Why Men’s Skin Care?

Over the past five years a significant amount of interest has been shown in Men’s skin care, and men's skin care products, more so than any other time in history. Prior to an emphasis in men’s skin care, men were left to shop for Women’s skin care products, and pretend to be purchasing them for the woman in their life, to avoid embarrassment. Or, worse, avoid any skin care regimen at all.

With this former lack in specialty men’s skin care products, some may wonder how important a daily male skin care regimen actually is. And the answer to that - very important.

Men have major advantage over women when it comes to caring for their skin: exfoliation. While women are left to use harsh exfoliants to remove dull, dead skin cells from the epidermis of their face, men receive a very thorough exfoliation on a daily basis when they shave their face.

However, that is where the advantages end. The facial skin of a Male’s face contains not many similarities to that of a woman. How does a man’s facial skin differ from that of a woman?

* The layers of the skin are thicker
* Pores are larger
* Oil glands are larger and produce much more oil.

Now, let’s discuss a few things that men should NEVER do to their face:

1. Never use the same bar of soap to cleans your face that you use to cleanse your body. The ingredients in bath soap are very harsh and drying. They will strip your face of natural, necessary oils that keep the face soft, and it will leave an invisible film behind to keep the face looking dull and lack-luster.

2. Never use hot water to shave or cleanse the face. Hot water will stimulate oil glands to produce more oil than necessary and can damage sensitive blood vessels lying near the skin’s surface creating blotchy, red skin.

3. Never shave too close to the skin. Although we all want a smooth face free of the slightest bit of stubble, close shaving is the number 1 cause of razor bumps.

4. Never finish a shave by using an after shave product with a high alcohol content [unless it's a fatty alcohol]. In addition to drying the face, the alcohol may cause an allergic reaction. Not to mention that it is very painful should you have a small cut or skin irritation.

Every man should include the following in a skin care regimen:

1. Find out what type of skin you have: dry, oily, normal, combination, and use skin care products tailored to your particular needs. This question is vital when considering your choice of skin care products. As the climate and environment changes, it is possible that you may go through phases of different skin types.

• Normal: Neither exceedingly oily, nor dry, without discolorations or variations in pigment, generally blemish free. To keep your skin looking good follow a skincare routine that includes washing with a good quality facial wash twice a day and a scrub once or twice a week. Use a lightweight moisturizer morning and night.

• Oily: Shiny or slick appearance, with enlarged pores, and possible patches of flakiness around the nose area where oil collects and dries. Keep your face as clean as possible by using a good quality, all- natural facial wash twice a day and a mild alcohol-free and oil-free moisturizer. Use only natural, gentle products and stay away from soap. A gentle astringent and deep cleaning masque will also help tighten pores and soak up extra oil.

• Dry: Flaky and lackluster, sometimes ashen in appearance, and tight with a lack of elasticity. Obviously, dry skin needs a good moisturizer. Use it in the morning and before bedtime. Around your eyes, make sure to use moisturizers specifically for that area. Avoid products that contain alcohol and don’t use soap on your face. Soap strips the face of its moisture.

• Combination: Oily on the chin, forehead and cheeks, dry near the hair and jaw lines with patches of flakiness. Keep your skin clean by washing with a mild cleanser twice a day. Moisturize the dry area with a rich moisturizer; and control oily areas with large pores by applying a toners or mask after cleaning. Because combination skin is so sensitive, use skin products that are light formula with no fragrances.

• Sensitive: Blotchy, irritated, and prone to rashes and redness, with broken capillaries. You should use mild, natural products for your skin care regimen. Avoid anything containing harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrance. Don't use soap and always select products designed for sensitive skin. Never use low-quality shaving products that don't create an adequate barrier between the blades and your face.

2. Use warm water, or even better, cold water to shave and rinse your face. The lower temperature will save your face from broken capillaries and your oil glands will not go crazy with their oil production. Cold water also helps to close open pores to keep irritation cause by shaving to a minimum.

3. Consider using a pre-shave product to moisten the skin and soften the beard. It will make shaving easier and will prepare the skin to help avoid razor burn, ingrown hairs, and small cuts and nicks.

4. After shaving, be sure to rinse the skin thoroughly. Leaving behind small traces of shaving cream and pre-shave products can dry the face.

5. After shaving, use a soothing cream or gel to help cut down on skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and repair the skin from shaving damage.

6. Apply a daily moisturizer with an SPF, even if it is only minimal. Any sun exposure during the day opens the skin to damaging UVA and UVB rays which will age the skin and leave you susceptible to melanoma, the most common form of skin cancer. If you use a topical medication for acne or other skin problems, use an even higher SPF as your risk of sun damage is higher. You should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 everyday, even in the winter!

7. Experts recommend that drinking water equal to half of your body’s weight (in ounces) is a healthy way to promote great skin.

8. If you experience skin problems such as acne, bitchiness, frequent breakouts, sunburn, etc. address them with additional products and treatments, in addition to your daily skin care. If you see a mole or freckle emerge, contact your dermatologist immediately to have it inspected to ensure it is not something more than a mole or freckle.