Done in 60 Seconds

Even though most men don’t want to admit it, their skin needs care too. Here’s the quick route to getting healthy, touch-worthy skin.

As most women can attest, skincare is not always an easy task – which is why many men stick to the uncomplicated routine of wash and dry. Great skin is, however, possible in just seconds – if you stick to the basics and know what to do. Here’s how any man can have great skin, with minimal time and effort.

THE 60-SECOND SKIN-SAVING FORMULA

STEP 1: EXFOLIATE (30 SECONDS)
“The best way to get better-looking skin is to exfoliate once a day using a non-foaming cleanser with mechanical beads, so you’re clean without being too dry,” says Dr. Lisa Kellett, M.D., a Toronto-based dermatologist.

In the battle between mechanical and chemical exfoliants, Kellett believes most men stay away from chemicals because they’re more complicated and don’t always fit into a man’s simple routine. They are also more likely to cause peeling and flaking.

STEP 2: ANTI-AGING (20 SECONDS) 
Men are not immune to aging, so they need to use sun protection (of course this also protects from skin cancer) and a product with retinol. The latter is the only ingredient proven to reduce aging and boost collagen remodeling.

Since men have hair-bearing areas on their faces, Kellett recommends products that are clear over creams, which can be greasy. For retinols, Kellett recommends a serum, again to keep the texture of the product light for bearded areas. As for sun care, a clear spray sun block (first sprayed into hands and then applied to face) is the cleanest, easiest way for men to get the necessary sun protection.

STEP 3: ACNE-TREATMENT (10 SECONDS) 
For men who have acne, use a five per cent benzoyl peroxide-based product once or twice a day. Other products, such as facial pads soaked with salicylic acid or glycolic acid are good to use when a breakout flares up on the back or chest area.