Skincare is the kind of thing most men go all or nothing on. Either they make it work with a bar of soap and some hot water or they invest in an array of products to apply to their face and body on a daily basis. But what if there was another way? Moderate skincare which doesn’t require a complicated series of steps is possible, but it takes a little more than some Irish Spring and Suave. Read on to get a sense for basic skincare for men.
Products
Using products to take better care of your skin doesn’t mean having to invest in dozens of different creams and washes. Practicing good skincare for men can be achieved with a regimen consisting of just a few products taking less than five minutes a day to apply. The result is healthier looking skin which isn’t irritated by the harsh ingredients included in most bath soaps.
The quality of our skin is the first thing people take into account when evaluating our age, appearance, and health. When we use simple and naturally-derived skincare products, anti-aging takes shape in the form of more youthful looking skin. We also look healthier because our skin is less likely to feature acne and other blemishes. Looking younger and healthier makes us look more attractive, it’s as simple as that.
Diet
The adage that “we are what we eat” is most definitely true. A diet consisting primarily of junk food, processed sugars, and fat transfers onto our skin in the form of an increased chance of acne and other unsightly blemishes. While you can still get zits after banning these and other unhealthy foods from your diet, cutting them out will clear your skin as much as possible; continuing to eat unhealthily will only make these problems worse.
Diets with an emphasis on fish and antioxidant-rich produce will most certainly help to improve the quality of your skin. While it’s still okay for a man to have a beer and a cheeseburger now and then, your skin will thank you if these and similar menu items are the exception not the rule.
Showers
Showers and bathing are essential for staying clean and preventing body odor. The fact were are alive at a time when running water is practically a given for even the most modest of living situations is a blessing most don’t appreciate as much as we ought to; it’s only when the water is shut off in our homes that we realize how dependent we are on it for maintaining our quality of life.
So what’s the issue? While regular showers keep our skin nice and sparkling clean, hot water can take its toll on our epidermis. It can cause the skin to dry out, which leads to a brittle look. Hot water can also lead to rashes as well as irritate existing eczema and other skin conditions. While hot showers feel great, especially in the winter months, it’s better for men to make a habit of opting for warm water showers to keep their skin looking good.
Sun
Most of us are aware of the potential for the sun to do damage to the skin. We typically learn that lesson the hard way thanks to getting sunburnt. Spare yourself the annual first day of summer sunburn by proactively using sunscreen when the weather gets warmer. However, keep in mind it’s possible for the sun to damage the skin even in winter, so if you’re a snow sports enthusiast, remember to bring the Coppertone.
Of course, there’s also the issue of not getting enough sun. When exposed to the sun, human skin creates vitamin D, an essential vitamin for health. It’s just a matter of exposing your skin to the sun for the right amount of time, which most researchers agree is about 15 minutes for those with pale skin and up to a half hour for those with darker complexions.
Exercise
We can’t ignore the importance of regular exercise in aiding in keeping a man’s skin looking its best. Ignore the fact your skin gets blotchy and sweaty when in the heat of a workout session, as this is temporary whereas the benefits to your skin last much longer.
The key is to avoid falling into a “weekend warrior” routine wherein you’re only exercising a few times a month. This will create a cycle where your skin never gets a chance to truly flush toxins out via sweat. Instead, these unwelcome substances will be brought to the surface only to linger there for a week or longer until your next workout session. Exercise at least three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time for the best results.
If you’ve done all of the above and your skin still doesn’t look its best, now is the time to visit a dermatologist. But seeing the doctor before giving these steps a try will only lead to being told to try them anyway. Avoid the copay if you can and start taking basic care of your skin. It’s easier than you think.
