Decoding skincare for men

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Male skin tends to be thicker and oilier than female skin, with larger pores and less of a tendency to wrinkle until later in life. Men often don't get fine wrinkles like woman, but larger creases and folds in the skin. Until recently, most men regarded a skin-care routine as unnecessary but many manufacturers of skin care products are developing products formulated especially for the male skin.

Following a few simple rules can help build the base for a basic skincare routine for men.

1. Shave correctly. Shaving with the grain will reduce the chance of ingrown hair and keep the skin smoother. When you want a particularly close shave, shave with the grain first to remove most of the hair and then shave against the grain. Just don't do it too often! Shave after showering, while the skin is still moist and the whiskers are softened, and lather well. Rinse the razor often while shaving; debris caught between the blades contributes to nicking.
2. Avoid Detergents, use Real Soap. Use a non-drying soap or soap substitute to wash the face.
3. Exfoliate. Once or twice a week, use an exfoliant after cleansing your face. As dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, they trap oil and dirt which contribute to rough skin and blemishes. Exfoliating prevents dull, bumpy skin.
4. Tone. After cleansing the face and shaving apply an all-natural aftershave or herbal toner to close pores and remove any leftover residue. Don't use products with an alcohol base, which can be drying to the skin and has no real benefit except a slight astringent quality.
5. Moisturize. Avoid products with a mineral oil or petroleum base, which can clog pores. Those with sensitive skin may want to use fragrance-free skin care products.
6. Use Sunblock. Many signs of aging including wrinkles, splotches, brown spots, rough skin and broken blood vessels can be blamed on overexposure to the sun. Using a moisturizer with SPF can help prevent these signs of aging.

 Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com