The Importance Of Skin Care for Men

Men have stood back for too long with skin concerns they want to solve and facial improvements they want to see. Fortunately, options exist for men to feel good in their own skin and put their best faces forward. Hydration, sun protection and cell repair comprise a formidable basic skin care routine for men of all ages, complexions and skin types.

Why Skin Care for Men?

Shaving products and cologne make up the limited mass cultural idea of mens skin care. Advertising caused the words "skin care" to conjure mostly images of pretty bottles and tubes women stock in magical beauty arsenals. Meanwhile, many men are sneaking into women's attractive containers to find out even small amounts of product make huge differences.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. The huge mass of tissue over bones is not simply cosmetic. It functions like the heart, lungs and more to provide critical functions humans need to survive such as:

• Temperature regulation
• Shock absorption
• Germ, bacteria and virus protection
• Sensation
• Hydration
• Nutrient storage
• Toxin clearance

All these functions decrease or stop altogether when the top layer of the skin becomes broken, injured or dried out. Then problems emerge in the deeper layers, such as dehydration and poor circulation. Optimal health begins with skin nourished from the inside and shows up in attractive skin on the outside.

Healthy Skin is Hydrated Skin.

The first rule of mens skin care is: Drink plenty of water.

More than half the human body is water. The skin contains and needs a high proportion of that water. Dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to cracks and breaks, which allow germs and viruses in. Dry skin is also more prone to cuts and lesions; sharp objects have little glide potential if they come into contact with skin.

Water soaks the skin from the inside out. Once water content quenches the internal organs and fuels successful bodily functions, the extra remainder filters out into the skin.

Do not mistake liquids for water. In fact, some liquids are dehydrating. Water is NOT:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Juice
• Milk
• Energy drinks
• Alcohol

Aim for eight 8-ounce servings of plain water every day. To balance their dehydrating effects, add two more servings for each caffeinated and alcoholic beverage. Include fresh lemon or herbs such as peppermint for detoxifying benefits.

Finally, light lotions seal in replenished water to make hydration last.

Sun Protection is Vital.

The sun uplifts our spirits and raises our moods. It helps us manufacture Vitamin D and regulate hormonal activity. But there's a flip side.

The sun sends UV rays over the planet and straight down to our skin. This is the number one cause of skin cancer.

Men can not afford to skip sunscreen. After hydration, sun protection is men's most important skin care routine must-have.

Consider the climate and duration of time in the sun to choose the strength of UV protection. Commercial products range from SPF 15 to SPF 50. Sun exposure is most dangerous in midday hours.

• Wear hats, caps and visors for all outdoor exercise and sporting events.
• Choose the highest protection for especially rigorous outside activities like running, hiking and climbing.
• Don't head to the beach or a boat without sunscreen.

A Better Shave

The best shaves start with healthy skin underneath the beard. Razor bumps, cuts and even infections arise from dry skin or failure to use a moisturizing aftershave.

Men can not afford to skimp on shaving. A professional barber provides the best service. But DIY efforts can be effective with attention, effort and skill.

• Discard disposables after one or two uses. Dull razors cause cuts.
• Clean and disinfectant electric shavers after each use. Alcohol is sufficient.
• Give five o'clock shadow and peach fuzz a light rub with an essential oil such as eucalyptus or tea tree, great-smelling and antiseptic.
• Invest well in aftershave. A generic shaving cream may do the job. A high-end aftershave is necessary to calm irritation, protect opened pores and add an irresistible aroma.

Go the Extra Mile.

By the time a stranger stares back in the mirror, it is too late to prevent bothersome changes and repair deep cellular damage.

A moisturizer won't erase the weathered, masculine facial condition many men prefer to grow into over time. It will, however, prevent scaly skin and discoloration that makes people look older than they are.

Eye creams and gels for men have become popular. They improve dark circles and puffiness from long work days or genetics.

These ingredients and capabilities bring noticeable outcomes:

• Botanicals (plant-based)
• Antioxidant (counteracts pollution and deterioration)
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Herbal

At any age, men can start or improve a skin care routine. They should be ready for more compliments and confidence when they do.