Gentlemen…Before you start thinking that skincare is something that only women need to be concerned about - you should know that the signs of aging can be just as visible and disheartening to men as they can be to women.
What’s that? Worried about spending too much time in front of the mirror like the women in your life? Have no fear – we’ve made it simple and put together a few easy (but important) steps to keep your skin looking it’s very best!
STEP 1: CLEANSING
It’s time to toss the idea of using the same Irish Spring or Dial soap that may be in your shower on your face. Of course, it might be convenient, but body soap is definitely too harsh for facial skin and can cause it to dry out – eventually leading to premature aging.
Whether your skin is oily, dry or sensitive - pH balanced cleansers, such as Neocleanse Gentle Skin Cleanser or Exfoliating Skin Cleanser, are made specifically to cleanse and hydrate the skin on your face. Other favorites are Clean by Zihr, and Obagi’s Foaming Gel.
Whichever cleanser you choose, remember that men’s skin is generally thicker and more oily than women’s and therefore routine exfoliation is even more important. My personal routine involves using a Clarisonic Pro with the cleansers above. This is an ideal prep for my morning shave- it feels like my razor is gliding across a smooth pane of glass…
STEP 2: SHAVING
STEP 2: SHAVING
The most comfortable and close shave will be achieved immediately after your shower as the warm moisture opens your pores and makes the hairs soft and plump. Shaving in the shower is great if you have a non-fogging shower mirror.
Choose a good quality shaving cream that will provide a slick, moisturizing cushion to protect your skin. Make sure your razor blade is sharp and begin shaving with gentle strokes and moderate pressure, following the grain of the whiskers (generally men’s facial hair grows downward above the jaw line and upward below).
Wash any remaining shaving cream away and splash some cool water on your face to help close those pores!
Lastly, apply an aftershave lotion or balm. Many men skip this step- to their detriment- shaving, and the warm to hot water preferred by most men, are drying and irritating to the skin and can accelerate aging and wrinkling. A good after-shave will soothe and calm the skin as well as prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs. Avoid aftershaves that contain alcohol as they will only dry your skin. Instead look for ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and pore clearing such as allantoin, aloe, eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
My personal favorites: The Art of Shaving’s After Shave Balm, and Zihr’s Soothe.
STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants fight free radicals that form as a result of environmental exposure, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and loss of skin elasticity. Medical grade antioxidants come in many forms such as serums or creams. Neocutis offers restoring and nourishing benefits with the options of either Bio-Gel or Bio-Cream to compliment your skin type. SkinMedica’s Essential Serum is another popular choice.
If you have combination or oily skin, you may want to consider a serum due to the lightweight texture, while a cream based antioxidant may be best for Normal to Dry skin types in order to provide the skin with proper hydration and antioxidant protection all in one step.
STEP 4: SPF
STEP 4: SPF
Before you skip over this step entirely, you should know that there are sunscreens that don’t leave your skin feeling greasy – so don’t leave out this crucial step! Applying a SPF 30 to 45 every morning will give you plenty of protection. We recommend trying our oil-free sunscreen by Minus Sol SPF 30+. If you are out and about or in your car most of the day, be sure to bring your SPF and reapply every 2 hours.
So there you have it! By following these few simple steps, you will be sure to flaunt a timeless complexion and maintain that stud-like swagger! Visit our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery, Skincare and Hair Restoration Center for your complimentary consultation with our Paramedical Aesthetician, Amanda Chapman to help you get on track with an easy skin care regimen that is right for you!
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