Skin Care Tips For Men
Historically women have been most aware of proper skin care and have gone out of their way to do whatever it took to maintain a youthful complexion and to keep their skin as healthy as possible. For men, the need to maintain a youthful look was not as strong. Besides, men only grow more distinguished as they grow older, right? Maybe so, but these days men are becoming more conscious about their looks and the days of neglecting their skin are fast coming to an end. If you're one of those men who strive to maintain healthy skin and to preserve a more youthful appearance for as long as possible, you've come to the right place. Here are some tips to help you along in your quest for a more youthful, healthy appearance.
The first thing you need to know is the type of skin you have. Is your skin dry? Is your skin oily? Is it normal? Knowing the type of skin you have is essential, as there are many products available to men based on skin type. Once you're aware of your skin type, be sure to watch for products specific to this type.
Clean your face on a daily basis. Most people should already do this, but it is essential, since men typically have 15% oilier skin than women do. This means the normal man's face will get dirtier than a woman's. A clean face will be a healthy face.
Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the faces and helps to promote a more healthy skin tone. Exfoliating daily may not be needed, but a regular exfoliation to clean up any excess dead skin cells is essential. Try to exfoliate at least 2 to 3 times per week for adequate coverage.
Keep your skin toned. Men are typically outside more often than woman. Therefore, they're also typically exposed more often to environment pollutants and other particles which can cause the skin to lose elasticity over time. Products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids will help the skin retain elasticity and even help to prevent ingrown facial hairs, since these toners are known to decrease pore size.
When shaving, do NOT shave against the grain. Many believe that shaving against the grain helps to ensure a much closer shave than shaving with the grain. There may be truth to this, but shaving against the grain also does serious damage to the skin. The benefits of saving your skin from damage by shaving with the grain far outweigh the benefits of a closer shave.
After shaving, be sure to moisturize. Your skin takes a thrashing every time you shave, so it needs to be treated after each shave to help maintain proper moisture. Try to avoid after shaves with alcohol or heavy fragrances, these chemicals can irritate the skin, doing far more bad than good in many cases.
Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible. Sunlight is an essential source of vitamin D, so some exposure is needed. However, more people can ingest the proper level of vitamin D within an hour of exposure. Sunlight is also a contributing factor to premature aging of the skin. If you are unable to avoid lengthy exposure to the sun, be sure to protect yourself. Wear clothing that limits your exposure, or invest in a sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 15.
Exercise and diet are also important factors for healthy skin in men. Exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in vitamin C and E to help ensure a more healthy skin tone.
Following these the tips outlined above should give you a solid base for helping your skin retain it's youthful look into the future.
