Skin Care for Men in a Nutshell

Who said skin care was only for women? Although it is true that men spend less time than women worrying about their skin, they also tend to have more outdoor activities and hazardous work conditions which damages their skin. Other than this, men's skin are also built differently than women's, so there might be a few differences between proper skin care for women and proper skin care for men.

First of all, men actually have 20% oilier skin than women and with larger pores. In other words, they get dirtier so deep cleansing is very important. Choose chemical-free cleansing products and avoid harsh soaps (e.g. deodorant soaps) on your face. Natural cleansing products will always be 100% better than commercial products. Next, a good facial scrub is essential in the cleansing process. It removes dead cells and smoothens skin surface. However, you should be careful in choosing a scrub which contains rough elements. They might tear your skin and damage it instead of making it healthy.

Next, moisturizing is another necessity. Apply a light moisturizer on your face and neck right after shaving. If possible, use a milder moisturizer on the area around the eyes because this is a more sensitive spot compared to other skin areas. Before you shave, you should also take note to wash your face with facial soap and water make the razor glide more smoothly. Remember to shave in the direction your hair is growing, not against it.

Next, treat your skin well by exfoliating it at least twice a week. It removes dead skin cells that form daily and keeps your skin from looking worn out. You can do this by pouring some very hot water into a bowl and lowering your face to catch the steam. Do NOT put your skin in contact with the water itself because hot water will damage your pores. Instead, let the steam spread all over your skin for about six minutes. This will drain dirt from your clogged pores.

Next, protect your skin by staying away from too much sunlight, especially sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. where its ultraviolet rays are very damaging. Sun damage can lead to hyper pigmentation and skin cancer. It can also emphasize fine lines. To counteract this, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 all over your body, especially on the face. Reapply it every 2 hours.

Lastly, skin care for men involves staying fit and in shape. The right diet will do wonders not just for your heart or your body shape, but also for your skin. Exercise decreases premature aging by promoting capillary functioning and increases oxygen to the tissues, keeping skin looking young. You should also eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and food rich in Vitamin C and E. If you smoke, reduce it as soon as possible. Nicotine tends to constrict capillaries located in the outer portions of the skin and restricts the flow of blood as well as oxygen. By keeping everything in moderation, you will be sure to achieve the skin you want.