We at Esquire know that traversing through the seemingly endless range of skincare options available can often be a little overwhelming. As a well-to-do man you obviously want to make sure that your skin is in the best nick possible. But as all well-to-do men also know, having to pester an employee about what the hell Shea Butter is and where you should actually put it can be equal parts embarrassing and exhausting.
To help alleviate this admittedly first-world problem, we’ve provided a brief breakdown of some of the jargon used in the skincare industry. Using our expert advice you’ll never have to make the mistake of putting Teatree Oil on your salad ever again.
Essential Oils
These are distillations of herbs. They’re what give plants their distinctive smells and play an important role in protecting the plant. Commonly found essentials come in varieties such as lavender, which is healing, or lemon, which is astringent.
Aloe Vera
An almost ubiquitous desert cactus that’s renowned for soothing burns. This gooey green stuff is a great anti-inflammatory is often used to help heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Shea Butter
Found in most good moisturisers, Shea Butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree that’s been used for skincare as early as Cleopatra’s Egypt. No, it isn’t edible, but it is excellent at preventing dehydration in cold weather and highly air-conditioned offices.
Proteins
No, we’re not talking about your post-gym protein shake. These proteins come from sources such as wheat, cereal or even silk. All of these contain important amino acids used in regenerative and anti-age skincare for men.
Monoi
As Jerry Maguire once famously said: “Show me the monoi!” Or, y’know, something along those sort of lines. Monoi is a special coconut oil steeped with gardenia from all the way from Tahiti. It can be found in numerous shaving and anti-age products.
Tamanu Oil
A green healing oil with regenerative properties from the South Seas. Tamanu Oil is added to the finest shave and moisturizing creams, making it ideal for those little nicks and razor burns.
Sodium Laureth & Laurel Sulphates
These pretty intense sounding bad boys are just that. Derived from palm and coconut, these are the most common substances and detergents used in products like shower gel and hair care. Because of their strength they are best used sparingly.
Vitamin A & Carotenes
You shouldn’t just be eating your vitamins, fellas. Both of these substances (traditionally found in vegetables such as carrots) are excellent in promoting cell regeneration and have anti-oxidant properties to keep the skin looking healthy, not dull.
Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide
As natural UV filters, this duo can help fight against sun damage by screening out harmful rays.
