Tips For Men

A man's skin is approximately 15% thicker than a woman's, and is generally firmer, showing signs of againg less rapidly. However, once the aging process begins, typically around the age of 40, collagen and elastin production decreases dramatically causing the skin to show rapid and visible signs of aging with the emergence of deep wrinkles. Effective skin care can slow and reduce againg, restoring firmness and elasticity to the skin.

Active sebaceous glands cause men's skin to be oilier with larger pores and a richer blood supply. Regular deep clensing is a necessity to maintain a healthy complexion. Men's skin is also more prone to be dehydrated due to daily or frequent shaving. No matter your skin type, it is important to maintain a regular skin care regimen to keep pores clear, and skin vibrant and healthy looking.

Body Care

The skin on the body is just as important as the skin on the face and therefore deserves the same amount of care and attention. Daily use of a good body wash and lotion is essential to maintaining healthy, conditioned skin.

Applying body lotion to slightly damp skin will help retain moisture. For best results, apply body lotion just after a bath or shower.

Hot water robs skin of moisture. It is best to shower in lukewarm water or try to keep showers brief in order to avoid over-drying the skin.

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to help hydrate the skin from the inside out.

Moisturizing

Regular shaving causes men’s skin to experience a significant amount of dehydration. Regular use of a good moisturizer prevents moisture loss in the top layer of the skin, promotes water retention and replenishes lost moisture.

A good face moisturizer should be rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, nutrients (anti-oxidants), botanical extracts, emollients and oils. These ingredients help to prevent skin damage caused by the sun, pollutants, lifestyle and other environmental factors.

Shaving

The best time to shave is in, or immediately following, a shower or cleansing. Wash the face and neck thoroughly in warm/hot water prior to shaving for easier hair removal. Alternatively, you can apply a hot moist towel to the face for 2 to 3 minutes prior to shaving in order to soften the skin. The warmth of the towel swells the hair shaft, allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin.

Always use a sharp blade. A dull blade is responsible for many shaving cuts as it drags over the face and catches the skin along with the hairs of the beard. Rinse the blade in warm water often, as this will keep the skin moist, soft and less prone to damage. Use short even strokes rather than long strokes to achieve a smoother shave.

A lot of foam and lather is not necessary for a great shaving experience. Many grocery and drug store shave creams contain harsh chemicals that “foam up” the product. Some of these foaming agents can be irritants that may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation.

Exfoliating

Exfoliation is a crucial part of any skin care regimen for men. It rids the skin of dead skin cell build up that can cause skin to appear thick and dull while helping to dislodge ingrown hairs from beneath the upper layers of the skin.

Abuse and trauma caused by regular shaving makes the skin work harder to produce excess skin cells in an effort to protect and repair itself. It is crucial to pay close attention to the shave area when exfoliating in order to remove excess buildup of skin cells, eliminate and release ingrown hairs, and reduce the occurrence of razor bumps.

Cleansing

Daily face cleansing will keep pores unclogged, which in turn can reduce a variety of skin conditions. Common problems facing men include pimples, ingrown hairs, and blackheads, which can leave discolored marks on the skin's surface.

Regular bar soaps are detergent-based and can strip delicate facial skin of necessary moisture, leaving it dry and flaky. Use of a light conditioning facial cleanser, free of harsh chemicals, will maintain a healthy moisture balance and preserve softness.