Difference between revisions of "Care for Your Skin As a Guy"

#Wet your skin with warm water. Warm water will open up your pores and help your cleanser foam up to give your a good clean.<ref name="rf1">https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/face-washing-101</ref>

#*Apply the water with your hands. Using a towel will irritate your skin due to the friction caused by rubbing.<ref name="rf1" />  

#Choose the right facial cleanser. You'll want a gentle cleanser that's free of alcohol and any other harsh chemicals. These can further irritate your skin instead of cleaning it. Remember to apply it with your hands instead of a towel.<ref name="rf1" />

#*Use a liquid facial cleanser rather than a bar. Bar soaps tend to dry out the skin more than liquid soaps. This might be okay if your skin is naturally oily, but if you have dry skin than bar soaps will probably cause irritation. If you notice that your skin is tight or itchy after washing, try switching to a liquid cleanser.<ref name="rf2">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/advances-skin-care-9/men-shaving-grooming</ref>

#*If you suffer from acne, look for a cleanser with  salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzyl peroxide. These ingredients will give your a deeper clean and act as astringents that will kill acne-causing bacteria.<ref name="rf2" />

#Exfoliate your skin. If your skin was very dirty or you recently sweat profusely, you might require a deeper clean. Exfoliating will strip away dead skin and dirt, revealing shiny new layers beneath. Again, choose an exfoliant that is alcohol-free.<ref name="rf3">http://www.doctornerdlove.com/2013/05/mens-guide-skin-care/</ref>

#Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. After cleansing, rinse to allow dirt and bacteria to flow out of your pores. Then gently pat your face with a towel until it's dry. Do not rub the towel on your face. This will irritate your skin.<ref name="rf1" />

#Apply a moisturizer. Washing your face strips it of essential oils that protect your skin. To keep your face healthy, apply moisturizer every time you wash it.<ref name="rf1" />

#*For dry skin, use a cream moisturizer. For normal skin, use a lotion. For oily skin, use gel.<ref name="rf2" />

#Repeat this process only twice a day. Excessive washing will strip away oils and cause irritation. You don't need to wash anymore than twice a day to keep your skin healthy.<ref name="rf1" />

#Choose a razor with one or two blades. If you're prone to razor burn or ingrown hairs, a multi-blade razor can make the problem worse. These razors shave too close to the skin and cause irritation. Single or double bladed razors won't get so close, which will help prevent irritation.<ref name="rf4">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/advances-skin-care-9/men-shaving-grooming?page=3</ref>

#*Throw away disposable razors or change the blades in your razor every five to seven shaves.<ref name="rf5">https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/how-to-shave</ref>

#Wet your skin before you start [[Shave|shaving]]. Always make sure to wet your skin before you shave your face. This will help to moisten your skin and soften the hairs, which makes shaving easier.<ref name="rf5" /> You can splash warm water on your face, or wet a washcloth with warm water, wring it out, and then wrap it around you face and neck to help prep your skin.

#Use shaving cream. Shaving cream creates a barrier between your skin and the razor, so it can help to prevent nicks and razor burn.<ref name="rf5" /> Find shaving cream with glycolic acid or salicylic acid to prevent ingrown hairs. These two ingredients exfoliate the skin and help prevent razor burn. They will also kill pimple-causing bacteria.<ref name="rf6">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/advances-skin-care-9/men-shaving-grooming?page=2</ref>

#Shave in the direction of your hair growth. Do not shave against the grain of your hair. Shave in the direction of your facial hair growth.<ref name="rf5" />

#Apply witch hazel after shaving. Witch hazel helps fight irritation, infection, and redness. It can also tighten the skin, giving your face a firmer appearance.<ref name="rf4" />

#Get plenty of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a nutrient that helps keep skin firm and aids in skin regeneration. Some of the best sources for vitamin A are low-fat dairy products, carrots, fortified grains and cereals, and eggs.<ref name="rf7">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin/abcs-of-healthy-skin-diet</ref>

#Include antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants help strengthen cell membranes, protecting the cells from damage. They also help the body regenerate new cells. This can lead to healthier, more vibrant looking skin. Some of the best sources for antioxidants are:<ref name="rf7" />

#Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Omega-3's help skin cells filter out waste and bring in nutrients. They also help cells retain water, leading to moist and strong skin. The best sources for omega-3's are fish like salmon and sardines, nuts, and canola oil.<ref name="rf7" />

#Stay hydrated. Water essential for countless activities in the body. For you skin, it will keep the cells hydrated. It also helps flush waste products away from the skin. Furthermore, when you're hydrated you seat more efficiently, which is helpful to clear out the pores. The recommended amount of water you should drink daily varies, but the old standard of 8 glasses should work fine.<ref name="rf7" />

#Avoid processed sugar. Studies indicate that a diet high in sugar leads to signs of premature aging like wrinkles and dark spots. Cut out junk foods and soft drinks to help protect your skin from premature aging.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/healthy-skin/faq-20058184</ref>

#Use sunscreen whenever you're out in the sun. UV rays from the sun damages cells and can lead to wrinkles and dark spots on your skin. You should always protect your skin with sunblock when out in the sun. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 for proper protection. Remember to reapply every 3 to 4 hours to keep your protection up.<ref name="rf9">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/face/tips-for-gorgeous-skin</ref>

#Avoid smoking. Among the countless health risks of smoking are skin damage. Smoking narrows the blood vessels close to the skin's surface, choking it of essential nutrients and leading to a buildup of waste products. To keep your skin healthy, it's best to avoid smoking altogether.<ref name="rf10">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237</ref>

#Reduce stress. Stress can lead to breakouts and other skin imperfections.<ref name="rf11">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237?pg=2</ref> You should do all you can to reduce your stress level, not only for your skin, but for your overall health. Read [[Reduce Stress]] for tips on how you can live a less stressful life.

#Get plenty of sleep. The body repairs itself while you sleep. That means that any damage your skin experienced during the day gets fixed overnight. If you don't sleep enough your skin won't get repaired. Commit to getting a full 8 hours of sleep as often as possible. Over time, this will result in healthier, younger looking skin.<ref name="rf9" />

#Exercise regularly. Exercise has a number of health benefits for your skin. The increase in circulation will bring more blood to your skin, which filters in nutrients and flushes away toxins. Sweating also clears out the pores. Commit to any number of physical activities to keep your skin well hydrated and nourished.<ref name="rf9" />