by Maria Teresa Ungson
GOOD, lovable and kissable skin should not only be for women. Remember, the biggest organ of our bodies is our skin! It’s essential that we take notice and care for our skin…even with men. If you want to look good, you’ve got to deal with your skin.
“If men want to keep their skin youthful and healthy looking, they’ve got to make skin care a part of their daily regimen,” says Mathew Avram, MD, JD, director of the Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Sun and smoking are your face’s worst enemies because both cause skin damage and wrinkling. If you smoke, quit, but again, in Davao City there is a ban on smoking in public places…that would help a lot. Not, unless you continue smoking in “designated areas’. “Using a moisturizer with sunblock is a very effective way to prevent aging and wrinkling.” Here’s a brief and simple checklist for great (manly) skin.
1) Choosing skin products: – Think “moisturizer” when buying soaps — body and hand soaps, that is. Buy a face moisturizer that contains sunblock or sunscreen. If you’ve got dry skin, buy a light moisturizing body lotion for summer. During cold months, buy heavier moisturizing creams or ointments. If dry skin is really a problem, thicker and greasier is better. Always use a good sunscreen outdoors (SPF 15 or higher).
2) Preventing dry skin – Take lukewarm showers (instead of hot ones). Limit shower time to 5 or 10 minutes. Apply moisturizing lotion right after drying from the shower. Moisturize after washing hands.
3) Getting a great shave – Shave in a warm shower. Or carefully put a hot, wet towel over your face for a few minutes before shaving. Massage shaving cream or gels into skin. Don’t shave too close. Use single-edged razors to protect skin from irritation. You’ll also reduce potential for ingrown hairs — especially if your beard is curly. Shave only in one direction if you tend to get ingrown hairs. Shave in the direction of hair growth. Wash with plenty of water. Pat gently with a towel; don’t rub. Apply moisturizing cream (containing sunblock) to soothe and protect the skin.
4) Controlling acne – Using a prescription retinol treatment like Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Avita, or Differin at night can make skin less prone to breakouts. Daily use of an antibiotic cream or benzoyl peroxide wash or gel can also help.
Great skin is also good on men! It/’s not really being vain…it’s simply taking care of one’s skin! I do admire men who take time to check on the way they look and smell good! So, go ahead, take time to “pamper” yourself and your skin! It’s also a way of de-stressing at home or in the confines of your room. And of course, your partner will definitely love and kiss you all over! Yeah!
