Facial skin care tips for men

The last few years has seen a massive increase in the number of facial care products targeted at men. Historically, facial care for men is nothing new, but there are more options now. Here are a few facial care tips for men to keep in mind:

While it’s true that men should cleanse and moisturize their skin daily, it’s better to use a product that’s geared to your specific skin type as opposed to your gender.

Wash your face daily to remove sweat, environment pollution and bacteria.

• If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzyl peroxide. These ingredients will help kill the acne-causing bacteria that can clog pores.

Dry skin needs moisture. Opt for creamy cleansers that won’t strip skin of its natural oils.

• For sensitive skin, look for cleansers that contain soothing properties like aloe vera.

Even oily skin needs moisture, so follow your cleansing ritual with a moisturizer suited to your skin type.

• Be gentle around your eyes; this skin is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face.

Sunscreen. Make sure your moisturizer contains at least SPF 30 and apply daily.

• Don’t forget the top of your head (if your scalp is exposed), receding hairline and the back of your neck.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses if you plan to spend a few hours in the sun.

Some hair you want to keep, some hair you want to remove.

• Unsightly nose hair should be at the top of the “remove” list. Safely trim nose hair with special trimmers designed for this purpose.
• Men’s grooming kits often include attachments for beards, moustaches and nose hairs. If your eyebrows are starting to meet in the middle, tweezers can help you create a path between them.
• Remove one at a time using quick motions for best results. Don’t overdo it.

The kind of razor you choose is a matter of personal preference.

• Electric razors won’t provide as close a shave, so some find a single blade razor is more than satisfactory. What's more important is that the blade is sharp. Ditch blades after a couple of weeks and never use a damaged razor blade.
• Hair is at its softest after a bath or shower. Some men prefer adding a thin layer of shaving oil before a shaving cream to further soften their hair.
• A shaving brush is helpful to apply cream as it really coats the hair, but again, it’s a matter of preference
• Shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain may provide a closer shave, but can result in ingrown hairs.
• Keep a styptic pencil handy to stem the bleeding of any nicks or cuts (it works better than toilet paper).
• Aftershaves are designed to cool skin after shaving, but you can achieve that by rinsing with cold water. It will tighten skin and contract pores.

These basic facial skin care tips for men can go a long way in helping them present their best selves.