For Men!

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For Men!

Most men care just as much as women about how they look, even if it is secretly! The concept that men taking care of their skin, are somehow ‘unmanly’, is outmoded and very far from the truth. Many men may still be hesitant to protect and treat their skin like women do, for fear of ridicule. We think this attitude is changing. Generally the majority of men are thinking of looking after their appearance and taking steps to address skin problems and the ageing process.

The importance of exercise and good diet is well known to keep the body fit and looking good and this of course has a knock on effect on the facial skin with improved nutrients and increased blood flow, improving texture and helping to delay ageing. Another step that can be taken to improve matters is a good skin care routine, which is not time consuming and easy to do.

In general, men have thicker skin than women, so they wrinkle later in life, however, men tend to have a 15-percent higher chance of having oilier skin and large pores compared to women their age. So, although they wrinkle later, their skin accumulates dirt and oil for longer. The skin on a man’s face is more delicate than a woman’s and also has smaller sebaceous glands.

To avoid blackheads and breakouts, it’s necessary for men to wash their faces each morning, after shaving and each night before bed with a suitable wash cleanser to keep the face clean. Shaving, in the direction of the hair’s grain, with a moisturizing enriched shaving cream, designed to protect the skin, will reduce the burning and chaffing caused by a razor.

After shaving, apply a moisturiser or balm to re-hydrate the skin. Men with sensitive skin, dry skin or acne-prone skin should follow a regular skin care regime to keep skin smooth and free of blemishes.

Specialised Products and Care

Long working hours and late nights impact heavily upon the condition of men’s skin which requires energy to maintain such vital functions as immune protection and cell renewal. As our bodies suffer fatigue, so does our skin. Skin fatigue means a reduction in collagen production and cell renewal.

Using suitable and specialised products, designed specifically for men are most effective. Using a facial wash, exfoliating scrub, protecting anti-ageing moisturiser, and specialist shaving products are a must, to keep it in good shape. We can thoroughly recommend a new range that has been developed by the professional skin care company that we use and retail to our clients, in salon. It is called Vitru and is most effective, addressing the issues mentioned above. The products combine scientific innovation with potent, proven, natural active ingredients.

Professional facials for men are not uncommon and are often included in a regular regimen, to deep clean and and hydrate the skin, and also to relax – many men would be very pleasantly surprised how good they could look and how de-stressed and revitalised they feel!

by Lynne & Sarah Dark of Zest health & beauty