Creating a Skincare Routine
1. CHOOSE A GOOD CLEANSER
It is important to have a gentle cleanser that will cleanse your skin from the dirt and oil that accumulates. Men are often guilty of taking super hot showers and using harsh soaps or face scrubs. This dries out your skin and when will appear dehydrated, wrinkly and promotes aging and fine lines. For men I recommend a cleanser with salicylic acid in the ingredients. Salicylic acid is derived from winter green has antiseptic qualities and helps prevent acne breakouts.
2. CLEANSE YOUR SKIN DAY AND NIGHT, AND POST WORKOUT
Use a pea size amount of cleanser in your hands and lather up with a bit of water in the shower or over the sink. Massage small circles in an upward motion from your chin to your forehead. NEVER RUB! Repeat several times to cover the entire face. Allow to sit on your skin for a minute or so before rinsing. Pat dry. Follow with a moisturizer.
TIP: OVER CLEANSING YOUR SKIN CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS DOWN THE LINE BY OVER DRYING AND CAUSING FINE LINES AND CONDITIONING YOUR SKIN TO PRODUCE MORE OIL
3. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK
Using a face scrub or exfoliating once or twice a week is important to keep your pores clean and clear, to remove the dead skin that is dulling your complexion and to stimulate the new skin to come to the surface sooner. I recommend using a gentle scrub with natural exfoliating beads. Check out my page Why Should I Use Face Scrubs?
4. DON’T SKIP THE MOISTURIZER!
Moisturizing daily will get you soft, youthful looking skin. First you must pick a good moisturizer. There are many things to consider when you choose a moisturizer. Skin type, sensitivity, allergies,specific needs, etc…
Depending on your skin type, I tell men with oilier skin to use an oil free moisturizer during the day and a heavier moisturizer at night. I know many men will use their body moisturizer for their face. This is not an acceptable moisturizer! Body moisturizers can promote clogged pores, have harsher chemicals and have negative reactions with skin on the face that is more sensitive.
TIP: CHOOSING A QUALITY MOISTURIZER WILL BE YOUR LANDMARK FOR YOUR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! SPENDING A LITTLE MORE MONEY IS WORTH SAVING YOUR SKIN FROM WRINKLES!
TYPES OF MOISTURIZERS
MISTS & SOLUTIONS
Light weight, water based
Good for oily and acne prone skin
SERUMS
Targets specific needs and concerns
Good for all skin types. To be applied after cleansing and toning before moisturizer. Anti-Aging, Pore refining, Skin Tone, etc
LOTIONS
Light – Medium weight moisturizers
Good for oily to normal skin types.
CREAMS
Medium – Heavy weight moisturizers
Good for dry and mature skin types
NIGHT CREAMS
Heavy weight Moisturizers
Intended for night and anti-aging
Good for normal to dry skin types
OILS
High Moisture
Good for dry, aging and sensitive skin types
OINTMENTS
High moisture
Good for very dry and aging skin, soothes irritated skin
5. NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT APPLYING SUNSCREEN!
The number one cause of aging is sun damage! If you can find a moisturizer that contains SPF of 30 or higher, then you’re way ahead. But it doesn’t hurt to keep a separate bottle of sunscreen handy. Plus, it is important to reapply every 2 hours, especially if you are spending a day in the sun. If you are looking for a good sunscreen check out Glo Therapeutics Oil Free SPF 40+ or Neova DNA Damage Control Everyday SPF 44.
6. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND GET PLENTY OF REST AND SLEEP
The most important thing you should be doing is to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest and sleep! I know I don’t have to go into a healthy lifestyle and all the many benefits that come with maintaining the proper fuel and fluids to optimize your bodily functions, but it is important for me to stress that you get the optimum amount of rest and get a good night’s sleep. Just like your other organs, your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep. If you rob yourself of this important biological process your body will start showing wear and tear over time and there is no miracle cream that can fix that!