paid collaboration with Mend Skincare

Before lockdown, I sat down with Matthew Hughes from Mend Skincare over an espresso to discuss all things male grooming. Matthew gave me his 5 essential skincare tips that every man should follow to achieve the ultimate complexion.

1: Look after your skin. It’s all too easy (particularly when we are young) to neglect our skin and not invest in a quality skincare program. Not only that, but it’s one of those things that most guys only really start to regret not doing. Once they reach an age where a lot of the damage is irreversible and has already been done (but it is never too late to start taking some care). The smallest bit of TLC every day can pay dividends when it comes to taking care of your skin.

2: Don’t pick your spots. If you have a lot of blackheads or suffer from acne, go and see a dermatologist or facialist. A specialist can help advise on specific treatments to deal with them. Opt for a retinol cream like this one to treat and repair imperfections. If you keep picking at spots, they will lead to scars and leave lasting damage that can remain for a lifetime. And don’t just think that you have spots because your skin isn’t clean enough. Over-zealous cleaning can be just as bad for casing spots as not cleansing at all. 

3: You don’t have to spend a fortune to get great results. It’s easy to get swayed at department stores with big-name skincare brands who promise you the world. Many have tempting giveaways and gifts that catch your attention. A lot of the time, the hard-earned money that you are spending is used in marketing. Rather than being invested in the quality of the ingredients. Look for simple, straightforward skincare products that do what they say they do. Sway away from the marketing machine.

4: It’s a myth that you have to keep changing brands because your skin gets used to a particular formula. It’s a popular one. The idea that somehow if you keep using the same product, it becomes less effective over time. It just isn’t true. If you find a product that you like, stick to it. And while you’re at it, don’t feel compelled to use the same skincare brand for everything. While it might look nice on your bathroom shelf, it isn’t essential – It is okay to mix and match.

5: Sun cream is really important to help reduce signs of ageing. It’s easy to pass it off as not important if you’re not spending the day on the beach. Sun damage accounts for a lot of the signs of ageing. Photoaging is what causes the skin to develop dark patches, fine lines and wrinkles. It can be the cause of skin cancer too. A good Vitamin C Serum can also help to increase the protective powers of a good sunscreen. Don’t just save the SPF for your summer holidays. Make sure you use it whenever you are outdoors for more than 15 minutes – even on cloudy days. 

In 4 easy steps, Mend Skincare covers the ground basics for men who want to take their skincare routine to the next level.