I have been working in the wellness industry for many years, and over that time I have watched something change. Men are now taking care of their skin, and I see it more every season. The number of men who use skincare has risen by around 20% over the last five years, and it matches what I notice in my work: guests who once asked only for a massage now ask about their skin as well, and they ask very good questions. Skin care matters just as much for men as it does for women, and in a climate like ours it matters even more. The sun is strong, the sea air carries salt, air conditioning dries the skin indoors, and a daily shave adds further stress. Dehydrated skin often reacts by producing extra oil, so even men who describe their skin as oily benefit from hydration. The good news is that a short routine, kept up regularly with quality products, is enough.
A Simple Routine for the Caribbean
Everything begins with a proper cleanse. Morning and evening, I recommend a gentle gel or cream cleanser with lukewarm water. Hot water and traditional bar soap tend to strip the skin and leave it feeling tight, and tight skin in a hot climate easily becomes irritated skin. The evening cleanse matters most, since it removes sunscreen, sweat and salt and prepares the skin for what comes next.
After cleansing, a light serum applied to slightly damp skin adds extra care, and I like formulas rich in antioxidants or soothing, hydrating ingredients, chosen to suit each guest’s skin. A lightweight gel-cream moisturiser, with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, then keeps the skin comfortable without feeling heavy. Remember the neck and the area around the eyes, which often shows tiredness first after long days in the sun and wind.
Sun Protection Comes First
Sun protection deserves the most attention. If I could keep only one product in a man’s routine, it would be a broad-spectrum sunscreen. I follow the guidance of the American Academy of Dermatology: SPF 30 at a minimum, SPF 50 where possible, applied generously and reapplied every two hours and after swimming.
Many men skip sunscreen because they dislike the texture, so I suggest a lightweight fluid or a tinted mineral formula that sinks in without a white cast. A product that feels good is the one that gets used. Apply it to the face, ears, neck and the back of the hands, and to the scalp if the hair is thinning. A day at Gouverneur shows why this matters, because the pale sand and clear water reflect light back onto the face and the exposure is higher than it feels.
The Shave, Done Well
The shave deserves care too. Warm the skin first with water, use a quality shaving cream or oil, and keep the blade clean and sharp. Shave in the direction of hair growth, rinse with cool water and finish with a soothing balm, preferably one without heavy alcohol. When the schedule allows, an evening shave gives the skin time to settle before the next day in the sun.
Give It a Little Time
Consistency matters more than the number of products. A few minutes in the morning and a few minutes in the evening, kept up for several weeks, will show in how your skin looks and feels. A long list of products adds little compared with the habit itself, and changing products every week gives the skin no chance to respond. Choose a few good ones and stay with them.
Looking After Your Skin After the Sun
At the end of a long day outdoors, the skin needs recovery time. After cleansing, a soothing after-sun product, such as one with aloe, followed by a slightly richer moisturiser, helps the skin feel calm again. If the skin feels warm or sensitive, skip any exfoliation that evening and keep things gentle. Once a week, a gentle exfoliation and a hydrating mask clear away the dullness that sun and salt leave behind. A sunburn that is severe or painful deserves the attention of a doctor, and a yearly skin check with a dermatologist is a sensible habit for anyone who spends this much time in the sun.
A Facial, Tailored to Your Skin
Alongside a daily routine, a professional facial gives the skin a deeper level of care, and we have many facials to choose from. Our Signature Facial Collection ranges from deep cleansing to sculpting massage, and includes treatments such as Hydrating, Radiance Boost, Purifying, Gentle Peel, Kobido and Sculpting Face Massage. The right one is chosen for each guest after a conversation about their skin, their lifestyle and the climate they spend time in.
A facial can take place in your villa, residence or aboard your yacht, in complete privacy. If you would like a routine and a facial designed around you, I would be delighted to hear from you. Contact me and we will begin.
Rebecca San
Founder, Signature by Rebecca San