Mens Grooming - Best Skin Care Tips For Men

Mens grooming has never really been taken seriously. Most men, except those in the glamour industry, do not bother about caring consciously for their skin and their skin care routine has not gone beyond a clean shave. However skin care is just the basic requirement of men grooming. Emerging fashion consciousness and beauty trends have aroused men’s desire to be on par with their female counterparts as far as grooming and styling is concerned. Men skin care has finally come of age and they are now looking beyond bathing and shaving as a means of skin care ritual.

Skin of a man is 15% more oily than that of a woman. Hence the basic skin care tips for men would involve cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Cleansing with an alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic or lactic acid) based cleanser removes dirt and grime and should be practiced daily. Clogged skin pores can make your skin look dull and dead. For oily skin, use soap free cleanser to avoid irritation and further eruption. Clean the skin gently and use an alcohol free toner to rejuvenate and cool your skin.

Toning agents (such as aftershave lotions) firms up the skin and reduces the size of the pores making your skin look smoother and healthier. As you age, your skin loses elasticity. A good astringent and toner can help curb this to a certain extent.

Continuous shaving and use of razor renders your skin rough. Use a good moisturizer depending on your skin type. Choose a moisturizer that is non greasy and has SPF 15. Moisturizing daily helps promote hydration and new cell generation. It heals and prevents damages caused by external weather that results in wrinkles and fine lines. A good facial cream is one that is rich in essential oils and fatty acids, and antioxidants. Check if your moisturizer has Shea butterwhich hasstrong hydrating property and penetrates the skin easily without leaving a oily residue, Glycerin which helps maintain moisture balance in your skin, Silicone for long-lasting protection and Green tea which is rich in antioxidants.

Before stepping out of the house, protect your skin against the harshness of sunlight\ by using breathable clothing and sunglasses. Apply a sunscreen lotion that has adequate SPF (15 and above) to protect you from sun rays. This will also help your skin look young and fresh and limit the damage and wrinkle formation. Excessive exposure to sun without any protection cans also cause skin cancer in extreme conditions.

Men skin care also includes exfoliating scrubs, and sea sponges for removing dead and rough skin from elbows, knees and heels, but these should never be used on the face as they can cause micro tears which will worsen the pigmentation process on exposure to sun.

If your skin is acne prone, avoid shaving around the blemishes. Use a facial wash with active bacteria killer to fight acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one such popular over the counter medicine that can be used as an effective acne fighter. It not only kills the bacteria, it prevents the bacteria from developing resistance and can be effective again and again. It also reduces inflammation and suppresses oil production.