From Taboo To Trend: Skin Care Is A Man's World Too

Gather around, men, heres a question for you. How much effort do you put into your personal grooming?

Are you the three-in-one type of guy whose body wash, shampoo and conditioner are all in one jar, and who moisturises only with milking or petroleum jelly?

Are you among those men who would rather be bludgeoned to death than exfoliate their skin because word has it that it is a feminine thing?.

For your armpits, you have an ordinary roll-on, perhaps a normal deodorant becauseafter all, you are not a caveman. Did you forget that in this era of hugging, your sweat musk is your net worth, or do you just not care?

Thing is, most men do the least as far as their grooming is concerned. Instead they carry on with whatever keeps them looking alive and presentable.

Given, good looks and aesthetics are not an aspiration of many men. But, basic skin care routine is something all men need to practice.

For ages, skin care has been viewed as a modern phenomenon and a preserve of women.

History of mens use of cosmetics and skincare is inextricably linked to ideas about femininity, masculinity, hygiene and appearance.

Mens skincare has a long a history in India too. Indian men as well as women used a wide range of cosmetics and skincare products including facemasks, facial oils, perfumed bath powders and even lip salve.

In China, archaeologists found a bronze jar of moisturiser dating to around 700 BC in the tomb of a wealthy nobleman, which suggests that men in the country at the time were taking good care of their skin.

Mens attitude toward skincare however changed in the 19 Century. During the world war, a lot of men favoured big, bushy beards that emphasised their masculinity. With a focus on hygiene and beard care, facial soaps and beard oils were the main skincare products used then.

However, with the rise of the cosmopolitan man, the old habits of mens skin care routines have begun creeping back thanks to globalisation, liberation and skin care education.

Three metro men who are loyal adherents of daily skin care routines share their views.

His Instagram handle is @thedapperbrother, and Mr Kagiri is determined to be a real dapper brother. He holds in the highest regard celebrated American record producer Pharrell Williams who, despite being 50 years of age, still spots a seemingly ageless complexion, and a flawless skin.

Pharrell is among male celebrities known to maintain a robust skin care routine that has always been a subject of discussion.

He once said, Exfoliate like a madman. Remove those dead layers of skin as much as you can, thats what keeps you fresh. He is someone whose skincare routine I find particularly admirable. At 50 his commitment to maintaining healthy skin is evident in his appearance.

Former England footballer David Beckham is another celebrity whose self-care habits I find very admirable. Since the early 2000s he has been the face of the metrosexual man, and even now, aged 48, he still is, he says.

Inspired by these two celebrities, Mr Kagiri felt the need to take proactive steps as far as personal grooming is concerned, and the first step was starting a skin care routine.

To be honest, I just wanted to maintain healthy skin, prevent premature ageing, and boost my overall confidence. I believe that skincare is a form of self-care that plays a significant role in our wellbeing, both physically and mentally, he says.

In the last seven years, Mr Kagiri has remained loyal to his skin care regime and has never dropped the ball.

I have two different routines, for mornings and evenings. In the morning, I will cleanse my face with a gentle cleanser just to get rid of the sweat, oil and dirt that may have accumulated on my face. Ill then apply a serum. Serums are skincare products that contain a high concentration of active ingredients to address specific skin concerns. Currently Im using a Vitamin C serum to brighten my skin and reduce dark spots on my face. Then Ill use a moisturiser to hydrate my skin, and finally, sunscreen, to protect my skin from the suns harmful UV rays. Aside from my face, I also moisturise my entire body, not just the visible parts.

In the evenings, I cleanse, but then I apply a retinol serum which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and then I moisturise. I only exfoliate once a week using a chemical exfoliate to remove dead skin cells from the surface of my skin. I also dr