Men's skin care is essential just like it is for women. Many of the similar problems such as acne, rosacea and oil happen to men. However, that doesn't mean that men and women can use the same skin care products. Men's skin is different from women's. Therefore, men need specific skin care products for them. They can be so needy, huh?
Healthy skin is clear of any skin care problems. The difference between healthy, cared for skin and unhealthy, uncared for skin is obvious. If one is not taking care of their skin, we can all tell!
So where does a man start?
First, determine skin type. There are four different skin types. Each skin type will have a different solution to combat the problems that comes with that particular skin type.
1. Normal: You have normal skin if you don't notice any particular skin problems. Maybe the occasional pimple or a dry patch in cold weather, but other than that, nothing.
2. Oily: If you have oily skin you will have lots of acne, blackheads and/or whiteheads. Whenever you look in the mirror you probably look a little shiny. You may feel you have a lot of skin problems, but with the right skin care products, the problems will go away.
3. Dry: Dry skin feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after a shower or after the face is cleansed. Dry skin also ages faster, so premature aging and wrinkles may be noticeable. A good moisturizer will correct dry skin quickly.
4. Combination: Unfortunately, combination skin gets the problems of both dry and oily skin. Lucky, right? No...a little more work involved in this one. It maybe trial and error with skin care. But with patience, the right products will fix everything up!
Now what?
It is time to go shopping for those skin care products. Products needed: Cleanser, Exfoliate, Toner, Moisturizer, plus any skin specific products.
- Cleanser: Men need a cleanser that is fragrance free and detergent free. The best cleanser for oily/combination skin will be one that foams. Foamy cleansers remove the most oil. For dry skin, a creamy cleanser will be best and more moisturizing. Cleanse face in the morning before shaving and at night before going to bed. Never use a bar soap on your face. It is far too harsh!
- Exfoliate: Everyone gets a buildup of dead skin cells on the top of the skin. That is why it is essential to exfoliate every week. Exfoliating will also help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn while shaving. Also, skin care products work best when they can penetrate the skin instead of lying on top of dead skin that needs to be removed.
- Toner: Toner is not a step for everyone, just for oily and combination skin. This will help close pores, which will reduce the oil on skin.
- Moisturizer: Moisturizer is needed by everyone. For dry/normal skin the best moisturizer is a cream. For oily/combination skin the best will moisturizer will be an oil-free moisturizer. Because dangerous UVA and UVB rays is always around, a moisturizer with an SPF 15 will help prevent sun-damage as well.
- Specific Skin Care Product: This depends on the specific problem one may have. If you have acne problems, you will need a spot acne treatment. If you have severe dry skin you may want an extra creamy moisturizer to combat this problem.
Reference:
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Clarkson Potter/Publishers, New York, 2004.
