Men's Skin Maintenance

The first thing that people notice about you is your face. The key to a great looking face is healthy skin. Here are some top tips to help you put your best face forward:

Cleansing

Men have larger pores than women and their skin is generally 20 percent oilier. This means that your skin gets dirtier which makes deep cleansing very important. This will keep your pores clear from blockages and your skin healthy and young looking.

Choose cleansing products that contain as few chemicals as possible. There are plenty of organic brands out there. Always avoid using deodorant soaps on your face because they contain harsh cleansing ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This will irritate your skin and will clog your pores.

You can't beat a good scrub for healthy, clean and young looking skin. It will remove dead cells and leave the surface of your face feeling soft and smooth. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Avoid scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts, as they will tear and damage skin.

Moisturising is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturiser on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck. For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil.

Toning

Because you spend a lot of time outside, environmental pollutants play a major role in your skin's health. Toning helps keep your face clear and firm. As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs.

Enhancing

Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. After shaving, you need to moisturise with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin. Skin that is too shiny doesn't look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Don't forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and will keep your lips looking marvellous.

Protection

Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health. Here are the key techniques:

• Avoid over exposure to the sun. Sun damage leads to hyper pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use and SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.
• Stay in shape. Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.
• Eat right. Maintain a healthy diet which is balanced in vitamins and minerals.
• Avoid excess alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging, they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.