Men have long understood the importance of the ‘dress for success’ image in order to maintain their edge. Guys of all ages are more interested in taking care of themselves and indulging in image enhancing products, gadgets and treatments. However, they are less likely to grasp the concept of maintenance procedures; they prefer to get it over with in one shot. Once they dip a toe into the realm of non-surgical treatments like BOTOX®, Restylane®, and microdermabrasion and like the way they look, they will go back for more of a good thing. Don’t think for a minute that they’re doing it just for us or the scores of women in their lives. They’re doing it for themselves. Starting a man on a skin care regimen or tweaking his existing one takes careful planning and subtle persuasion. Picking the right products can make the difference between becoming a heroine and causing a nuclear explosion. They may be sheepish about navigating the cosmetics department, but alternative shopping venues like the Internet, mall kiosks, airports, drug stores, and specialty shops offer essential advice on product selections that cater to their needs minus the frilly, fruity, and flowery stuff. They don’t want to be bothered with too many products. Start small, with an edited regimen of basics - cleansing, protection, moisturizing, post shaving, and a weekly anti-clog treatment. Most men don’t have a clue about their skin type or what works for them. They also require remedial assistance to use the right amount, or it can take a while for them to figure it out on their own. Either they slather it all over or use barely enough to get the job done. Recommend a ‘less is more’ approach. Suggest he start with the size of a dime's worth for cleansers and moisturizers, half that for hair gels to play it safe since the tendency is to overdo it. When it comes to sunscreen, if it came in a six pack they might actually use enough to cover all essential body parts.
A man's skin is different. Male skin is thicker, oilier, with larger pores, a richer blood supply, and more of a tendency to sweat, so they are less prone to wrinkling. They also have more hair all over their body. Basically, guys get grimier and need deep cleansing daily.
Deodorant soaps should never be used on the face because they can irritate skin and leave a sticky residue. For the super lazy, multi-tasking products for face, hair and body will save precious steps. Stick with oil-free formulas that won’t add shine. Beware that your favorite desert island product will have a very different effect on his face, and they are not always interchangeable. Eye gels work nicely for men, but rich eye creams that lock in moisture can increase puffiness. Skin that gets shaved on a regular basis may have red bumps, ingrown hairs and leathery patches. Razor burn can be reduced by using a cleanser in the shower, and a softening shave cream with a sharp razor. Changing the blades at least once a week is vital. The problem of shine can be addressed by using a good scrub to turn over dead cells. For blemishes, sneak in a weekly treatment product like DDF Pumice Acne Scrub (www.ddfskin.com). Adding a toner can reduce pore size, control oil slicks, and help avoid nasty ingrown hairs, but anything too harsh will strip away essential oils when the skin is most vulnerable and sensitive. Make sure he doesn’t splash on alcohol or glycolic acid right after shaving to avoid a sting.
Because men tend to be outside more than most women are, they should be encouraged to wear a high SPF on all exposed skin, especially on the face, nose, ears and scalp. Sporty sunscreen in a stick like DDF Matte Finish Photo Age Protection SPF30 is a good choice. Don't forget about the lips – add a lip balm with an SPF. Men have an increasing incidence of skin cancer, since they are less inclined to visit a Dermatologist for a full body check and more likely to scoff at the need for protection.
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