Seven Scoops On Men’s Skincare

1. Make a good impression:
Guys, let’s be frank:  You care about how you look.  If you want to make a good impression, your skin is the first place to start.  While some men’s skincare regime consists of a cheap disposable razor, a bar of soap and some Old Spice; the average men’s skin needs a bit more attention.

2. Don’t Shave Against The Grain:
The #1 mistake guys make when shaving is going against the grain.  Most men shave against the direction of hair growth, because they get a closer shave, but at the same time, the blade often nicks the buried surface of the hair follicle and creates inflammation.  The solution- “Shave in the direction that feels smooth.”

3. Lather Up With Water:
Fact:  Shaving dry will hurt your skin.  This can cause friction for the blade and lead to multiple passes with the razor that will increase the chances of cuts, acne and ingrown hair.  Get wet instead and your skin will thank you.  To those people who have sensitive skin and difficulty in shaving, shave immediately after the shower.  That’s because the hair and the skin is softer and more supple and will be easier to shave. Once the skin is wet and warm you can use a mild shaving gel or some very good shaving creams that will lubricate the skin and soften the hair.  Let them sit on the skin for a minute or more before beginning to shave

4. Pick The Right Razor For You:
Four blades!  Five blades!  Battery powered blades!  Every year companies seem to release new multi-blade razors, but for those with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin or ingrown hairs, sometimes less are more. “Ingrown hairs happen most often in people with curly hair, coarse hair, or hair that grows in different directions.  If you cut it short, as it grows out, it tends to plunge into the adjacent skin, almost like a little splinter, and it creates little red bumps.  The multi-blade razors allow you to shave nicely in one pass, so for people who are irritated by multiple shaves, that would help.  But for people who have ingrown hairs, it’s best to use a two-blade razor, since it doesn’t cut as close.  Keep an eye out for nickel allergies.  You may notice your skin gets irritated from the back of your watch, or the snap on jeans underneath the bellybutton. If you have an allergy, you may need to use titanium blade razors.

5. Avoid Aftershave And Scented Products:
While more and more luxury men’s lines are appearing on cosmetic shelves, many contain dyes and scents that can aggravate men’s skin.  Fragrances are the big thing.  The term unscented alone or fragrance-free doesn’t mean it’s free of fragrance, ironically, because they can use what are called masking fragrances.  What you should look for is the term sensitive skin.  One of the biggest skincare offenders is aftershave.  Aftershaves are more for the fragrance, they tend to sting and they’re not good for people with sensitive skin at all.  You’re better to apply a light, oil-free moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

6. Watch Out For Acne-Triggering Products: Any guy will tell you, zits happen, regardless of your age.  Acne is not just a teen problem; it’s something that many men carry well into their adult life.  Men have, on average, slightly more oily skin than women because testosterone stimulates sebum production in the hair follicles.  One way you can prevent an unpleasant breakout is to only buy shaving and skincare products that contain the term “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”  Non-comedogenic means it does not cause blackheads or whiteheads.  Oil-free generally means the same thing, but if it says non-comedogenic that’s actually better.  That mean it has probably been tested.

7. Avoid Too Much Moisturizer:
Many people ask, “What moisturizer should I use?”  If your skin is dry, choose your moisturizer carefully and apply it only while your skin is still wet.  A moisturizer should be applied when the skin is damp, usually after washing your face or after you’ve had a shower (a couple of times a day should be fine).  It should be an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizing lotion, preferably.  Creams tend to be heavier and may clog pores.