Many men think they don't need to worry about their skin. Or maybe they simply feel they don't have time. But it doesn't take a lot of effort to keep skin clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun. Here are some everyday skin care tips and solutions to common problems.
Steps for Healthy Skin
- Wash your face every night with a gentle cleanser or hydrating soap. In the mornings, simply splash water on your face (unless it's very oily in which case you should wash it).
- Apply moisturizer after washing your face or anytime it feels tight or dry. The same goes for the rest of your body.
- Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 to 30 every day, even in the winter. Choose a moisturizer-containing SPF and you won't have to remember to put on sunscreen.
- Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub and soft washcloth every one to two weeks.
- Keep an eye on your moles. See a doctor if you notice a change in their shape, color, size, or if they look "ugly."
- If you choose to tan, use a spray or lotion tanner, never a sunbed. Tanning beds are no safer than baking in the sun and have been linked to skin cancer.
- Visit a dermatologist annually for a check-up. Most skin problems - even cancer - are treatable if they're caught early.
Common Skin Problems and Solutions
Your skin feels dry, rough, or you have scaly skin on your hands, elbows, and feet.
- Be sure not to spend more than 5 to10 minutes in the shower, and use lukewarm water.
- Apply an emollient-rich body lotion at least twice a day until your skin feels more hydrated.
- For rough, scaly patches, rub them with a foot cream or petroleum jelly and leave on overnight.
Your face is full of razor bumps or irritation.
- Exfoliate your skin before you shave.
- Do NOT dry shave. Be sure to apply a shaving gel or lotion and give it at least three minutes to sink in before you touch your razor.
- Change your blade every 5-7 shaves or any time if feels dull.
- Shave in the direction of your hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs and try not to repeat strokes over the same skin.
- After shaving, wash your face and pat - don't rub - it dry.
You suffer from frequent breakouts.
- No one knows acne's exact cause, but several factors can exacerbate it, such as not maintaining a good moisture level and not cleansing enough. Be sure to follow a good face-washing and moisturizing routine. Look for oil-free moisturizers and non-comedogenic cleansers.
- Never pop a zit. This just spreads the infection around and could lengthen that pimple's lifetime.
- Be sure that your pillowcase, phone, or anything else that touches your face is cleaned often. These can be bacteria breeding-grounds.
- If your acne persists, see a dermatologist who can help identify your acne's specific cause and recommend a treatment regimen.
Sources:
Acne.org: "How to Wash Your Face." Acne.org Acne Treatment and Community. 2010.
http://www.acne.org/wash-face.html
American Academy of Dermatology. "Cosmeceutical Facts and Your Skin" Web. American Academy of Dermatology Public Center. 2009.
http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/general_cosmeceutical.html
McClain, Robin, ANRP. "Tips for Men's Skin." University of South Florida Dermatology: Cosmetics Blog. Web. October 7, 2009.
http://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/health/medicine/cosmetics/?cat=10