For most of history, men’s skin care routines consisted of washing, shaving, and splashing on aftershave. This newest generation of men is learning that a good skin care routine can preserve their youthfulness, reduce acne outbreaks and ingrown hairs, and promote general good health. First impressions can be extremely important, especially in the business arena and one’s social life, and are often based on physical appearance.
A good skin-care routine will improve the way you look and feel. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and the primary part of our immune system that protects us from environmental pollution and the effects of heat, cold, sun, and wind. It regulates the body temperature, insulates internal organs, helps our internal organs expel excess waste products, and synthesizes Vitamins B and D.
Male skin tends to be thicker and oiler than female skin, with larger pores and less tendency to wrinkle until later in life. Men often don’t get fine wrinkles like woman, but larger creases and folds in the skin. Until recently, most men regarded a skin-care routine “sissy stuff,” but many manufacturers of skin care products are developing products formulated especially for the male skin. Just like women, men have different skin types, oily, dry, or a combination, and it can be confusing trying to choose from the array of products available. A dermatologist or trained skin-care professional should be able to help you choose the right products for your skin type.
Shaving is one area where many men make mistakes that can damage their skin. Many shave “against the grain” for the closest shave, but this method can roughen the skin and contribute to ingrown hairs and subsequent infections. Shaving with the grain will reduce the chance of ingrown hair and keep the skin smoother. For special occasions, when you want a particularly close shave, shave with the grain first to remove most of the hair and then shave against the grain. Just don’t do it too often! Shave after showering, while the skin is still moist and the whiskers are softened, and lather well. Rinse the razor often while shaving; debris caught between the blades contributes to nicking.
Manly” soaps like Irish Spring, and most other bar soaps, are really detergents and are bad for skin. Use a non-drying soap or soap substitute to wash the face. Once or twice a week, use an exfoliant after cleansing your face. As dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, they trap oil and dirt which contribute to rough skin and blemishes. Removing these dead cells allow fresh, new skin cells to come to the surface and you will have smoother, clearer skin.
Chemical exfoliants, in cream or lotion form, contain AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid), BHA (bet-hydroxy acid), or Vitamin A. These chemicals may produce a slightly tingly sensation, or irritate sensitive skin. Physical exfoliants such as a Loofah sponge or facial scrubs containing tiny bits of grit (usually ground almond or walnut shells) can also remove dead skin cells and leave a fresher, younger appearance. Be careful not to over-abrade, which can also cause redness and irritation.
Poor skin care can aggravate acne, but dirty skin and poor diet are not always to blame for pimples. Hormonal changes or certain medications may contribute to the problem. As tempting as it is, don’t squeeze a pimple! This can spread the oils beneath the skin, encouraging more acne, and cause infection and scarring. OTC products containing benzoyl peroxide can help dry up pimples quickly, but can be drying to the surrounding skin, so use them sparingly and only on the zit itself. Otherwise, just grin and bear it and hope the thing goes away soon! Severe cases of acne should be treated by a dermatologist.
After cleansing the face and shaving apply an all-natural aftershave or herbal toner to close pores and remove any leftover residue. Don’t use products with an alcohol base, which can be drying to the skin and has no real benefit except a slight astringent quality. Apply a moisturizer after the toner. Some moisturizing products contain glycolic acid, which reduces the effects of aging. Avoid products with a mineral oil or petroleum base, which can clog pores. Those with sensitive skin may want to use fragrance-free skin care products. It is usually the fragrance that irritates the skin.
No good article on skin care will neglect to mention the sun’s effect on our skin. Many signs of aging including wrinkles, splotches, brown spots, rough skin and broken blood vessels can be blamed on overexposure to the sun. Use a sunblock on your face as well as on the rest of your body, and wear a hat when outdoors. Some moisturizers are available that contain sunblock, so you don’t have to spend money on two different products. The closer a part of our body is to the sun, the more UV radiation it receives, leaving the face and neck particularly vulnerable to skin cancers.
A good skin-care routine does not mean you have to spend a lot of time in front of a mirror! The few minutes it takes each morning can make a difference, and help you to retain a youthful appearance and healthy skin function!
