Men's skincare tips
- Statistics says that men have oilier skin than women. It is therefore necessary for them to cleanse, tone and moisturize regularly to rid the skin or dirt, grim and other environmental pollutants that can clog the skin making it dull.
- Men have considerably rougher skin than women. This may be due to regular shaving. Exfoliation is a must in men's skin care regime especially in warmer weather conditions when more skin is revealed. Skin care for men should include exfoliating scrubs, sea sponges and loofahs that are effective in doing away with the extra rough skin on the elbows, knees and heels. Do not use the same on the face as scrubs can produce micro tears in the skin which can lead to uneven pigmentation during exposure to the sun.
- Men can adopt the regular use of a cleanser and a moisturizer with an alpha-hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. This helps in exfoliation and improving skin tone and texture.
- The pH level of men's skin is different from that of a woman's. It is recommended that men use moisturizers that are made specially for their skin, with effective levels of vitamins such as A, B, C, E, iron and copper which can help contribute to a clearer complexion.
- Diet plays a major role in how a person's skin looks and feels.
Solutions for a smooth shave
The most common skin problem occurs while shaving. Glycerin or aloe based shaving cream or gel can be used to have a smooth shave. This way the razor glides smoothly across the face. The cream or gel need be massaged into the beard for best results. Use an aftershave balm or a daily moisturizer.
Doing away under eye dark circles
Other than heredity causes, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine can cause dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin K cream and creams that contain caffeine are effective to reduce dark circles. This could also be caused by iron deficiency.
Combination skin havoc
Combination skin has higher level of oils on the T-Zone, the forehead and the nose area, and dryness on the rest of the face, cheeks and jaw line. Exposure to wind and sun can play havoc on such skin. Stress, pollutants, petroleum derived products and natural aging process combine and contribute to damage the face and aggravate combination skin.
When it comes to a regular skin care regimen, oily skin and combination skin need more work. Men with oily skin can use a soap free cleanser. This will help prevent further eruptions and clean the surface of the skin.
An alcohol free toner can help to rejuvenate and cool the skin without disturbing the pH balance. Drinking alcoholic beverages takes the moisture out of the skin making it look sallow the next morning. A stimulating eye gel in the mornings can help to keep the bags below the eyes at bay.
Oily skin
The number one problem in men's skin care is excess oil. This leads to break outs of acne followed by scarring. Keep the skin clean and moisturized. This way acne, blackheads and blemishes can be prevented to some extent. Cleansers specially designed for oily skin can exfoliate the skin and wash away impurities and excess oil. This process restores balanced moisture in the face and prevents advancement of free radicals and acne causing bacteria.
Controlling blackheads
- Wash skin twice a day gently with mild soap or face wash but never over do it. It is better to shower and shampoo right away after a workout as the sweat can combine with oil can create clogs and black pores.
- Excessive squeezing can proved dangerous and can damage the skin around the pore increasing the pore size and contributing to more blackheads in future.
- Blackheads can be physically removed by steaming the face over a bowl of hot water and squeeze out the blockage gently by using a tissue or with clean fingers.
Protection against UV radiation
Exposure to ultraviolet rays emitted from sunlight accounts for almost 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles. Wear breathable clothing, use sunglasses and use adequate SPF providing sunscreen. A good sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15. It should contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Sunscreen should be ideally applied to all sun exposed areas. It normally takes 20 -30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin. Sun screen should be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating through hard work or toweling.
Skin care diet
It can be seen that poor diet can lead to loss in skin elasticity causing wrinkles and fine lines to appear. An ideal skin which is firm, clear and glowing needs adequate protein, vitamins and minerals. Deficiency in diet can cause dull and dry skin and scalp. Healthy skin and balanced nutritious diet go hand in hand. Vitamins A, C and E and minerals such as zinc and selenium help maintain healthy skin. Vitamin C helps the skin fight against harmful effects and damages caused by sun's ultraviolet rays.
Vitamin D helps absorb calcium. Biotin found in bananas, eggs, oatmeal and rice is good nutrition for the skin. Selenium protects skin against sun damage. Proteins help in proper growth of new skin cells. Meat, poultry, fish and dairy contain essential protein and amino acids necessary for building and maintaining skin cells. Fiber-rich food complements glowing skin. Dietary fiber is contained in whole grains, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts and vegetables.
MOJO - Men & Women
Article by TargetWomen
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