Back-to-Basics Skin Care for Men

Guys have finally caught on to what women have long known. Success in life – whether in the boardroom or the bedroom – is at least partly determined by one’s outward appearance.

So get back to basics – simple, basic skin care:

• Keep it clean. Let’s face it – men get dirtier than women. A man’s face is 15% oilier than his female counterpart. So keep it clean. Deep cleansing is important. Twice a day is enough. Any more than that will dry out the skin. Use gentle, circular motions. Rubbing too hard will irritate the skin.

• Exfoliate. Use an exfoliator at least twice a week and a facial mask twice a month. This routine eliminates dry, dead skin cells and exposes younger, fresher skin. A quality exfoliator will also unclog pores and prevent breakouts. It will also expose your facial hair follicles and allow a better shave.

• Tone up. You keep your body in shape with rigorous exercise so you shouldn’t do any less for your face. This is particularly important if you love the outdoors. Your face can take a beating in the hot sun. This is very important for men over 40. As you age, your skin loses elasticity and needs that extra boost.

• Moisturize. To keep your skin hydrated, use a quality moisturizer day and night. If your skin is oily, use an oil-free moisturizer. If you are planning a day in the sun, use a sunscreen too. For convenience as well as your budget, buy a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen.

• Facials. Rejuvenate your face with a relaxing facial. A typical facial takes about an hour and the results are worth the time and money. You can choose from several types of facials including exfoliating, toning and aromatic. After a stressful workweek and weekends in the sun, your face needs some TLC. Try a facial at least once a month.