KarmaSutra
Banned
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2005
- Messages
- 4,827
- Reaction score
- 143
- Age
- 50
Let's put this in perspective. First impressions are critical in a man's daily interactions. What do people base thier impressions on first? Your attitude? Your demeanor? No. It's your face. Your face and more specifically your skin is what people base thier impression on, either near or far.
Not only is skin care one of the easiest things a man can manage and take control of, it's also crucial in keeping your self esteem in top form. This guide will benefit guys with various skin types: oily, dry or a combination of the two and the impact of the seasons or climate you live in.
Here are some basic tips and my step by step guide to healthy, radiant skin care.
#1 Keep your skin clean.
Sounds simple right? Wrong. Most men simply wash thier face with the same soap they wash thier ass, pits and sac. Usually it's a bar soap chock full of dyes and deodorants which only serve to clog pores thus festering new infections. Cleansing products should be as additive free as possible. In this case natural is best. Men have significantly larger pores than women (approximately 15 to 20 percent larger) thusly, we get dirtier. It's vital that we wash our faces daily (actually twice daily is best).
The first part would be a gentle exfoliator. Exfoliating is important because it removes dead cells and opens your pores and provides a smoother surface which is important especially as a pre-shave conditioner. The scrub needs to be invigorating and without alcohol. Also do not use any exfoliator or scrub with ground nuts or seed extracts as these are much too abrasive for daily use. I recommend: Nivea Extra Gentle fash wash
This is what I use. You can get it at any Wal Mart or Walgreens and is very affordable (around $6) and damned good. It's dye, fragrance and alcohol free and has a very soft exfoliator.
#2 Moisturizing / Toning:
Different times of the year and different skin types call for different attack formations. Moisturizing and toning play a neutral but important part of your daily regimen. Use a good moisturizer with zero alcohol and no fragrances. Both will cause irritation and ingrown hair and pimples.
What I've learned is that the best toner is witch hazel. Put it in the refrigerator, I know it sounds silly, and splash it on your face or head (as is my case) immediately following your cleaning ritual. Astringents are ok to use but I've found them to be extremely uncomfortable and they burn like hellfire
.
#3 Skin protection:
Protecting your freshly clean skin is as important as the previous steps and will affect the longevity of your skin.
A. Limit your exposure to broad daylight. Ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc and cause permanent damage if you don't protect it. I suggest using an SPF of 15 as a minimum. Excessive sun can lead to wrinkles and exaggerate blemishes and imperfections and ultimately lead to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can lead to skin cancer.
B. Drink loads of water. At least a gallon per day. As our bodies are over 75% water it's very healthy to keep your skin hydrated. I put a teaspoon of RealLemon per quart in mine.
C. Take fish oil daily. This is a discovery I've recently made and I'm glad I did. Before I began taking fish oil I had horrible rashes and ingrown hairs. I want to say (though it is not scientifically proven) that the fish oil has helped my skin in it's elasticity. I'm currently taking 20 grams per day though what you may need is vastly different. Start with 5 grams per day for 2 weeks then increase if needed.
D.Nutrition. As helpful as it is for overall health and vigor proper nutrition will keep your skin smooth and radiant.
E. Vices. It would be hypocritical of me to say not to smoke or drink or indulge in bognosh. But I will say to keep your vices in moderation. I've gone from smoking a cigar per day, on average, to one every couple of weeks.
My step by step guide to shaving and cleaning:
First, relax. Get the shower water warm to moderately hot (as hot as you can tolerate). This will help to open your pores for a smoother more comfortable shave. Rinse your face for at least one minute to loosen your skin.
Next, Use a good moisturing gel shaving cream. I don't use foams because they clog the razor. Lather your face/head/sac or whatever in gentle circles.
This step is extremely important: USE A GOOD RAZOR WITH A NEW BLADE! I like the Shick Quattro Titanium. Nice feel on the handle and good balance. While shaving go with the grain never against it, you're not slicing a Thanksgiving turkey :rock: . Once you're all smooth and silky is when I wash/exfoliate my skin. Then gently wash it. Once dried I take the witch hazel and splash it all over my head/face and nether parts. It will be cold and shocking but you get used to it. Refreshing is the word which comes to mind.
Finally, I rub in my moisturizer.
All done. See, that wasn't so hard was it? Follow these steps and you'll find your skin being gazed upon by women everywhere.
Remember the only person who truly cares about you is YOU!
Not only is skin care one of the easiest things a man can manage and take control of, it's also crucial in keeping your self esteem in top form. This guide will benefit guys with various skin types: oily, dry or a combination of the two and the impact of the seasons or climate you live in.
Here are some basic tips and my step by step guide to healthy, radiant skin care.
#1 Keep your skin clean.
Sounds simple right? Wrong. Most men simply wash thier face with the same soap they wash thier ass, pits and sac. Usually it's a bar soap chock full of dyes and deodorants which only serve to clog pores thus festering new infections. Cleansing products should be as additive free as possible. In this case natural is best. Men have significantly larger pores than women (approximately 15 to 20 percent larger) thusly, we get dirtier. It's vital that we wash our faces daily (actually twice daily is best).
The first part would be a gentle exfoliator. Exfoliating is important because it removes dead cells and opens your pores and provides a smoother surface which is important especially as a pre-shave conditioner. The scrub needs to be invigorating and without alcohol. Also do not use any exfoliator or scrub with ground nuts or seed extracts as these are much too abrasive for daily use. I recommend: Nivea Extra Gentle fash wash
This is what I use. You can get it at any Wal Mart or Walgreens and is very affordable (around $6) and damned good. It's dye, fragrance and alcohol free and has a very soft exfoliator.
#2 Moisturizing / Toning:
Different times of the year and different skin types call for different attack formations. Moisturizing and toning play a neutral but important part of your daily regimen. Use a good moisturizer with zero alcohol and no fragrances. Both will cause irritation and ingrown hair and pimples.
What I've learned is that the best toner is witch hazel. Put it in the refrigerator, I know it sounds silly, and splash it on your face or head (as is my case) immediately following your cleaning ritual. Astringents are ok to use but I've found them to be extremely uncomfortable and they burn like hellfire
#3 Skin protection:
Protecting your freshly clean skin is as important as the previous steps and will affect the longevity of your skin.
A. Limit your exposure to broad daylight. Ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc and cause permanent damage if you don't protect it. I suggest using an SPF of 15 as a minimum. Excessive sun can lead to wrinkles and exaggerate blemishes and imperfections and ultimately lead to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can lead to skin cancer.
B. Drink loads of water. At least a gallon per day. As our bodies are over 75% water it's very healthy to keep your skin hydrated. I put a teaspoon of RealLemon per quart in mine.
C. Take fish oil daily. This is a discovery I've recently made and I'm glad I did. Before I began taking fish oil I had horrible rashes and ingrown hairs. I want to say (though it is not scientifically proven) that the fish oil has helped my skin in it's elasticity. I'm currently taking 20 grams per day though what you may need is vastly different. Start with 5 grams per day for 2 weeks then increase if needed.
D.Nutrition. As helpful as it is for overall health and vigor proper nutrition will keep your skin smooth and radiant.
E. Vices. It would be hypocritical of me to say not to smoke or drink or indulge in bognosh. But I will say to keep your vices in moderation. I've gone from smoking a cigar per day, on average, to one every couple of weeks.
My step by step guide to shaving and cleaning:
First, relax. Get the shower water warm to moderately hot (as hot as you can tolerate). This will help to open your pores for a smoother more comfortable shave. Rinse your face for at least one minute to loosen your skin.
Next, Use a good moisturing gel shaving cream. I don't use foams because they clog the razor. Lather your face/head/sac or whatever in gentle circles.
This step is extremely important: USE A GOOD RAZOR WITH A NEW BLADE! I like the Shick Quattro Titanium. Nice feel on the handle and good balance. While shaving go with the grain never against it, you're not slicing a Thanksgiving turkey :rock: . Once you're all smooth and silky is when I wash/exfoliate my skin. Then gently wash it. Once dried I take the witch hazel and splash it all over my head/face and nether parts. It will be cold and shocking but you get used to it. Refreshing is the word which comes to mind.
Finally, I rub in my moisturizer.
All done. See, that wasn't so hard was it? Follow these steps and you'll find your skin being gazed upon by women everywhere.
Remember the only person who truly cares about you is YOU!