Men's Skin Care Tips

Men generally don't read my books or newsletters. One positive result of this lack of interest in the skin-care industry is that most men don't waste their money on unnecessary products for their skin. While this monetary savings is significant, it probably means most men don't use sunscreen on a consistent basis and leave their skin at risk for cancer, not to mention wrinkles. On another note, it also means that most men don't know what ingredients in their shaving products might be irritating and they end up with razor burn (which is usually product burn).

Shaving is the most typical start to a man's day, and it is the first area where they make mistakes. Most shaving creams and pre-shave products contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, mint, and camphor, as well as high levels of potassium or sodium hydroxide. These skin irritants make the hair follicle and skin swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin, supposedly allowing for a closer shave. Unfortunately, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. Note that sodium hydroxide is used at very low levels in many skin-care products to adjust the pH value. In these instances, it is not irritating to skin.

Additionally, the swollen skin makes it harder for the stubble to find its way back out. If the hair begins to grow (which it does almost immediately) before the swelling is reduced, the likelihood of ingrown hairs is increased.

Shaving with a razor abrades the skin梘ranted, not all that much, but enough to cause havoc when an aftershave lotion with irritating ingredients is splashed over that broken skin. Think of splashing aftershave on a cut or scrape on any other part of your body. Now, why would you want to do that to your face? Basic skin-care rule number one for both men and women: If the skin-care product you use burns, irritates, tingles, causes the skin to become inflamed, or hurts, don't use it.

What should men use to take care of their skin when they shave?

To start with, all men need a gentle, water-soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product (foam, cream, or gel), followed by a gentle, nonirritating aftershave or shaving lotion (which is actually just a masculine name for a gentle toner). An ideal after-shave product for men would be an aspirin-based topical product that uses additional potent anti-irritants. Aspirin is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent for irritated skin and is able to alleviate the redness and razor bumps/burn. Paula's Choice Skin Relief Treatment uses stabilized aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) with other anti-irritants and is designed to work as an effective after-shave for men or women.

When it comes to treating breakouts, preventing wrinkles, and addressing dry skin, the protocol is the same for men as it is for women (BHA, AHA, and disinfectant for blemishes, daily sun care with at least SPF 15 and effective UVA protection, and a good moisturizer to use when and where skin is dry).

For some men, it can be too irritating to follow shaving with an AHA or BHA product. After shaving, the skin is already abraded and AHAs or BHA can be too much for the skin.