You deserve self care too

Look good. Feel great.

Here’s the deal.

From middle school to college and beyond, you have a lot going on. You’ve got school, family, and friends. You’re playing sports, fueling your always starving body, and trying to balance studying and socializing. On top of all that, your skin’s going nuts, but it’s hard to find skincare products made for guys. If you’re starting to figure out what products are best for you, here’s what you need to know.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS

Most teens have combination skin and tend to get a few pimples or blackheads on their face, chest, and back. Many of the cleansers that target “oily skin and acne” have ingredients that end up over-drying and irritating. Because of this, dermatologists will often recommend gentle, non-soap cleansers as a start for acne-prone skin, and we follow that lead with gentle but effective ingredients.

It’s important to note that if your acne is severe (meaning super inflamed with more than ten large pimples at a time) or you see signs of early scarring (those little pits in the skin or marks left behind), seeing a healthcare provider is the best first step. A dermatologist can make recommendations for your specific skin problem and provide prescription medication. But if you’re like most of us, and need help clearing up some basic bumps and zits, you are in the right place!

GET PRODUCTS THAT ARE RESEARCH-BACKED

Spend some time researching the products you buy. Look for brands that partner or consult with a dermatologist. Key words like “hypoallergenic” and “non-irritating” are important – you don’t want your skincare regimen to contribute to your problems!

MAKE SURE YOU WILL STICK TO IT

Skincare doesn’t have to be a 20 step routine. It can be easy, but you’ve got to be consistent. Most guys find that the best products are ones that work well in the shower or thrown in a backpack or gym bag. Committing to using products for a least a month will allow your skin to soak in all of the good ingredients. Don’t give up.

GET READY TO FEEL GOOD

You deserve to feel confident in your skin. We want everyone in the Stryke Club community to find the products that work best for them, so they don’t have to spend time

KEEP UP THE FIGHT

You’ve got more questions? We’ve got lots of answers.

If I only do one thing, what should it be?

Use Everywhere Wash...everywhere...every night.

Why you shouldn’t squeeze or pick your pimples!

Try, try, try NOT to squeeze. We know YouTube is filled with videos of pimple poppers, but it’s best not to. Here’s why: most of the inflammation causing the pimple is within a hair follicle under the skin surface. Squeezing can rupture it, leaking oozy bacteria into surrounding skin and making it LARGER and WORSE, and may lead to permanent scarring. If the acne bump has a whitehead, you may put a warm washcloth on it and gently apply pressure. To summarize; best not to squeeze, but if you can’t stand it, then wait for the whitehead, use a warm washcloth and BE GENTLE. Wash and treat with Stryke Club Spot Stick afterward.

What do I do about blackheads / whiteheads?

These are pores clogged with dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells that appear enlarged. Treat them similarly to pimples: prevent by washing 2x day with Stryke Club Face First. Also, Stryke Club Calm Down moisturizer has been clinically proven to reduce the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads, so layer that into your routine for maximum benefit.

How is boys' skin different than girls' skin?

Boys’ skin is inherently different due to hormones like testosterone, which affect the oil glands and hair follicles. Males tend to get acne earlier and with worse intensity/severity than girls. Boys also have more sebaceous glands overall than females, and their skin tends to be thicker and oilier because of this increased density. That’s why Stryke Club products are uniquely formulated for boys’ skin.

How does shaving affect acne?

Acne and shaving are closely related! The friction from a razor moving over hair follicles can create microscopic cuts in the skin where bacteria can take hold and cause acne. Here’s what to do about it:

Minimize trauma while shaving. That means choosing safer razors, shaving less frequently or maybe using an electric razor.

Don't use products that foam excessively -- these can over-dry skin and make it more vulnerable to damage

Fight bacteria -- our specially formulated cleanser gently removes bacteria, before and after shaving.

Coarse hair — if you have thick or curly hair, your beard may be more prone to ingrown hairs, so it’s extra important that you wash 2x day, especially on days you shave.

How do guys skin needs evolve from teen years into adulthood?

Puberty for boys actually starts around age 10. At this time, the first surge of male hormones can start showing up on the skin. Usually small blackheads or whiteheads (called 'comedones') begin to surface. They may first show up on the forehead, ears and nose/chin. Then as time goes on and hormones increase, they impact the hair follicle/sebaceous gland unit causing more oil, enlarging the oil glands, and giving a hospitable environment to the bacteria that inhabit those glands. In many teens, this can lead to red pimples and pustules, aka “inflammatory acne,” aka zits! As boys grow into young adults, the hormones start to even out, the skin adapts, and breakouts tend to be less severe.

Other factors common in teen years: Friction from athletic gear such as helmets, chin straps, etc. can add to the problem, especially since these items may collect dirt and bacteria. Bacteria can worsen acne and lead to superficial skin infections such as folliculitis

Do things like stress, diet, lack of sleep really cause breakouts?

Short answer: Yes. Stress makes everything worse and it can definitely impact acne. So minimizing stress is key, and of course that means getting adequate sleep! Diet has been shown to have a minor role in breakouts, but generally speaking, a healthy diet low in processed sugars (read: soda, candy, junk food) and limiting dairy consumption to 2-3 servings daily can help.

How do I know if I need to see a doctor for my acne?

Here’s a basic guideline: if you have numerous, large inflamed pimples that won’t go away, even after washing your face twice a day with Stryke Club Face First, it’s probably time to see a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin care). Also, if you are getting any pits or scars on your skin, see a doctor.

What can I do for dry skin?

Combination, dry or irritated skin will benefit from regular application of a hypoallergenic, fragrance free moisturizer. When applied immediately after cleansing (when a little bit of water is still on the skin), a moisturizer acts to repair the skin barrier by locking that water/moisture in. In addition to being hypoallergenic, look for a moisturizer that will not clog pores - ie: non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. Certain oils, such as sunflower oils, are especially beneficial and proven to help restore the skin's barrier and maintain an appropriate pH balance. Boys deserve skin care products that multitask so use a moisturizer that will calm and repair your skin barrier - and fight breakouts at the same time!

Note- our moisturizer is all of these things and uses sunflower oils.