Skincare for men

Looking good is not just a female prerogative. Men also realise that looking one’s best imparts self-confidence, very necessary in today’s competitive career world. There are many jobs in which the appearance counts, like public relations, front office jobs, marketing and sales, jobs in the hospitality industry, tourism, television, modelling and so on. Salon care has become popular among men.

A man’s skin is just as vulnerable as a woman’s. Exposure to sun, air pollutants, chlorinated water, harsh soaps and after-shave preparations, all influence his skin, making it dry and sensitive, and also hastening the ageing process of the skin. Men are ardent followers of the soap and water routine. But soaps can be too alkaline and harsh on the skin. They disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin and predispose it to eruptions and rashes.

Men require simple and not too time-consuming skincare routines. If the skin is normal to dry, a light cleansing gel can be applied and massaged on the skin for a minute and then wiped off with a clean moist towel or cotton wool. This would leave it cleansed, without causing moisture depletion. For oily skin, use a face wash. For acne and problem skin, a medicated cleanser should be used. After cleansing, dab on skin tonic to tone and refresh the skin. This can be a pre-shave routine.

Use a facial scrub twice a week, rubbing gently with small circular motions and wash off with plain water. This helps remove dead cells and brighten the skin. It keeps the pores unclogged, thus discouraging blackheads.

For shaving, choose a gentle, creamy and emollient product. This softens the hair, making shaving easier. It also leaves the skin smooth and supple. Most after-shave lotions are alcohol-based which have a drying effect on the skin. A non-greasy after-shave cream would be ideal. Keeping this in mind, we formulated an after-shave cream for men. It contains sandalwood, which is a powerful antiseptic and helps to soothe the skin. It also has a natural woody fragrance that is ideal for men. Moreover, the cream helps to keep the skin moisturised.Two of the most important aspects of a daily routine for men are cleansing and sun-protection. Cleansing at night is of utmost importance, to remove all the pollutants that have been deposited on the skin during the day. Men spend more time out of doors, in the sun. The application of sunscreens before going out in the sun plays an important role in preventing UV ray damage. A sun block lotion with SPF 20 or 25 would suit most skins. Apply it 20 minutes before sun-exposure. For oily skin, a sunscreen gel would be more suitable.

With age, the skin care routine should also include nourishing. Nourishing provides the emollients which helps the skin to hold moisture. As the skin’s oil-gland activity decreases, nourishing assumes more importance. The application of night creams, with a light massage, helps in providing the skin ingredients that improve skin texture. A nourishing cream which contains antioxidants like wheatgerm oil or vitamin-rich ingredients, help keep the skin looking younger and can have a rejuvenating effect. Due to advanced skincare techniques, it has been possible to formulate products and incorporate ingredients that have greater age-control benefits.

Men are going in for facials too. Weekly salon facials, with professional massage and other techniques, go a long way towards delaying the ageing signs and rejuvenating the skin. A salon facial can be a real treat and a great way to unwind. Apart from maintaining skin-elasticity and resilience, facial massages help to improve the normal functions of the skin, including that of cell-renewal. Face, head and body massages have great value in terms of inducing relaxation and reducing stress. For oily skin and eruptive conditions, a facial treatment with cleanups, instead of facial massage should be done.

Stress, lack of sleep, dietary deficiencies, rich and spicy foods, excess alcohol, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can have detrimental effects on both health and appearance. Good looks and good health are two sides of the same coin.