Skin Care Health

It is a common practice for men not too care too much about their skin. Oftentimes, their skin care regimen does not go beyond applying shaving cream on their stubble and shaving off.

There are men who do practice basic facial care such as applying a toning lotion or a moisturizer after shaving in the morning, but not all men understand that successful skincare actually goes beyond the simple act of moisturizing after shaving.

It is essential to maintain the overall health of the skin, so as to keep microorganisms and other destructive substances from entering the skin, once the natural protective barriers have already been broken. The strength of the skin in resisting infection is oftentimes affected by shaving. This is because shaving depletes the function of the skin in creating natural barriers, and if left unchecked it will be easier for the microorganisms to enter the skin, eventually leading into the bloodstream.

If you think that an electric shaver can help, you are mistaken. An electric shaver will also lead to nick and cuts and while they may not bleed, it already affects the integrity of the skin. When you shave, the protective acid covering of the skin is removed and even the superficial skin layers with living skin cells are also jeopardized.

However micro-organisms attacks are just one part of the problem. As the skin’s natural barrier becomes damaged, it has become more open to molecules which would not have been able to enter the skin; these molecules can travel down to the skin’s innermost layers and may even enter the bloodstream.

There is an effective way to prevent micro-organisms attack and other skin problems however. A natural skin care regimen that uses only the safest, most effective and 100% natural ingredients is best for most men, who are known to shave regularly. Examples of natural ingredients include herbal extracts and essential oils. Since essential oils have antiseptic properties, your skin will stay protected from inflammation and infection often brought about by attacks from micro-organisms. As for the herbal extracts, they soothe and protect the skin, keeping the smooth and infection-free.

Many of the chemically prepared skin care products for men contain potentially harmful ingredients. Safe and natural products however use only gentle yet effective ingredients. This way your skin won’t be threatened by any infection, inflammation, or side effects.

Men also need to understand that using any type of razor can be risky. Even a brand new blade can contain bacteria and other harmful elements, so shaving always presents a level of risk to the health of your skin. While your body will be able to ward off these infections naturally, it can be fairly difficult for your immune system to act if chemicals are already introduced into the deeper skin layers.

Some men even report experiencing allergies after having used certain chemically prepared skin care products. If you want to avoid getting infections and allergies, using 100% safe and natural skin care products is best.

It is best to find the right products which specifically cater to the needs of men so that any worsening of skin infections will be abated sooner than later.

1. Protect your skin from the sun   The ultraviolet light from the sun is damaging to the skin and can cause dry skin, aging skin, wrinkles, liver spots and even skin tumors. Protect the skin by using sunscreen (greater than SP 15), avoid the sun during peak hours, 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and by wearing long sleeves,  pants and wider-brimmed hats.

2. Do not smoke as can age and wrinkle the skin  Accelerated skin changes from smoking include aging skin and wrinkles. Smoking decreases the blood flow due to narrowing of the arteries in the skin’s outer layers,  depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients. This then damages the elastin and  collagen, which is needed to keep the skin elastic and  and strong. Also the repetitiveness of  facial expressions during smoking, such as pursing lips while inhaling and squinting eyes to avoid the smoke, can lead to wrinkles.

3. Gently wash your skin Cleansing your skin is an integral part of skin care and should be done gently. Use warm water and avoid strong soaps that can leave your skin dry.  Avoid additives in soaps that can be irritating to the skin like perfumes and dyes, especially for sensitive skin as can irritate and trigger allergic reactions. Use cotton balls or sponge to remove eye makeup to avoid any damage around the delicate area of the eyes. After bathing or washing, pat dry your skin leaving some moisture to remain on the skin, then immediately moisturize with a cream or oil.

4. Regularly moisturize your skin To keep you skin’s moisture levels at an optimum, regularly use moisturizers. Use a moisturizer that is best for your skin depending on factors like your age, skin type and if you have any specific conditions such as acne. A way to test if your skin needs a moisturizer, after bathing wait 20 minutes to see if the skin starts to feel tight and if it does, then apply a moisturizer. When selecting a moisturizer use one with at least SP 15 so can also protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays. 

5. Carefully shave hair off your skin. Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove hair off skin but it can also cause skin irritations especially if the skin is sensitive, thin or dry. Prior to shaving, soften the hair on the skin by pressing a warm wash cloth over it or to shave after taking a warm shower or bath. Avoid shaving on dry skin as can cause razor burns. Use a shaving lotion, cream or gel to lubricate and protect the skin. Always use a razor that is sharp and clean. If using an electric razor, don’t aggravate the skin by adjusting it to the closest setting.  Shave in the direction of the hair growth and not against it. Then rinse the skin after with warm water.

If the skin gets irritated, use a lotion that does not contain isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Even though may be cooling, alcohol doesn’t soothe irritated skin since it rapidly evaporates.