Fit Skin for Men

For several months I've been promising to talk about one of those subjects that for whatever reason seems to be "taboo", for lack of a better word, and that is skin care for MEN!  Yes, I said MEN.  For whatever reason, taking care of our skin has long been deemed a feminine thing, especially in the South where the presumed description of manly includes scruffy beards, pick up  trucks, and animal stalking...not that there's anything wrong with those qualities.  However,  trends are changing, men are becoming more aware of the importance of  keeping their skin in the best possible condition. 

Taking care of your skin not only keeps you looking younger, the truth is that it also keeps you healthier.  The skin is the body's first line of defense against sickness, germs, and diseases.  You work out, you eat well, and then ignore your skin.

Beyond the world of shaving, it is rare for a man to devote time to his skin, especially the skin on his face.  Most men are just not going to do anything that requires so many steps that it seems like a "beauty regimen".  Fit skin is important and I've laid it out here in simple, quick steps that any guy can find "do-able" 

#1 Keep it clean.

Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; 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 the 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!

#2 Keep it toned.

Because men spend a lot of time outside, environmental debris and pollutants are  a  huge factor to their skin’s health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.  As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy 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.  This can be done by seeing an esthetician who specializes in skin care for men.  She can help you to choose the right products for your skin as well as your lifestyle, plus, it feels great!  Try it once, it will become a regular "must have" just like a haircut or massage.  Your skin will be clean, look healthy and the experience is very relaxing.

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.

Skin that is too shiny doesn’t look healthy, just greasy so DON'T use your wife's hand lotion on your face.  Some of you are laughing now because you know you do this!

Don’t forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

#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.

Here are the key techniques:

* Avoid over exposure to the sun.

Sun damage leads to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher 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 excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.  Finally,

* #5  Have more sex.

Do I have your attention now?   According to Dr. Gloria G. Bramer, a Georgia-based licensed clinical sexologist, sex gives your skin a heavenly glow. Bramer says that having sex improves blood circulation, which helps to pump oxygen to your skin and make it brighter. 

So, Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize, Exercise, and have Sex...easy, huh?

Remember guys, your skin should be as buff as your bod!