Essential Skin Care for Men - Products Made With a Man in Mind
The basic structure of a man’s skin is the same as a woman’s, however it has unique characteristics. It is oilier, tougher and richer in collagen and elastin, making it firmer and more resilient. The reason is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil) are more active. This provides for “natural” moisture and an increased tendency to sweat.
If these glands become overactive and the oil mixes with dead cells, the pores become clogged. The accumulation can result in pockets of infection - acne, sores, boils, and pimples.
If there is a problem with back acne (’bacne’) one solution is to shower before working out. If one sweats “clean” then the salty residue will contain less oil and fewer dead cells and the pores will become less clogged. Gland secretions are the weapon needed to fight infections and toxic agents.
There are good treatments for acne and other skin problems to be found on the Internet and with some good research, there are interactive sites where questions will be answered.
Wrinkles happen when collagen, a constituent forming 75% of the skin, becomes hard. Because it cannot hold water to plump it up, it collapses on itself and binds with other collagen fibres. This forms a mesh below the surface which shows up as wrinkles.
Fine lines, crowsfeet and wrinkles can be addressed by products on the market containing peptide-based formulas. We can’t stop aging however we can to a degree lessen age-lines.
When summer arrives it’s time to throw off the pale-skinned complexion from the winter months and fully embrace the sun. This can be dangerous. Long UVA rays are the primary cause of premature aging and aggressive skin cancers while short UVB rays cause burns. Get used to the idea of applying good sunscreens with the SPF no lower than 15.
Men are more prone to dehydration because of daily or regular shaving during which the natural oils get stripped away. What this now means is the face gets dirtier. So it is very important that the face be cleaned every day. A simple daily routine of cleansing and moisturising will keep the skin looking and feeling healthy. This is the body’s first line of defence against sickness, germs and disease.
Moisturizers come under two categories, occlusives and humectants. Occlusives contain oil or silicone, which are deposited on the outer layer of skin to keep the moisture from evaporating. The humectants on the other hand are typically oil-free and are absorbed into the skin which helps with water retention. Either of these will help to maintain a well-hydrated healthy skin.
There now are some excellent sites catering to men only. There are tips, testimonials and good information available.
Because of the difference in skin makeup, using just any product on the market, especially on the face, may be an unhelpful practice. Look at name brand sites where many now have a line devoted to men’s needs.
I am a work in progress. At the moment I have two sites dealing with beauty and skin care. We discuss men and women’s skin care; formulations and ingredients; skin types and more. I attempt to answer questions that my guests may have - availability of a product, tips and treatments; care of acne and other skin problems; anti aging and sun damage to name a few. My two sites are http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com and http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com
Tags: acne, essential, face, gel, man, men, products, requirements, shaving, skin care, woman, women-
Posted by admin on April 12th, 2008 filed in skincare | Comment now »
7 Tips for Great Skin At Any Age
1. Cleanse your face twice a day - Did you know that every time you don’t wash off accumulated dirt and environmental ’stuff’ at night, you age your skin 27 days? You can help prevent some premature signs of aging by making sure you cleanse your face every morning and night. In the morning, you are washing off the residue of the cell renewal process, which occurs primarily at night. In the evening, you’re cleansing off the day’s effects on your skin, including exposure to pollution, sun, wind and office building air.
2. Use a skin care system - Putting together a cleanser, toner and moisturizer from what’s on sale at the chain drugstore down the street is a recipe for disaster where your skin is concerned. Use a skin care system with products that are designed and formulated to work together, and you’ll get much better results. Even you die-hard soap and water users could benefit from use of a skin care system. No more guess work about which product is the best for your particular type of skin, or wondering what to do when you run out and your drugstore no longer carries your “favorite” product. Gentlemen, this means you as well!
3. Eat a balanced diet - Yes, we all know that a balanced diet is the healthy thing to do, but did you also realize that a balanced diet helps with the moisture balance and the condition of your skin? Start with a minimum of 8 - 12 glasses of water each and every day, and follow up with lots of fruits and vegetables. Continue with a basic low-fat diet (but don’t starve yourself!) and good-quality protein, and you’ll have a recipe for not only good health, but also great skin!
4. Be gentle - Use a very light touch on your facial skin at all times. If you’re used to rubbing your face or eyes vigorously (if you have allergies, itchy eyes or sensitive skin) you could be aggravating the condition. The skin on your face is very delicate, and the skin under your eyes is the most delicate of all! Never rub under your eyes. If they itch, try a cold compress or washcloth, or a cotton pad moistened with toner or witch hazel. Aggressive rubbing during your cleaning routine can also cause damage. Use a gentle touch on your face at all times.
5. Moderation in alcohol consumption - Alcoholic drinks tend to enlarge the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin, and prolonged alcohol consumption or abuse can damage your skin. The overall health effects can be very negative, and they’ll show up first in your face!
6. Get your ZZZZ’s - The majority of cell repair and generation performed by your body’s systems happens when you are at rest. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your skin can’t renew itself. Find the right sleep balance for you by tracking how you feel when you sleep 6 - 8 hours versus 4 - 6 hours over a 7 to 10 day period. When you feel your best for an extended period, that may be the right sleep level and amount for you. Try to ensure proper rest by winding down from the day’s stressful activities so that you can fall asleep easily and rest completely.
7. Watch out for nature! - Blustery days with lots of wind can cause your skin to become dry and tight. We often protect our skin from winter’s chill winds, ice and snow, but windy days in any season can cause skin damage. If you’re riding in a fast-moving vehicle, or with the window down, make sure to moisturize your skin before and after the ride, especially if you notice any tightness. In fact, don’t wait for the tightness to appear, take extra care with your skin every single day!
Follow these tips to help give you great skin at any age!
About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of “Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image”. She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com
Tags: alcohol, cell repair, men, skin, skin care, skin damage, sleep, tightness, toner, water, wind-
Posted by admin on April 5th, 2008 filed in skincare | Comment now »