuts, which need to be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent infection.

Pre-Shave products helps soften the beard hair, enabling a close and comfortable shave with a smooth razor glide. They also help support your skin's natural barrier, whilst protecting your skin from nicks and cuts. To minimise skin irritation, including redness, dryness, itchiness, burning and micro-cuts, try using the NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shaving Gel, Sensitive Shaving Foam or Sensitive Shaving Cream, to keep your skin looking healthy and feeling nourished.

HOW TO DO I AVOID RAZOR BUMPS AND BURNS?

Razor burn is a serious bummer, and unfortunately affects many men with sensitive skin. While razor burn isn’t always entirely avoidable, there are a number of things you can do to decrease the odds of a flare-ups. One suggestion is shaving in the direction of your hair growth rather than against it.

Which is better: wet or dry shaving?

It depends on the condition of your skin and what you're used to (e.g. a dry shave is recommended for sufferers of chronic acne). The advantage of a wet shave is thoroughness, and the advantages of a dry shave are speed and convenience. In both cases you should help your skin to regenerate quickly post shave and use the right after shave care which is enriched with moisturisers and vitamins.

What if I cut myself?

Cold water is often enough to stop small cuts from bleeding. An anti-bacterial will help stop heavier bleeding and is available at the chemist.

My skin is nearly always irritable with red spots after shaving. Why is that?

This can be caused by many things:
  • shaving against the direction of hair growth
  • pressing down too hard on the blade
  • using shaving products containing alcohol or heavy fragrance
  • rubbing your face dry with a towel instead of patting it gently
  • using an electric shaver that could catch and pull the stubble out of your skin (try using a lower setting, but consult a dermatologist if the problem persists).

I often have in-grown facial hair. How does this occur and how can I avoid it?

In-grown hairs often affect men with curly beard hair;, however,  adjusting your shaving technique can help. Instead of shaving against the grain, follow the direction of your hair growth. Also, exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and clear a path for hairs to grow out properly. Last but not least, if you have acne-prone skin which can distort the hair follicles, try using tweezers to carefully shift the hair loose so it can grow properly. However, if you see a red circle around the hair, you should visit the dermatologist.

What is the difference between shaving gels, foams and creams?

Selecting a shaving product is a matter of personal preference. The advantage of a shaving foam is that it can be used quickly and directly after spraying from the can. Shaving gel, on the other hand, is sprayed into your hand without having to shake the container. By moving it through your fingers in a circular motion, a large amount of shaving foam is created from a small amount of shaving gel. Using shaving cream traditionally helps the hair stand up, making it easier to shave.

MEN’S AFTER SHAVE QUESTIONS

HOW DO YOU SOOTHE A BURNING OR INFLAMED FACE?

NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm is here to relieve your shaved skin from irritations. The alcohol-free* formula with Chamomile and Vitamin E helps fight irritation in the form of burning, redness, dryness, tightness, inflammation and itchiness. It’s also formulated with Hamamelis to give your skin long-lasting hydration and ultimate skin comfort.

How to fix Razor burns, bumps and irritation?

Most guys have accepted the fact that bumps, irritation and redness are simply the price you pay for regular shaving. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Burns commonly occur due to insufficient lubrication, too much pressure on the skin with a blunt blade or, in some cases, bacteria festering on an old razor. Try using a sharp new blade next time you shave, along with a dense shaving product ike a cream or gel. Complement that with an alcohol-free after shave balm such as the Sensitive Post Shave Balm or Sensitive Pro Facial Balm to help calm irritation.

Do I have to use after shave?

Daily shaving exerts additional stress on the skin. Using the right after shave care with vitamins and provitamins can help counterbalance that stress. The moisture restorative after shave balms from NIVEA MEN help replenish the skin and leave it feeling smoother after shaving.

My skin is very sensitive – if I use aftershave after shaving, my skin burns. Is there anything else I can use?

Yes. The burning you're experiencing may be caused by the high amount of alcohol and perfume in your after shave. Try using a product which is odourless or lightly scented and free of alcohol as they will be kinder to your skin. The NIVEA MEN Sensitive range is offered especially for guys with sensitive and easily irritable skin.

MEN’S MOISTURISING QUESTIONS

WHAT’S A GOOD MOISTURISER THAT’S NOT OILY?

The NIVEA MEN Deep Moisturiser is a light and hydrating formula that offers your skin much needed nourishment without any greasy residue. For ultralight hydration and a matte skin look, try the DEEP Moisturiser.

What’s a good skin care routine?

For a quick and easy 4 step skin care routine, start with a moisturiser. Secondly, prep your skin with a pre-shave. An after shave is always vital to help nourish your skin. Finish your routine with a Moisturiser to lock in the goodness and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. To learn more about a personalised skin care routine catered to your specific skin type, visit our MENS SKINCARE AND GROOMING ROUTINE page.

What moisturiser should I use for my Skin Type?

NIVEA MEN have a range of products to suit the specific needs of each skin type. Try the Sensitive Range for easily irritable skin, the Protect & Care Range for dry skin, the Skin Energy Range for tired skin, the DEEP Range for combination skin and the Anti-Age Range for ageing skin. Need some help to determine your skin type? Take a short quiz to find the ideal range for your skin type.

Why do I need to use special skincare products for men?

A man's facial skin is different from a woman's in many ways. It's up to 30% thicker and contains a tighter network of fatty tissue called the subcutis. Men's skin is usually oilier and younger men are therefore more prone to blackheads and skin blemishes. 

NIVEA MEN products are specifically designed to meet men’s special skincare needs. The lightweight formulas have a higher content of moisture and smaller content of fat than women's moisturisers, making them non-greasy and quick absorbing. Given they don’t leave a sticky residue, they are also more comfortable and preferred by men.

DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY REGIME DURING THE COOLER MONTHS OF THE YEAR?

Yes. Low temperatures and the air in heated rooms dry out your skin faster. Since your skin requires more moisture at these times, it's recommended that you continue to use your normal SPF moisturiser during the day and top up your skin’s moisture level at night with richer creams like the NIVEA MEN CRÈME TIN.