Healthnewsdigest.com’s Beauty Editor Wendy Lewis unveils a simple approach to male grooming Men understand the importance of the ‘dress for success’ image in order to maintain their edge. Guys of all ages are interested in taking care of themselves and indulging in image enhancing products, gadgets and treatments. They are less likely to grasp the concept of maintenance procedures; they prefer to get it over with in one shot.Keep your routine practically goof-proof so you aren’t bothered with too many products. Start with an edited regimen of basics - cleansing, protection, moisturizing, post shaving, and a weekly anti-clog treatment. A man's skin is thicker, approximately 0.5mm thicker than women’s. Male skin is also oilier, with larger pores, and more of a tendency to break out in a sweat.
Deodorant soaps should never be used on the face because they can irritate skin and leave a sticky residue. Try something tangy like Fresh Face Cleanser for Men ($28, www.fresh.com). For the super lazy, multi-tasking products for face, hair and body will save precious steps. Areas prone to dryness need hydration, but stick with lighter gel-lotion formulas that are oil-free such as Anthony Logistics Oil Free Facial Lotion SPF 15 ($30, www.anthony.com) won’t add shine. Eye gels work nicely for men, but rich eye creams that lock in moisture can make eyes puffy. Skin that gets shaved on a regular basis has a host of other problems, like red bumps, ingrown hairs and leathery patches. Razor burn can be reduced by using a good cleanser in the shower, a scrub every couple of days, and a softening shave cream with a sharp razor. Changing the blades at least once a week is vital. Nivea For Men Sensitive After Shave Balm ($5.79, www.drugstore.com) is unscented and a super-gentle formula enriched with Chamomile, Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 to moisturize and calm the skin. The problem of shine can be addressed by using a scrub to turn over dead cells. For blemishes, sneak in a weekly treatment product with salicylic acid like Dr. Brandt Pore Effect ($55, www.drbrandtskincare.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. The classic Molton Brown Gentle Exfoliating Toner ($29, www.sephora.com) is a safe choice. Never splash on alcohol or glycolic acid right after shaving.
Wear a high SPF on all exposed skin, especially on the face, nose, ears and scalp such as unisex DDF Organic Sunblock SPF 30 ($24, ddfskincare.com). Don't forget about the lips - stash a Jack Black Lip Balm SPF25 ($6.50, drugstore.com) in your golf bag.
Guys are definitely taking more notice of what they see in the mirror, and saving their skin has become a priority.
Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd offers personal image enhancement consultations in New York, and in London, and via phone and email from all over the world, for both men and women. She is the author of 9 beauty books, including The Beauty Battle (Laurel Glen) and America’s Cosmetic Doctors (Castle Connolly). www.wlbeauty.com, wlbeauty@aol.com .
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