In his first column for TheLatch—, founder and CEO of The Blaq Group and skintrepreneur Ryan Channing, shares how men can kick-start their grooming regimen.
Over the past three years, we have seen such a significant impact in the $532 billion dollar industry that makes up the beauty and skincare space, and it is only evolving from here on out. With that said, men are more aware of their complexion than ever. The number of times my girlfriend’s tell me stories about how their partners have been secretly using their cleansers and face masks proves that men aren’t shying away from caring for their skin.
When developing my skincare brands, I knew I wanted to be inclusive and cover all concerns for everyone; there wasn’t a specific identity that I was targeting or a method in product use to maximise results. Skincare shouldn’t be stressful, that would defeat the purpose, and that’s why I want to breakdown on how you can achieve great skin on the below approach.
Know your skin type
You don’t want to be applying just any products on your face, so start by knowing what your skin type is. If your skin feels tight, your skin is likely on the dry side. A cleanser like La Roche Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel is super gentle and effective and will help your skin feel hydrated at all times. If there is shine on your nose and forehead, your skin is most likely normal/combination. I would recommend the Blaq Peel-Off Face Mask as your starting point, which helps to remove all blackheads and signs of impurities to refine and clear skin. If you notice a shine on your cheeks in addition to your forehead and nose, you most likely have oily skin, so give the Generation Clay Detoxifying Charcoal Clay Mask a go as this helps oil control for a mattified clear complexion.
Introduce products for your specific skin concern
If you’re starting to notice wrinkles and fine lines, try an anti-aging moisturiser that also includes SPF because you’re going to get double the benefits. Kiehl’s Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ is one that I swear by! Using SPF is such an important daily ritual so I’m excited to announce that The Blaq Group will be releasing one in the next few months. The application feature is everything and it is in my grooming bag everywhere I go. When you’ve spent too many late nights working on a deadline and you notice tired puffy eyes, that’s where an eye mask comes in handy. The BLAQ Hyaluronic Eye Masks are packed with hydrating active ingredients to restore and refine tired looking eyes. Top tip: I like to store them in the fridge before use for an even better cooling affect and to maximize the results. Guys, don’t shy away from keeping a lip balm in your gym bag. The Flight Mode Smooth Landing Lip and Cuticle Balm is going to be a product your girlfriend is probably going to fight you for. Chapped lips and cuticles ain’t cute.
Don’t over complicate and you must commit
Like any relationship, your skincare routine should be a commitment. You don’t have to complicate things. Keep a cleanser in the shower so that you are reminded to use it daily and have your moisturiser sitting on your bathroom vanity, next to your toothbrush, so you never forget to apply it. A skincare and grooming regiment should be as simple as brushing your teeth. Just remember to cleanse, exfoliate 1-2 times a week and moisturise with SPF daily and your next selfie with thank you for it – #NoFilter necessary.