This article has been syndicated from The Outlet.

Beauty has not often been associated with men’s health in our society the same way it has been for women. This is especially the case when it comes to skincare. And while attitudes are beginning to change— and change quickly, at that — I’m sure I speak for plenty of men when I say that the huge variety of skincare products, multi-step skincare regimens, ‘do’s & dont’s’ and changing trends can make beauty seem pretty overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve asked a local beauty and skincare expert to help out. We caught up with Anna Mitsios, naturopath, nutritionist and founder of the incredible Aussie wellness brand, Edible Beauty for some choice beauty advice for men.

Keep scrolling for Anna’s top tips on getting started with better skincare.

Men’s Skincare Basics

It’s no secret that some people’s beauty regimes can be pretty complicated. Anyone who has lived with a skincare pro has probably seen shelves full of toners, cleansers, foaming gels, serums, elixirs... the list goes on!

If you find yourself at a total loss for where to start with such a huge variety of products, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

“It can definitely be overwhelming,” Anna says. “I always recommend that men who are not used to using any products take small yet very effective steps.” 

So what are Anna’s top tips for cutting through the noise and getting right down to the basics?

1. Use a Cleansing Milk

“Using a purifying milk cleanser is the perfect start to more clear, hydrated and smooth skin,” Anna explains. And regardless of how you feel about beauty, who doesn’t love that?

Milk cleanser is a great first step to any skincare routine, because “it leaves skin feeling super hydrated and supple, as well as clean,” Anna advises. 

Milk cleansers are usually recommended as a gentler alternative to regular face wash. For people with dry, sensitive skin, foaming products often dry the skin out even more, which can lead to breakouts. 

Anna recommends avoiding these types of products altogether, as it’s always better to “remove sebum, bacteria and impurities without stripping the skin of its acid mantle.” And this is exactly how Edible Beauty’s No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk works.

2. Moisturise and Hydrate

While cleansing milks are a great first step to keeping your skin clean and hydrated, there are a couple of further basic steps that Anna recommends.

“Once a cleanser is introduced, the rest is super easy! A lightweight moisturiser or water gel can lock in moisture, which means hydrated, firm and nourished skin,” Anna explains. 

This is especially important coming into the summer. Our skin tends to lose more moisture in the summer, as we spend more time in air conditioning as well as in the sun and heat. 

Edible Beauty’s No. 4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion is up to the task. Lightweight, silky smooth and rich with antioxidants, this moisturiser will leave your skin soft and protected after every use.

“I also recommend remembering to hydrate on the inside, a simple tip yet often forgotten about,” Anna explains. And there are plenty of ways to do this as part of your everyday diet, including “water-rich vegetables, hydrating fruits and water or herbal teas.”

3. Natural Collagen Production

Collagen is all the rage in the wellness industry right now, and not without good reason. The many kinds of collagen found in the body are essential in skin, bones and muscles and tendons. 

So, naturally, supporting your body’s collagen production is a great choice for health in general.

It also has plenty of benefits in beauty, especially for men. As Anna explains, collagen has been associated with everything from “smoother skin, joint health, stronger nails” all the way to “supporting connective tissue repair and hair growth, which can often be more concerning for men than women.”

There are a couple of ways you can support your body’s natural collagen production and these can fit easily into your skincare routine. One way is to apply the No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum before moisturising. This provides your skin with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which “can boost antioxidant intake and collagen production,” Anna says.

There’s also the option of collagen-promoting supplements. 

“I recommend using a plant-based collagen for both men and women,” Anna explains. “This provides your body with exactly what it needs to support healthy collagen production.”

Working from the inside and out is the best way to ensure that your body’s natural processes are in good shape, and this is bound to benefit your body in more than just beauty.

“The bonus is that it is rich with Vitamin C, so it supports energy and immunity as well as skin and hair health,” Anna advises. Check out Edible Beauty’s Native Plant-Based Collagen Powder for a surefire way to align your diet with your beauty regime.

So there you have it. Getting started with better skincare doesn’t have to mean keeping a million and one products on the bathroom shelf or staying on top of every trend in the beauty world. 

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to healthier, more youthful and radiant skin. And what wonders supporting your own natural looks can do for your confidence!