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#1 - Keep it clean
Men have approximately 20% oilier skin
and significantly larger pores than women. Basically, this means you get
dirtier. No matter what skin type, you have to clean your face every day.
Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy, and you
looking good.
Cleansing products should be as chemical
free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn't be used on your face. They
cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may
irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.
A good scrub is essential for healthy
clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face.
The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs
that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They
will tear and damage skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you.
Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the
product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use
a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't
forget your neck! Hydrate and nourish your skin. Don't neglect the delicate
area around your eyes. You should use a moisturizer specifically for this
area. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin
secretes no necessary oils on its own.
#2 - Keep it toned
Because you spend a lot of time outside,
environmental debris and pollutants are a factor in your skin's health.
Toning helps keep your face clear and firm.
As skin ages, it needs to work harder to
maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha
hydroxyl acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can
reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and
have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not
photosensitive (sensitive to light).
#3 - Treat your skin
Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or
combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat
and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different
results. It is important to know your skin's needs.
All types of skin need to be exfoliated.
This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential
part of skin treatment. This should be done 2-3 times per week.
After shaving, you need to moisturize
with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant
after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin. Hydration is
important.
Skin that is too shiny doesn't look
healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light
powder that will give you a more natural finish, are both good options to
try. An undetectable product with anti-shine is desired for a flawless look.
Don't forget about your lips. Find a
lip balm
that has an SPF in it.
#4 - Protect your skin
Healthy skin is young looking skin. There
are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep
it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your
overall body health. Facial survival is the key. Here are the key
techniques:
Avoid over exposure to the sun. Sun
damage leads to hyper pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into
serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken
fine lines. Use products with SPF 15 protection on all exposed skin,
especially on your face.
Stay in shape. Exercise promotes
capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases
oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.
Eat right. Keep vitamins such as C and E
in your diet regimen.
Everything in moderation. Too much of
anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excess alcohol, smoking,
fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging, they
also decrease facial circulation making you look older. It is important to
use products that are nutritious and healthy.
Like most men, you might not be sure what
all of the different products do. Well, believe it or not, all of these
types of product are necessary for healthy, well-groomed skin. Just be sure
to always use products designed specifically for men! Here's a quick guide
for you:
Facial Wash - Don't use soap! Soap strips the natural lubrication from your
face. MUG only carries made-for-men cleansers that break down dirt and grime
without drying the skin.
After Shave - These products contain
ingredients to sooth and calm skin after shaving. They also contain
moisturizers. Continued use will make shaving easier and smoother.
Moisturizers - Keeping your skin
moisturized is the best way to keep your face young-looking and healthy.
Use twice a day - after shaving and at night after cleansing.
Exfoliators/Scrubs - Exfoliating
removes dead skin cells and ingrained dirt. Doing this 2-3 per week will
soften and brighten the skin. It'll also make shaving much smoother.
Toners - Removes excess oils that can
clog pores and refreshes the skin. Use after shaving
Visit our
Face Category and check out all the great face and skin care products
we've got.
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