Don’t let skin care become a monster, guys. Defeat the demons and make the ladies really notice (even more than that combo on Guitar Hero). It’s a lot easier than you think.
Men’s skin is more prone to sweat and has 20% more collagen than women’s, making it oilier. That means men’s skin is generally dirtier. In three easy steps, get smoother and clearer skin.
Cleanse
Purpose: Washing clears out pores, keeping them unclogged. That gives you smoother skin and prevents pimples and ingrown hairs (those itchy red bumps).
Procedure: Twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
Products: Do not use the same soap you wash your body with. It is too drying. Those low in the bank account can turn to good old Ivory soap daily and a deep cleaner, like Noxzema, once or twice a week. For those prone to acne, Neutrogena offers a complete line of unisex (read: you won’t smell like flowers) acne products. If you’re willing to splurge for beauty’s sake, ZIRH is the best a man can get.
Moisturize
Purpose: With the weather getting windy and cold, skin dries out. Chafing and flaky skin are preventable, so slather on a little cream. If you need additional persuasion, moisturizing can prevent rashes, too. And as much as you love a good rash…
Procedure: Twice a day, right after washing.
Products: Even though it’s cold out, that doesn’t mean there’s no sun. Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type with an SPF of at least 15. Prevent acne with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, though the latter is mildly drying.
Shave
Purpose: Don’t be a grizzly man, and don’t get cut up. Showing up to a 9 a.m. lab at Tech with little pieces of toilet paper stuck to your face is not flattering. It’s No-Shave November, but trimming every now and then never hurt anyone.
Procedure: Shaving gel is a must. Wet your face with warm water, then leave the foam on for a minute before setting to work in the direction of skin growth (that usually means shave down). Afterwards, skip the aftershave, but do pick up the moisturizer or aloe vera gel.
Products: Choose shaving gel over cream; it tends to be thicker and have fewer air pockets. Disposable razors should have at least two blades and a swivel head to prevent nicks. If you have to cover an area more than once, that’s a bad razor. Never use anything with alcohol — it’s drying and will sting like a mother.