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.