How To Take Care Of Skin

If you're a guy who wants to look young and healthy (and who doesn't), you should know how to take care of skin. In fact, skin care should be part of your daily routine. Sun and smoke are your skin’s worst enemies, says Dr. Mathew Avram, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. To jump-start your skin care regimen, quit smoking and use a sunblock whenever you go outdoors. If dead skin, razor burn, cigarette smokeand the blazing sun are taking a toll on your health and looks, decide now to make a change. Use the following guide as a checklist for manly skin care. Dealing with your skin today can give you a younger, healthier look tomorrow.

1. Select good skin care products. Use hand and body soap with moisturizers. A slightly abrasive soap is good for exfoliation of the face and body. Dry skin will benefit from light moisturizing lotion in the summer. The winter months call for heavier moisturizing creams. Use a sunscreen whenever you go outdoors, and consider a sunblock for your face.
2. Control acne breakouts. While adult acne is not as severe as teenage acne, breakouts can still occur. Stress management, better sleep and a healthier diet can help control acne. Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide can also help. Acne that is hard to manage may require prescription medications.
3. Prevent dry, flaky skin. Limit your bath or shower time to ten minutes, and use lukewarm rather than hot water. Moisturize your skin after drying, while your skin is still damp. It’s a good idea to use a moisturizing lotion after washing your hands, too.
4. Remove dead skin and calluses. Exfoliation is the secret to healthy skin. Use commercial or natural cleansers to scrub your face and body clean. Exfoliating gloves, loofah sponges or just a simple washcloth can help remove dead skin cells. Use a pumice stone to remove dead skin and calluses from your hands and feel. Follow exfoliation with a non-greasy lotion to seal in moisture.
5. Shave smartly and safely. Apply shaving cream to your face, and lightly massage into the skin. Always shave in the direction of hair growth, and don’t shave too close. Small cuts can allow bacteria to enter the skin and cause infection. Use a single-edged razors to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs. Follow up with a moisturizer or sunblock to protect your skin.