It’s Time You Protect — Not Moisturize — Your Skin

The problem lies in the name: moisturizer. It’s an unpleasant word – moist is right there at the front, sleazing things up – that is distinctly un-masculine. No wonder men are still wary of using it daily. It would be a shame to ignore something so important on linguistic grounds. We therefore suggest a different term: protection. Because, in the end, that’s what moisturizing is all about. You’re protecting your skin from aging prematurely, from breaking out (dry skin leads to blemishes, even in your 30s and beyond), and from developing the leathery skin of a Sherpa. So be a man: protect yourself.

The Tools

1. Kiehl’s Age Defender Moisturizer ($55)

Kiehls

Fortified with protein and linseed extract, this powerhouse cream exfoliates dead cells and lifts and tightens skin.

2. Rebels Refinery Rehab Roller Under Eye Moisturizer ($15)

Rebels

Eye rollers won’t actually erase the consequences of a late night, but they will help — and that’s all you need. Caffeine and botanicals rejuvenate the sensitive skin around your eyes. It’s like a Red Bull for your skin.

3. Menscience Advanced Face Tonic ($37) at Amazon.ca

Menscience

Yes, part of the pleasure of using a face tonic is saying the word “tonic:” it’s old school. Truth is, this is anything but. Use it to protect against enlarged pores, and to keep your skin clear and bright.

4. Clubman Pinaud 2-in-1 Beard Conditioner ($11)

Clubman

This product straddles the line between beard oil and facial cream — perfect for the men of today who are rarely completely clean shaven, but aren’t fully bearded either.

5. Biotherm Homme Aquapower Moisturizer ($34)

Biotherm

Although it sounds like something out of Star Trek, Blue Hyaluron is an organic ingredient that holds water and releases it slowly. When it meets your face, it’ll provide moisture and protection all day, without you even noticing. Maybe it’s from the future.

You’re Fighting Time Wrong

According to science, no over-the-counter product is going to really put up much of a fight against the ravages of time. That’s not to say they’re worthless — every little bit helps, after all. But if you’re relying on anti-age creams to look younger, you’re doing it wrong. You actually already know what it takes to fight aging: getting enough sleep and staying out of the sun. Ironic that the very act of enjoying your youthful vigour is what will make you age faster, but such is life.