If you think you're taking care of your skin by shaving and
then throwing on some aftershave, think again. Learn the
basics about skin care for men.
Men don't spend a lot of time worrying about skin care. In
fact, according to a new study by the NPD Group, a
consumer market research company, only one-quarter of
men currently use any facial cleanser, moisturizer, or other
skin product. Most just splash some water on their face,
shave, and go about their business.
But maybe you should think twice about what you're doing
to your face. While men don't go through the elaborate skin
care rituals that women do, there are products you can use
and steps you can take that will protect and nourish your
skin, keeping it looking younger longer.
Great Grooming Products Every Man Needs
There are certain skin care products men should have on
hand for daily skin care:
Face cleanser. You should wash your face twice
a day with a good cleanser. If possible, it should
contain an alpha hydroxy acid to help wash
away dead skin cells, keep the pores clean, and
reveal new skin.
Shaving cream. You'll want to buy a product that
will properly lubricate the skin so the razor
blade will glide over it, preventing razor burn.
You can choose a shaving cream or gel in
pressurized cans, or you can buy shaving soap
that comes in a small tub and is applied with a
brush. Some men believe the brush makes the
hair stand straighter for easier shaving.
Aftershave lotion. Many men use an aftershave
lotion to soothe the skin after shaving. The
lotion may contain an antiseptic to prevent
infection, a moisturizer, or fragrance.
Moisturizer. Skin tends to dry out as its
essential oils diminish with age, but a good
moisturizer can help. You might want to choose
a moisturizer that contains antioxidants like
vitamins A, C, and E, which can protect skin
cells from aging. Steer clear of creams or lotions
with sodium lauryl sulfate, which tends to
remove natural oils from the skin.
Sunscreen. Sunscreen is the best thing you can
do to prevent aging of your skin, and it should
be applied whenever you expect to spend time
outdoors. Some experts even recommend
applying sunscreen right after shaving. Make
sure it has an SPF factor of at least 15.
Shaving for Skin Care
Shaving has hidden advantages — the exfoliation that takes
place every time you shave can keep the skin of your face
looking young and healthy. But if you shave improperly, you
can cause razor burn or razor bumps, which form when
facial hair cut too short curls back into the skin. To shave
properly, follow these steps:
Soften your beard. Thoroughly wet your face
with hot water. Prior to wetting the beard, you
might even want to apply a warm washcloth to
further soften hairs.
Apply shaving cream. Cover your entire beard
with shaving cream. Work it in well to make the
hairs stand up and to lubricate the skin.
Shave. Use a sharp razor, and shave in the
direction the hairs lay. Avoid repeating strokes,
and keep your skin relaxed.
Rinse. Rinse the remaining shaving cream off
your face. Use cool or warm water, as hot water
will dry out your skin.
Saving Face With Anti-Aging Treatments
The best anti-aging product you can use is sunscreen,
which both moisturizes your skin and prevents sun damage.
However, to treat skin that is beginning to show signs of
age, like fine lines and dullness, consider a tretinoin gel or
emollient (Retin-A Micro, Renova). These vitamin-A
derivative topicals enhance the natural production of
collagen and elastic fibers in the skin as they treats
discoloration, wrinkles, and the degeneration of elastic
tissue. They're available only by prescription, so talk to
your doctor.