How to positively persuade your husband, wife, partner, significant other, lover, on-again-off-again, teammate or enemy to start using their own skincare.

Did you catch James on his very first podcast talking to the ladies from Adore Beauty for their segment Beauty IQ?
Well, he must have really impressed them with all his chat about exfoliation, (listen here), because he was invited to return for another episode.

Crowned as the podcast’s very first return guest, this time around the topic of discussion was all about getting your significant other into skincare.

Perhaps you have a partner who refuses to take care of their skin? Or maybe they’re stealing your products and using them incorrectly? Well this episode is for you.

Being well versed in cosmeceutical skincare is not only a full-time gig and an obsession, but also a gift that those of us who are in the know, wish to bestow on those we love. A blessing and a curse.

If we know the secret to great skin and retaining our youth, it would be selfish not to share it wouldn’t it? Especially with your partner, who’s face you’ll be staring at for years and years to come.

So, convincing your husband, wife, partner, significant other, lover, on-again-off-again, teammate or enemy to get into skincare?

This is how James suggests doing so;

For those trying to convince a male to get into skincare, you may have thought, ‘is men’s skincare a gimmick or, is it the same stuff as women but in a different bottle?’

While not necessarily a gimmick, James suggests that ‘male’ skin care is usually targeted at men through the help of branding, marketing, scent and texture. As long as all these elements are inoffensive (inclusive of ingredients), they shouldn’t be seen as a ploy. Anything to get an unwilling person into honest skincare is an honourable feat.

“Looking for concern specific skincare rather than gender specific skincare is especially important when it comes to our industry being more inclusive and not appearing to isolate anyone, regardless of how they identify.”

Hear, hear, JV

As usual, skincare should be selected for skin type and concern rather than gender (or any other reason to be perfectly honest with you).
Case closed.

Actually, let’s reopen for a second.
While treating a skin concern is always best, anatomically, the skin of a man is actually a little different to its female counterpart. Men have physically thicker skin; denser in collagen due to an increased rate of testosterone production. To add, the male’s skin structure needs to support the growth of facial hair, which not only translates to a certain robustness, but (lucky for them) also means that a man with facial hair is able to conceal his skin’s imperfections which lay beneath.

“Being thicker, men’s skin can tolerate more, but not always if it’s not getting the attention it needs. Like all skins, go slowly”

James Vivian

Despite the above, lifestyle habits such as working outdoors and not using SPF correctly, can also impact the skin’s ability to fair well when proper skincare is introduced.  

So, James, if we should be considering the anatomical differences plus the effects of lifestyle for male skin, what are some of the most common concerns you see with male clients?

James shared that without a doubt, the biggest concerns have everything to do with a lack of attention. Signs of CBF can usually manifest in things like dryness, breakouts, blackheads, rogue nose hairs, dermatitis and complications from not shaving correctly. 

When prescribing products for reluctant men, James starts off with the same kickass skincare cornerstone products that he would suggest for a woman. A cleanser that actually cleans, a nourishing moisturiser and an SPF that does i’s job.
To better ease a novice into the wonderful world of cosmeceutical skincare, James recommends suggesting products that have a dual purpose. No not a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and bodywash kind of package deal (ew).
More like an exfoliating cleanser, a moisturising SPF and a serum-rich night cream.

Not a bad idea huh?

Some suggestions for dual action products are as follows;

Clarify by Cosmedix ($70) exfoliates whilst cleaning with the help of salicylic acid. This mousse-like formula targets redness, bacteria and inflammation without drying or stripping the skin.

For an SPF that wears two hats, we suggest the 2-in-1 moisturising Hydrate+ by Cosmedix ($79). This light-weight formula leaves a matt finish on the skin with no white residue, the perfect dual action protecting moisturiser.

AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($142.50) from Skinbetter Science is the ultimate dual exfoliant, featuring Vitamin A and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA). Perfect for skins skins showing signs of ageing, dullness, dryness and dehydration.

When it comes to being in a same sex couple, rule of thumb still applies. Only share skincare if you share the same skin concerns.

“Same sex couples are no different to heterosexual couples. My partner Ben and I share a cleanser and SPF, but nothing more as my skin can tolerate a lot more than his can. ”

James Vivian

A final note-

whilst sharing skincare may be more economical if concerns are paralleled, it’s important that when enticing a reluctant partner, you appeal to the ritualistic, self-care component of skincare.

Making an AM and PM routine fun, multi-sensory and results-focused is a very important factor in sparking the interest of your significant other. We know looking after the skin can be exciting and rewarding, try to play on this.

Good luck!

To listen to the full podcast episode, follow this.