Men Grooming: 2011

Obviously, it is important to keep your face clean. A mild soap can take care of this step. There are also facial scrubs that “deep clean” by cleaning our pores and exfoliating the dead skin that leaves your face dull. A good facial cleaner is mild yet removes dirt without removing moisture. Many facial cleansers are formulated according to your skin type. So, what is meant by skin type and what are the skin types?

The cosmetic industry divides skin into four types: dry, normal, combination, and oily. Your skin type may vary over your lifetime. These changes are influenced by genetics, health problems, smoking, medications, and hormones. Climate and sun can also change your skin type. When purchasing facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, etc., check the product for skin type. Many products are formulated for particular skin types.

Toners
Facial toners, also known as after shave, clean your face and tighten the pores. A good toner will not dry out your skin. Some toners contain glycolic acid which comes from the sugar cane plant. Glycolic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A good toner will hydrate and smooth the skin. Toners with anti-oxidants will protect skin from free radicals and cell damage. Toners can control shine, cleanse pores, and break down blackheads. Anthony Logistics has a toner that won't dry out your skin. It contains ingredients such as chamomile which soothes and calms and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula is an antioxidant, while the glycerin retains moisture.

Zirh makes a toner that relieves redness, razor burns, and ingrown hairs while moisturizing your skin. Menaji's Glycolic Toner can also relieve ingrown hairs. Baxter of California makes a toner that has anti-inflammatory properties. More and more companies are making alcohol-free toners that won't dry out your skin. Menaji's Glycolic Toner can also relieve ingrown hairs. DHC makes a 2-in-1 toner/moisturizer that includes the anti-aging elements of vitamins A and E.

Moisturizers
Male skin is about 20% thicker than female skin. As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and more prone to dryness and wrinkles. More and more men are using skin care products and a good moisturizer is crucial to a good skin care regimen. Moisturizers help keep skin elastic and less prone to dryness and wrinkles.

Eye cream moisturizes the area around the eyes where the skin is typically thinner and prone to fine wrinkles and puffiness. Eye creams can reduce that stressed- out look that only the eyes can show. Be sure to apply your eye cream with the ring finger, that is, your fourth finger. It is your weakest finger. You don't want to use much pressure in this area or you will create more wrinkles.
Many moisturizers contain mineral oil. If you want to use a botanical-based moisturizer without mineral oil try Arbonne. Arbonne International uses only plant-based ingredients and is actually vegan certified.

So, when it comes to a man's skin care, it is still “a man’s world”. Keep it simple, keep it quick, and keep your skin in shape.