Skincare 101 - For the everyday male
If you want to make a good impression, your skin is the first place to start. In saying that, I don’t mean spending hours in front of the mirror or stealing your girlfriend’s fancy skincare products.
While some men’s skincare routines consist of a cheap disposable razor, a bar of soap and some Old Spice – the average man’s skin needs a bit more attention. From shaving and acne, here are some tips on how you can achieve healthy skin, which guys, we all know you all want!
DON’T SHAVE AGAINST THE GRAIN
Many men shave against the direction of hair growth because they get a closer shave. But what happens when you do this though? The blade often nicks the buried surface of the hair follicle and creates inflammation.
The solution? Shave in the direction that feels smooth.
LATHER UP WITH WATER
At one point in time, we have all experienced the pain of shaving dry skin. The friction from the blade leads to multiple passes with the razor, increasing the chances of cuts, acne and ingrown hair.
Using shaving cream alone isn’t just the answer though. Those with sensitive skin in particular, should shave in the shower or immediately after. Why? Your hair and skin is softer which makes it easier to shave.
ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT RAZOR?
Four blades. Five blades. Battery powered. What is the right razor for you? For those with sensitive skin, prone to acne or ingrown hairs, less is more.
Ingrown hairs happen most often in people with curly, coarse, or hair that grows in different directions. If you cut it short, as it grows out, it tends to plunge into the adjacent skin creating little red bumps. The multi-blade razors allow you to shave nicely in one pass, so for people who are irritated by multiple shaves, this would help.
For those who have ingrown hairs, a two-blade razor is your best option as it doesn’t cut as close.
VOID AFTERSHAVE & SCENTED PRODUCTS
Many of these products contain dyes and scents that can aggravate your skin. Unscented or fragrance-free doesn’t mean it’s free of fragrance as brands use what are call, ‘masking fragrances’.
WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN
Aftershaves are more for the fragrance, they tend to sting, and they’re not good for people with sensitive skin at all. You’re better to apply a light, oil-free moisturiser while the skin is still damp.
WATCH FOR ACNE TRIGGERING PRODUCTS
Acne is not just a teen problem, it’s something that many men carry well into their adult life. On average, men have slightly more oily skin (than women) because testosterone stimulates sebum production in the hair follicles. One way you can prevent an unpleasant breakout is to use oil-free skincare products.
AVOID TOO MUCH MOISTURISER
What moisturiser should you use?
Best option would be an oil-free moisturising lotion. Creams tend to be heavier, and may clog pores. A moisturiser should be applied when the skin is damp, usually after washing your face or after you’ve had a shower.
DO STAY HYDRATED
Lotion is only half of the hydration equation. Skin needs moisture from the inside out as well. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of H2O a day. Also, the less alcohol and caffeine you consume the better your skin will be for it as both can make you dehydrated. Drinking coffee or booze along with food and water can help counter the dehydrating effects.
DON’T OVERDO SUGAR
High-sugar diets cause inflammation, which can lead to breakouts. Cookies, cake and soft drinks are obvious culprits, yogurt, cereal and protein bars can also do damage.
LOAD UP ON FRUITS & VEGGIES
Variety is the spice of life. From berries to carrots, each fruit or vegetable has different good-for-you antioxidants. These help fight off free radicals, molecules that exacerbate the effects of inflammation, sun damage and aging. Go for around 5 (or more) servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
Yes, the above tips will help you skin conscious men look and feel great for a long time but there’s a little more you can do to achieve great results.
Our NEW NIGHT cream will deliver long term results that treat wrinkles, pores, sagging skin and loss of youthful volume. Don’t take my word for it though. Give it a try for yourself