For Men: The Complete Exfoliation Guide

To exfoliate or not to exfoliate? Sure, that’s one question you might be asking. But you may also be wondering what the heck men’s exfoliation is anyway!

We’ll skip the part where we compare your skin to sandpaper and cut to the chase — exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from your skin. Men’s exfoliation has a number of benefits. For example, exfoliate regularly and your skin will generally look and feel cleaner, fresher, and smoother.

To help you figure out how to exfoliate, the experts at SiO have put together this list of men’s exfoliation tips. These exfoliation do’s and don’ts will help you make the most of your exfoliating products and process.

Why Should Men Exfoliate?

To Remove Dead Skin Cells For Softer Skin

New skin cells are constantly being produced on your face, and eventually, they will replace your older skin cells. Leaving this dead skin on your face not only makes your skin appear flaky and dull, but it also leaves your mug looking dirty and uneven.

Men’s exfoliation scrubs (also known as exfoliators) ensure that any loose, dead skin is whisked away and washed down the drain. The result? Your skin goes back to being as smooth-to-the-touch as it was in your teens.

To Tame Ingrown Hairs

Because exfoliators dig deeper into your skin than cleansers and other washes, they are more likely to uproot pesky, ingrown hairs. Once the dead skin cells are sloughed away and hair follicles are cleared, exfoliation can help guide ingrown hairs to the light.

To Maintain A Clear Complexion

Too much sebum (oil secreted from your skin) is the main cause of skin spots that can build up over time. Using an exfoliating scrub one to two times per week will help rid your face of excess sebum that may eventually cause dark spots or an uneven skin tone.

To Add An Extra Cleanse

Over time, your skin collects excess dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that a daily cleanser simply can’t remove. Men’s exfoliation scrubs reinforce cleansers and remove excess grime and dirt from your skin while penetrating deep into your pores.

To Look Younger

Routine exfoliation can slow the signs of aging by reducing fine lines and refining your skin tone. Likewise, it can also help your other skin care products work more effectively.

Once your skin is exfoliated, further slow the signs of aging and reduce fine lines with products like SiO For Him Eye & Smile Lift.

SiO’s easy-to-use, medical-grade silicone patches target, lift, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and creases around your eyes and smile. Applying SiO patches to your recently exfoliated skin before heading to bed can help you wake up looking refreshed and younger!

To Get A Closer Shave

Does it seem like your razor never leaves you as clean-shaven as you’d like? It may be because you’re not exfoliating. Properly exfoliating can get you closer shaves by removing the dead skin cells and grime that often clog up your razor blade.

The Complete Men’s Exfoliation Guide

Choose A Quality Exfoliator

Opt for men’s exfoliation products that contain beneficial ingredients, such as glycolic acid. Glycolic acid helps dissolve bonds between cells, making it easier to buff away dead skin cells and other debris that may have accumulated on your skin.

Another benefit of using exfoliators with glycolic acid is that it aids in the growth of new skin cells. Glycolic acid encourages new skin-cell production, making your skin look younger and healthier.

Scrub Beyond Your Face

Exfoliation isn’t just for your face. In fact, dead skin cells can accumulate all over your body.

A men’s face scrub can be used on your neck, elbows, and anywhere else on your body where you may sometimes break out. This gives you more protection against skin issues like acne, ingrown hairs, and more.

Use The Right Tools

While your hands can get the job done when it comes to exfoliation, men’s exfoliating tools help you achieve the best possible results.

A men’s face brush and a pair of men’s scrubbing body gloves can give your skin a deep clean like no other. They’re even gentle enough for sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry about irritation and redness after use.

Exfoliating with the help of these specific tools allows your exfoliator to better penetrate your skin, thus resulting in the removal of more dry, flaky skin cells.

For body exfoliation, a pumice stone (a small piece of volcanic rock), loofah sponge, or gritty bar soap can do the trick on rough patches. If you’re looking for something more high-tech, consider microdermabrasion.

Stay Safe From The Sun

Exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. An SPF 30 sunblock with broad-spectrum protection should be enough to keep your skin properly protected while also helping to maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels.

Also, avoid exfoliating immediately before extended sun exposure, as this can lead to irritation and redness.

Know When To Exfoliate

Guys should exfoliate every other day (at most). If you exfoliate every day, you run the risk of irritating your skin and triggering redness and breakouts. Use your best judgment, and on your off days, opt for a gentle facial cleanser instead of ordinary bar soap.

Remember That Less Is More

When exfoliating, there’s no need to apply a ton of product. Using too much of a face scrub can lead to skin irritation. Always follow the instructions on your exfoliating product’s label, and don’t exceed the recommended amount.

Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of men’s exfoliation, let’s break down the specific steps.

The Steps Of Men’s Exfoliation

1) Prep Your Skin

For the best results, exfoliate after you've cleansed your face and rinsed thoroughly with warm water. You can use a daily facial cleanser, which is appropriate for both morning and nighttime cleansing.

This product removes all of the dirt, grime, and excess oil from your skin to prepare it for exfoliation.

2) Apply Gently

Before applying your men’s exfoliation product to your face, rub your hands together to make sure you’ve spread the exfoliator to both hands equally. This allows for even application across your entire face.

Gently massage the exfoliating scrub into your skin in a circular motion for approximately five to 10 seconds. Do not stretch or pull your skin during application.

Exfoliators can irritate your eyes, so avoid this area when applying the product to your face. If you have a beard, you may need to extend the circular rubbing motion another five to 10 seconds to make sure enough product reaches your skin.

3) Rinse Thoroughly

Once the application is complete, you will need to rinse your face thoroughly. Use lukewarm water, and be sure to remove all of the exfoliating product. Water that’s too hot may irritate your skin, so washing with water that’s at a comfortable temperature is ideal.

4) Dry Your Skin Gently

After your face is rinsed and completely free of product, gently pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. Resist the urge to rub your face with the towel, as this may lead to irritation. This is especially important if you have acne or other skin conditions.

5) Follow Up With Moisturizer

After your face is dry, apply a moisturizer to keep it well-hydrated. SiO Beauty For Him Facelift visibly erases the signs of aging by targeting lines and creases on your forehead and around your eyes and mouth.

Trusted by doctors, SiO patches provide deep hydration and help promote your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. Use the patches overnight — or even for just a few hours after exfoliation — for long-lasting improvements.

Pairing exfoliation with deep hydration adds up to the perfect recipe for awesome skin!

Men’s Skin Care Matters

Keeping your skin looking its best doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Implement these men’s exfoliation do’s and don’ts into your normal skin care routine — and remember to wear your SiO men’s patches — to maintain sleek, youthful, and healthy skin.