Men-General Care
For Men General Care
Do you think that facial washes, lotions, specialty shampoos and gels
are just for the ladies? Current trends contradict this traditional
stereotype; according to retailers, men are buying more skin care products
and hair products than ever, and not just for their wives.
Although
men should certainly take care of their bodies in many of the same ways
that women do, there are differences between men and women and the
health needs that they each have. The basic structure of the skin is the
same although a man’s skin does tend to have a slightly thicker top
layer. Men also have stronger, thicker facial hair than women and
produce more oil. This excess oil can block the pores and cause
blackheads and spots if the skin is not kept clean. A simple skin care
routine will help to keep skin clean and healthy and will go a long way
to preventing such problems.
Washing your face in the morning is integral. Facial cleansers are
preferable to soap since soap nearly always over dries your skin and
leaves it feeling tight and uncomfortable. An exfoliating scrub two to
three mornings a week helps remove dead skin cells and prevent
breaks-outs and blocked pores. Use a facial wash before you shave in the
morning and before you go to bed at night or whenever you skin is
dirty. Massage the cleanser gently in a circular motion: do not scrub!
Your face is not a frying pan or hubcap.
Many men start their mornings off with a nice warm shower, and this
is a good time to incorporate easy ways to keep your skin and hair clean
and in good shape. Lukewarm water is best, as hot water will strip your
skin of its natural oils. Use a loofah (a rough sponge made from the
fruit of a tropical plant) to remove dead skin. Shampooing doesn’t just
encompass hair, but your scalp as well. Massage shampoo into your scalp
with your fingertips and rinse. Use a conditioner to tame and moisturize
your wild locks. Rinsing your hair thoroughly will prevent the build-up
of shampoo residue that results in dry and "flat” hair. Try not to
blow-dry your hair too often as it will become brittle, and apply gentle
styling products like gel, spray or a light mousse to hold and shape
your hair.
Aside from regular face washing, guys often neglect other aspects of
their skin care. Men are more vulnerable to the wind and sun because
shaving strips away the uppermost layer of skin. Use water-based, oil
free sunscreen and a UV-resistant lip balm. We don’t always realize the
toll stress takes on our skin. Stress produces hormones in the body
which when broken down release free radical chemicals that damage cells.
Smoking has a similar effect as does alcohol and pollution. Dull skin
needs boosting and reviving to make it look healthier and younger. After
shaving, many men use commercial aftershaves. Traditional aftershaves
had a very high alcohol content and splashing them onto newly shaved
skin was supposed to sting and feel refreshing. The alcohol quickly
evaporated and left behind the fragrance. Unfortunately, they were often
really uncomfortable and caused skin reactions. We have several natural
Aftershave recipes to soothe raw, irritated skin like the Minty Menthol
Aftershave.
There is no magical cure for aging, and prevention is always easier
than searching for a cure, but you can do a lot to smooth the visible
signs and keep wrinkles under control. Moisturize, moisturize,
moisturize. Protect your skin with sun block daily. Smoking is possibly
the worst thing you can do to your skin. Eat a healthy diet and drink
plenty of water as dehydration is really bad for your skin. Aim for
eight large glasses a day. Get sufficient sleep and try to relax. Stress
really shows on your face and can damage the skin if it continues over a
long period. Using massage as a relaxation technique always works. Take
that time out once a week to meditate, listen to music, and enjoy one
of our Massage Oil Recipes on your aching shoulders and neck. You
deserve the incredible feeling of taking care of your body, hair, and
skin just as much as women do, so treat yourself to some pampering.
And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
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