Beyond Skin Deep Essentials

Skin care isn't about looks—it's about having healthy skin at all phases of life, for both men and women. Men and women have different skin issues because of hormonal changes and lifestyle, but the importance of good skincare is not the same. From acne to sagging skin, men and women both have issues that need to be taken care of, but men and women may have them at different rates and levels.

If you think you only need sunscreen at the beach, you're mistaken. Even when working inside, UV rays can find their way through your office windows and do just as much damage. And don't even get us started on the additional skin damage from blue light on your computer screen. UVA rays are a threat all year round, causing both skin aging and cancer risks.

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Both men and women undergo hormonal changes, but women tend to be more influenced by them. For example, although acne usually subsides after puberty in most men, adult acne is more prevalent in women. Indeed, approximately 12-22% of American women aged over 20 have acne, whereas only 3% of men do. Also, a greater number of men shave their faces, which can often cause ingrown hairs that appear as pimples along the beard line, making post-shave products necessary as a preventative measure for irritation and ingrown hairs.

Despite all these differences, men can experience the same skin disorders as women, including eczema, acne, and sagging skin.

Despite all these differences, men can experience the same skin disorders as women, including eczema, acne, and sagging skin. But they tend to have these problems develop differently: men generally develop wrinkles, decreased hydration, and thinning skin in a more linear, gradual pattern, whereas women can experience more sudden changes, especially during menopause. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that there were more than 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in more than 3.3 million Americans last year alone. Scarily, skin cancer is the leading type of cancer, with 1 in 5 Americans developing it annually—but it's also one of the most avoidable. While the sun does have its advantages, its destructive nature is unquestionable.

Dermatologists stress the use of daily sunscreen with repeated reapplication during the day, not only for nice skin but for preventing sun-related skin problems as well. Yet, for males, having the appropriate concealer can also become an aid to correcting skin flaws. Though social mores claim that makeup is "not for men," such social norms are being defied more and more, all because of the influence of social media. More guys are waking up to the fact that gender roles are not set in stone, and makeup is a matter of choice. If you need to use a concealer for concealment of acne, blemishes, or dark circles, there's no need not to use it.

To find the best concealer for men, I used approximately 10 products, some made specifically for men and others targeted at women in the past. A few of the top picks serve as everyday staples, such as tinted moisturizers or sunscreen, while others provide quick solutions for last-minute cover-ups. We tested a variety of facial sunscreens across skin types, tones, and sensitivities with a panel of 30 testers who possess varying complexions. Some are centred around moisturizing, some are chemical-free, and some perform best on dark skin or under makeup.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector (SPF 30)

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Huez Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30)

Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum (SPF 45)

Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex (SPF 50)