A Guy's Guide to Skin Care

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Wednesday, 30 January 2008

If you're a man who's plagued with dry skin or razor burn, here's a quick face-care checklist.

By Jeanie L. Davis

You're a guy. A sports team gets your attention -- not your facial skin. But here's a news flash: If you want to look good, you've got to deal with your skin.

"If men want to keep 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. He's also a faculty member at Harvard Medical School.

Sun and smoking are your face's worst enemies because both cause skin damage and wrinkling. "If you smoke, quit," Avram tells VitaDocs. "Using a moisturizer with sunblock is a very effective way to prevent aging and wrinkling."

A Checklist for Great (Manly) Skin

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 winter 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).

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.

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.

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.

View Article Sources

SOURCES: Mathew Avram, MD, JD, director, Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; faculty member, Harvard Medical School. VitaDocs Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Cosmetic Procedures: Skin Care for Dry Skin." VitaDocs Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Topical Retinoid Medications for Acne." VitaDocs Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Protecting Your Skin." American Academy of Dermatology: "Causes of Aging Skin."