August 12, 2019
5 Must-Have Summer Skincare Brands for Men
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Summer fun can wreak havoc on your skin. Whether you're pool hopping in Palm Springs or strutting your stuff along Provincetown's Commercial Street, those rays can give you a sun-kissed glow that quickly turns to dry and damaged. Fortunately, a terrific range of products can hydrate and replenish your skin with essential nutrients to keep you fresh-faced into fall.
Ceylon Skincare Set
Co-founders Patrick Boateng II and Blake Rascoe founded Ceylon by Anim Labs specifically for men of color. Named after the black tea that was used in early formulations, Ceylon offers a suite of products that are gentle, soothing and reparative – and most importantly – suited for men with higher levels of melanin. Though increased levels of melanin offer a certain level of protection from UV rays, its cells can react to inflammation. Additionally, hydroquinones and other retinoid creams may bleach skin, causing uneven tone and blotchiness. Ingrown hairs can also be problematic for men of color with curved hair follicles.
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The three-part system includes a detoxifying facial wash, hydrating toner and clarifying moisturizer. The gentle wash features tea tree oil and lavender, and is non-foaming and non-comedogenic, which means it won't block your pores! The tonor offers a boost of hydration and balances the skin's pH level, while the final moisturizer formulates alpha hydroxyl acids to help with skin clarity and even skin tone. ($34.95 for three-part skincare set)
Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream
The calendula-based products from Kiehl's have been a cult favorite for years, with dedicated customers using the cleanser, toner and mask as part of their daily skincare routine. This spring, the brand launched its first-ever leave-on calendula formulation, and it's a stunner for summer.
According to Kiehl's, "on application, the serum infusion transforms and delivers hundreds of micronized calendula petal parts and calendula extract directly to the skin." The Mediterranean flower has been part of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. When Kiehl's scientists started working with the flower, they discovered beneficial compounds, which boost skin's radiance, improve texture, and improve the look of fine lines. (1.7 oz. $45)
Paris Hilton ProD.N.A.
She's come a long way since her days living "The Simple Life" with Nicole Richie. Hilton founded Hilton Lifestyle Group in 2016, rolling out a series of skincare products with a serious amount of research and wow factor. Partnering with Italian dermatologist Valeria Sadigh Ershadi, MD, the five-product bundle offers an array of benefits as well as stunning packaging suitable from make-up and dopp kits alike.
The lift and firm eye cream ($78), face and d�colletage cream ($75) and advanced recovery serum ($115) are neutral in scent, but deliver powerful properties. If you're going to go for one, choose the serum, which features an enzyme formula derived from marine microalgae, which helps reduce the visible signs of aging (or too many cocktails).
For a bit of glitzy fun, the gold peel-off mask ($46) removes dead skin cells and pollutants, leaving a radiant (if somewhat shimmery) finish for a night out.
Yon-Ka Paris for Men
Leave it to the French to come up with a men's skincare line that's as stylish as it is effective. Yon-Ka Paris relies on essential oils and plant extracts to deliver noticeable results. For non-fussy guys, its line of six products checks all the boxes for an easy-to-follow skincare regiment.
The under eye gel ($46) is our pick of the bunch for a medicine cabinet must-have. For a deep clean several times a week, try the foam scrub ($34), made with bamboo silicon, jojoba beads and a proprietary blend of lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme essential oils.
Rawceuticals
New York City-based emerginC has been at the forefront of responsible and sustainable skincare for more than 20 years. Its Rawceuticals line doesn't come cheap, but you get what you pay for when it comes to top-of-the-line formulations.
The Blend (50 ml, $120) is a cold-pressed, emollient paste that quickly absorbs into the skin, activated by black cumin, hemp, Kakadu plum, virgin coconut and more. It smells so deliciously complex (think vegetal marzipan) but stick to the skin with this one – your face will appreciate it.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
