The reluctance of many men to embrace skincare may stem from a cultural silence around the topic. Jesus, 33, highlights the particular stigma within Latino communities where discussing skincare is often discouraged among men.
“Skincare rarely comes up in conversations among Latino men. If someone brings it up, it’s not uncommon for them to be ridiculed unless an influential figure in the group endorses a product,” he explains.
David, 60, echoes this sentiment, noting that skincare discussions among men are typically limited to playful jabs about one’s appearance rather than sharing helpful tips or routines.
The journey to encouraging men to care for their skin can feel like a delicate balancing act. It involves understanding their skin’s unique needs, their personal sensitivities, and how to effectively communicate without seeming overbearing.
I vividly remember hesitating to advise an ex-boyfriend on his shaving routine to avoid hurting his feelings, despite noticing that his current products were causing irritation.
This experience, and others shared by friends and family, underscores the complexities of encouraging men to adopt skincare practices. How do we navigate these conversations to promote healthy skin without crossing boundaries?
Encouraging Skincare in a Respectful Way
- Adopt a gentle approach: Candice, 26, finds that subtlety works best, especially with her brother, who resists direct instructions. She suggests leading with observations and open-ended questions to foster a dialogue.
- Steer clear of judgement: Direct criticism can backfire, as Monique, 30, learned when trying to address her nephew’s acne, only to realize it may have caused embarrassment rather than helpful change.
- Seize opportunities in diverse settings: Jesus shares a positive experience where skincare naturally came up in conversation with a friend, leading to valuable advice and improvements in his routine.
- Leverage expertise to gain trust: Having a family member in the cosmetology or therapy field, like Jesus does, can provide a credible source of advice and encourage openness to trying new products.
- Tailor the message to the audience: Understanding whether to be direct or to offer compliments can depend on the context and the individual’s background, as Jussie, 26, notes from his experiences.
In Some Cases, Men Seek Advice Proactively
Certain men, like Okonkwo, 28, recognize the value in consulting women or experts directly, acknowledging that they often possess greater skincare knowledge. This proactive approach can sometimes lead to better outcomes than relying on male peers for advice.
The Bottom Line
Efforts to guide men towards skincare are acts of caring and should be approached with sensitivity and respect for individual preferences. Whether through direct advice, shared experiences, or professional recommendations, the goal remains to support the men in our lives in achieving healthier, more resilient skin.
