Everything
By now, you would have seen the term ‘iso skin’ thrown around the web. GRAZIA’s Beauty Editor says it could be due to a number of factors including “stress-related, diet (a wheel of cheese for dinner is fine, right?????), lack of sleep, anxiety, less time spent outside, trying new products, skipping products…”. But when it comes to men, the world of skincare can be a little daunting and the lines in what to try is a little blurred. If since iso, you’ve discovered that the local supermarket hand wash and your bath towel is no longer cutting it, we’ve brought in the experts for a little guidance.
Luckily for men, skincare doesn’t need to be complicated and thanks to Tony & Munro founders and experts Ewan Belsey and Tony Tsianakas, ICON has received the rundown on how to navigate the overwhelming territory. Thank us later.
ICON: What is your view on ‘iso-skin’? Why are men experiencing worse skin despite a slower lifestyle?
T&M: “At Tony & Munro we believe that looking after your skin, whether you’re out and about, staying at home, or going to sleep is super important – all the time. Taking care of your skin early on in life will help maintain natural collagen, elasticity and youthfulness well into your older years. Unfortunately there is still a ‘barrier to acceptance’ of men feeling its “ok” to apply more than a moisturiser to look after their skin, but that’s slowly changing. During the current lockdown, we can tend to let our routines go out the window along with our social lives. Exercise regimes, good eating habits and our ‘getting ready in the morning’ routine – along with our usual skincare practices. And just because we’re living a slower lifestyle, doesn’t mean it’s a less stressful one. With the current health, economic and social impacts, comes stress – and stress can aggravate your skin causing eczema, rosacea (red-skin undertones, visible blood vessels and blisters), rash and hives. Stress is your body’s natural chemical response to a situation, that produces the hormone cortisol which also makes your skin more oily, bringing about new acne or aggravating an existing acne condition. These and more are all important reasons for taking care of your skin during isolation. Keep up your skin care routine – use products that hydrate, enrich and strengthen the skin – and clean your skin – cold water and a gentle foaming cleanser are best – and use a repairing night cream if you can.”
Why is it just as important for men to care for their skin as it is for women?
T&M: “Men’s skin is about 25 percent thicker and generally more oily. Which means it’s less absorbent and prone to acne and other skin problems. At Tony & Munro our products have been specially formulated for Men’s skin, so they are less greasy and more absorbent. However, despite the differences, between men and women’s skin there are some similarities, like being prone to sun damage, visible signs of ageing and dehydration. That’s why you need to find some good products to counter these natural impacts of well… living. Even better if you can find an all-in-one product that does it all (better for your skin, better for your budget). At Tony & Munro, we’ve put this into practice. Our all-in-one BB Cream is slightly thicker, providing a more absorbent, non-greasy and even coverage. It’s SPF 30, which helps to fight UVA/UVB Sun damage, delaying the visible effects of ageing and is a moisture-rich formula, containing natural Kakadu Plum extract – a rich source of vitamin C, providing maximum hydration and assisting in skin elasticity.”
How can men who are new to skincare get started in this overwhelming territory?
T&M: “We say it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 – and we have designed our products that way. Start off simple, light and less is better. Your bathroom cabinet staple should be a good hydrating and lifting, moisturiser. Your day moisturiser should have an SPF, to help protect your skin from sun damage. If you’re looking for more than the basic routine start with your eyes. Your eyes and the skin around them are the most sensitive and delicate part of your face. A good hydrating eye gel or eye cream will help restore your tired eyes, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even reduce dark circles and puffiness in as little as 15 days. Next, if you want to cover up some acne spots, red skin undertones or spots, try a Correcting Concealer that covers and blemishes and brings a more even toned, smooth look to your face. And lastly, for a good day time moisturiser, why not try an all-in-one product like a BB Cream, that will hydrate, protect (SPF) and even up your skin tone at the same time. In fact if you are looking for a no fuss 1 step morning routine – BB Cream is the way to go. PRO TIP: If your skin is prone to being more oily, start with a mattifying primer. That will see you though the day, so you’re not looking shiny by the end of it and grab yourself a good skin repair night cream with a retinol or similar repairing agent. SNEAK PEAK: we’re working on these last two products at the moment.”
Tony & Munro Revive Hydrating Eye Gel / $38 AUD SHOP NOW
Tony & Munro Correcting Concealer / $46 AUD SHOP NOW
Tony & Munro Renew Nourishing BB Cream / $58 AUD SHOP NOW
Need a haircut? We have advice for that too, here.
