“You look tired” is to men what “you look older” is to women. While both statements represent relatively unnecessary input from the general public, there’s no denying that it stings just a little bit. Despite external influences, you’re usually a pretty good judge of your own face. Whether you’ve noticed your fine lines becoming a little more than fine or your complexion simply looks a bit ruddy and dull, a brightening serum or treatment can help.
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A good serum is often the difference between good skin and great skin — slotting in between your cleanser and moisturiser, it’s not a difficult addition to make. With lower molecular weights than moisturisers, serums are able to penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver active ingredients that work to treat specific skin concerns. For addressing fine lines and wrinkles, a retinoid (such as retinol or retinal) is generally the best way to go.
Related: Laughed Through The ’90s? It’s Time To Try A Retinol
When it comes to combatting dull, uneven skin tone, look for potent antioxidants such as vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice, and alpha arbutin. Dull skin also requires exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, which is best achieved through chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids.
These are the 6 best men’s face serums and treatments to brighten dull and uneven skin.
1. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel
You’ve likely heard the women in your life rave about the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum. While that’s also suitable for men, the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel comes in a lightweight gel formula that’s easier to use and better suited to oily and combination skin types. “Men generally gave thicker and more active sebaceous glands [than women] which means they have oilier skin,” notes Dr Tania Romano, scientific and education communications manager at SkinCeuticals. A trio of vitamin C, phloretin, and ferulic acid work to refine skin texture, reduce discolouration, and brighten overall complexion.
2. Sunday Riley Power Couple
For a powerful one-two punch that addresses both dull skin and fine lines, this duo combines an exfoliating lactic acid product with a retinol oil to promote skin cell turnover. The Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment combines lactic acid with skin-brightening licorice to slough off dead skin cells while targeting age spots and discolouration, while the Luna Sleeping Night Oil pairs a retinol ester with soothing blue tansy and German chamomile to mitigate redness and irritation. Best used together as an overnight treatment, apply the Luna Sleeping Night Oil onto clean skin and layer the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment over it. You’ll wake up with brighter and — dare we say — glowing skin.
3. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Oftentimes, dull skin is simply dehydrated skin. Rather than slathering on moisturiser with the fervour of a brickmason laying concrete, simply applying a hydrating serum first can be the key to lasting hydration and in turn, more supple skin with less visible lines. The SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier teams failsafe hydrator hyaluronic acid with botanical extracts of licorice extract and purple rice to encourage moisture retention and promote plumper skin. Follow up with a moisturiser to lock it in.
Related: Face Off; The Best Moisturisers For Men Will Keep You Looking Younger For Longer
4. Alpha-H Midnight Reboot
A pioneer when it comes to glycolic acid, Alpha-H knows how to create a hardworking serum. The multi-active Alpha-H Midnight Reboot teams glycolic acid with granactive retinoid, which both work overnight to exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production (which decreases after the age of 25). After an overnight application, skin is smoother and brighter, while consistent use reduces fine lines and wrinkles as well as any dark spots and discolouration.
5. Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides
Looking to correct severe age spots and hyperpigmentation? This hardhitter — which comes in two separate bottles for the sake of freshness — works to reverse dark spots induced by sun exposure as well as pigmentation left behind after acne, using a patented trio of peptides. Oxyresveratrol and tetrapeptide-30 brighten the skin while inhibiting the production and action of tyrosinase which leads to melanin overproduction, while acetyl glycyl beta-alanine brightens and prevent melanin from reaching the skin cells. A hydrating base of hyaluronic acid lightly plumps skin and keeps it looking supple and balanced while the serum works.
6. Paula’s Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
Ideal for guys with oily, breakout-prone skin who are also experiencing dullness. An unfussy weekly or bi-weekly treatment, this powerful exfoliant addresses a plethora of concerns in a short amount of time. Alpha-hydroxy acids of lactic, mandelic, malic, and tartaric acid slough off dead skin cells and work to reduce discolouration and refine rough skin, while salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, decongests pores and prevents breakouts. With consistent use, skin tone is more even and texture is smoother.
Words by John Deckard
Feature image courtesy of Bjorn Iooss for Mr Porter
