Decided to keep this shorter for you all and add some stuff
Male skin/body care tips:
Baking Soda: Great for oily, acne prone or just general exfoliation I have used just plain ol' baking soda for years. Just get a box, usually very cheap and take a little in your hand and when you wash your face mix with warm water and gently scrub. May also be used in conjuction with your daily cleanser, so you cleanse and exfoliate at once. Great for men who have lot's of little stuble bumps or large pores.
You can use this if you are any sort of Retina A or other acne product but be gentle and never use it right before or after applying Retina A. Baking Soda is all natural but overdoing anything to much is not good so use your judgement. You might be a little red afterwards but goes away and well, I promise it works. Great for teenage oily skin and those not on any of the harsher products. In that case, you can use it more than once a week or twice a week.
Retinol products are all good but you need to be very careful about using them. If you don't use a really strong sun block (ie., anything with Tantium Dioxide and/or ZInc Oxide or Ocytl Methooxycinnimate (or close to that, just make sure it sound like that)There have been recent studies that for those who are treating their skin with chemicals like retina A or Differen that using sunscreens with a Zinc is essential. I use the one by a company called SkinCeuticals, the make one for sport that is waterproof and trasparent. If you have oily skin then use one that is oil free. Most doctors sell their own products. Well, they aren't really their own but they have the stuff.
Good cleansers:
SOme good doctor recommended cleansers are any of the Glycol products. COmes in grey bottles with purple tops. (pretty ugly packaging in my opinion. ) They have a mild face wash that I like and I occasionaly mix the baking soda in with that and use it. Only do this once a week or so. MIght leave your face a little red afterwards but goes away and really helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin.
As far as cleanser it depends on your budget.Again some great ones to try:
Dr. Hauschka -
More on the aromatherapy side and natural. Great packaging, great stuff and great for men. No frilly smell. You can go to www.drhauschka.com and find all of their products. They are a great line for men and women and well, better than Aveda in my opinion any day. Our rep for this line at my store is not a homo in the least and swears by this stuff for him.
May also find at some local healthfood stores although they typically don't carry the entire line. Company is located in Germany so somet there may find it more readily.
Other really good products, just depends on your needs are:
Glycol (mentioned above and sold at dermo's office.) They are more harsh and meant for oily skin or mature skin. Contains some of the acids that help exfoliate. They also have a great body wash that contains acids to help remove dead cells.
DDF, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Brandt - ALl good products but DDF is my opinion is the most economical and good for men. Dr. Perricone stuff is raved about, and he wrote a book called "The Wrinkle Cure" but I am not all convinced yet. And think that you can get all the lineolic acids and antioxidants through other means.
Dr. B has a great cleanser called Poreless Skin Cleanser. The one for oily/combo skin is good. And his vitamin C is great. IF you want to go that far!!!! LOL
Clinique for men- DOn't like their soap at all and have lots of male friends who say it hasn't worked for them. JMO.
Over the counter good cleansers are: Cetaphill (not sure of sp?) but just ask, Dove (the old stand by although soap is not as good as a cleanser, over time can clog pores) , Neutragena face and acne body wash is good. But alternate the face cleanser as over time it can be drying.
In fact be careful with any product containing Salylic Acid or Benzoins.. they can strip the skin and make you more red and irritated. A little pimple medicine goes along way.
A GREAT pimple medicine but harder to find. It's a spot treatment and pink ( might be the stuff one of you uses on your back.) But it really works. Mario Badsco.. I can't spell it but he has a whole line of products that are great. Including some great after shave stuff.
And finally, my favortie all time toner for men is Blue Astringent. I don't use this anymore but it is wonderful. Made by Keil's. Sold I think at Saks... Really works but can be also trying so alternate with the Dr. H or skip a coulple of says. I find this works good after the baking soda tip.
For more mature skin: Retina A, Tazorac if you have been using retinols for a long time, Vitamin C with B. ANything with green tea extract, grape seed oil and other anti-oxidants. The above higher end products contain these.
And dare I say, Microdermabrasion Peel. If you have scarring or once had bad skin and marks this really helps. Actually, feels good. $$$ Usually, one treatment is about 150.00 bucks but worth it.
Vitamins:
SUper Greens ie, SUn Chlorella. Find at healthfood store.
Evening Primrose is great for women, maybe not as good for men.
Borage Oil-
Ester Vitamin C - Liquid kind. Asorbs better and gives more benefits. Vit. C with Rose Hips is also good but I prefer the former.
Vitamin E - Be careful tho of taking too much of this.
I say just adding some super greens (ask your healthfood store clerk) about this and a multi-vitamin will work wonders. The greens have changed my life and helped my skin.
Somone on here posted a better thread on this. VItamins are not really my thing.
Other tips, As far as smelling great I say go to the nearnest Healthfood Store and getting any of the following oils: All are proven aphrodisiacs. I swear and you can look this up on the internet.
Sandalwood
Pathcouli
Ylang Ylang
Frankincense
Jasmine
Coriandor
Rose
Vanilla
Not all for men, but all proven aphrodisiacs oils. I like men to use one drop of the frank on them mix with one drop sandalwood. Or just a really nice and I mean nice there are all kinds of Sandalwoods.. smells yummy!
And tips that need also to be mentioned:
Milk of Magnesia, the plain kind for a face mask. I know sounds gay but great for men who have oily or acne skin or large pores. I swear you will notice a difference after one time. Just pat on face and let dry. GOes on as a liquid but will dry hard. I mix in a couple drops of tea tree oil for added benefit when I am pmsing and have any break outs.
Lavender Oil mixed in with your shaving cream. Can buy at your local healthfood store. Just use a couple drops. Helps with nicks and irritations. And men like the smell. A store called the Art of Shaving uses lavender in all their products.
Products or chemicals to avoid at all costs. Mineral Oil, this is simply a cheap preservative and does not absorb well into the skin. In fact, over time is does more harm than good. Any chemicals that have "Quatra" something. Stay away from Quatra chemicals.
Hair:
Hard to find hair stuff without all the drying chemicals speed up hair loss.... but a line great for men is called, "Phyto". They make a shampoo, conditioner and aftershave for men. I have one client, man and not gay that buys in bulk, like 500.00 at a time. He swears by this stuff. Other good brands and some over the counter include, Aveda, Fredrick Fekkai (makes a line for men and does Clinton's hair, big whipty do, Infusium(great leave in for men with thin, longer and dull hair.), Rene Fuertere (or something like that, green packaging and they have specific treatments for hair loss), Aubrey Organics, Dr. Haushcka and well enough.
If I left anything out sorry. I have edited this post and the others as its just too dang much.
Enough beauty. But hope that helped at least one man on here out. And if any of you care, there is a wonderful book out called "what's in your Cosmetics" I know sounds gay, but it is written by a man that is not gay and the founder of Aubrey Organics, a natural line of skin care sold mainly at healthfood stores. I just say check out those sort of stores. Men will find a lot of great products minus all the harsh chemicals that are affordable.
I mean we don't keep the food in our fridge in their forever so why shouldn't we be more concerned with the types of products we are putting on our face using all those nasty chemicals and preservatives that cause cancer, and all sorts of crap.In my opinion learning more about aromatherapy products and oils is not gay. Heck you could make your very own massage oil, a signature scent for the ladies if you wanted.
Good luck!
Male skin/body care tips:
Baking Soda: Great for oily, acne prone or just general exfoliation I have used just plain ol' baking soda for years. Just get a box, usually very cheap and take a little in your hand and when you wash your face mix with warm water and gently scrub. May also be used in conjuction with your daily cleanser, so you cleanse and exfoliate at once. Great for men who have lot's of little stuble bumps or large pores.
You can use this if you are any sort of Retina A or other acne product but be gentle and never use it right before or after applying Retina A. Baking Soda is all natural but overdoing anything to much is not good so use your judgement. You might be a little red afterwards but goes away and well, I promise it works. Great for teenage oily skin and those not on any of the harsher products. In that case, you can use it more than once a week or twice a week.
Retinol products are all good but you need to be very careful about using them. If you don't use a really strong sun block (ie., anything with Tantium Dioxide and/or ZInc Oxide or Ocytl Methooxycinnimate (or close to that, just make sure it sound like that)There have been recent studies that for those who are treating their skin with chemicals like retina A or Differen that using sunscreens with a Zinc is essential. I use the one by a company called SkinCeuticals, the make one for sport that is waterproof and trasparent. If you have oily skin then use one that is oil free. Most doctors sell their own products. Well, they aren't really their own but they have the stuff.
Good cleansers:
SOme good doctor recommended cleansers are any of the Glycol products. COmes in grey bottles with purple tops. (pretty ugly packaging in my opinion. ) They have a mild face wash that I like and I occasionaly mix the baking soda in with that and use it. Only do this once a week or so. MIght leave your face a little red afterwards but goes away and really helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin.
As far as cleanser it depends on your budget.Again some great ones to try:
Dr. Hauschka -
More on the aromatherapy side and natural. Great packaging, great stuff and great for men. No frilly smell. You can go to www.drhauschka.com and find all of their products. They are a great line for men and women and well, better than Aveda in my opinion any day. Our rep for this line at my store is not a homo in the least and swears by this stuff for him.
May also find at some local healthfood stores although they typically don't carry the entire line. Company is located in Germany so somet there may find it more readily.
Other really good products, just depends on your needs are:
Glycol (mentioned above and sold at dermo's office.) They are more harsh and meant for oily skin or mature skin. Contains some of the acids that help exfoliate. They also have a great body wash that contains acids to help remove dead cells.
DDF, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Brandt - ALl good products but DDF is my opinion is the most economical and good for men. Dr. Perricone stuff is raved about, and he wrote a book called "The Wrinkle Cure" but I am not all convinced yet. And think that you can get all the lineolic acids and antioxidants through other means.
Dr. B has a great cleanser called Poreless Skin Cleanser. The one for oily/combo skin is good. And his vitamin C is great. IF you want to go that far!!!! LOL
Clinique for men- DOn't like their soap at all and have lots of male friends who say it hasn't worked for them. JMO.
Over the counter good cleansers are: Cetaphill (not sure of sp?) but just ask, Dove (the old stand by although soap is not as good as a cleanser, over time can clog pores) , Neutragena face and acne body wash is good. But alternate the face cleanser as over time it can be drying.
In fact be careful with any product containing Salylic Acid or Benzoins.. they can strip the skin and make you more red and irritated. A little pimple medicine goes along way.
A GREAT pimple medicine but harder to find. It's a spot treatment and pink ( might be the stuff one of you uses on your back.) But it really works. Mario Badsco.. I can't spell it but he has a whole line of products that are great. Including some great after shave stuff.
And finally, my favortie all time toner for men is Blue Astringent. I don't use this anymore but it is wonderful. Made by Keil's. Sold I think at Saks... Really works but can be also trying so alternate with the Dr. H or skip a coulple of says. I find this works good after the baking soda tip.
For more mature skin: Retina A, Tazorac if you have been using retinols for a long time, Vitamin C with B. ANything with green tea extract, grape seed oil and other anti-oxidants. The above higher end products contain these.
And dare I say, Microdermabrasion Peel. If you have scarring or once had bad skin and marks this really helps. Actually, feels good. $$$ Usually, one treatment is about 150.00 bucks but worth it.
Vitamins:
SUper Greens ie, SUn Chlorella. Find at healthfood store.
Evening Primrose is great for women, maybe not as good for men.
Borage Oil-
Ester Vitamin C - Liquid kind. Asorbs better and gives more benefits. Vit. C with Rose Hips is also good but I prefer the former.
Vitamin E - Be careful tho of taking too much of this.
I say just adding some super greens (ask your healthfood store clerk) about this and a multi-vitamin will work wonders. The greens have changed my life and helped my skin.
Somone on here posted a better thread on this. VItamins are not really my thing.
Other tips, As far as smelling great I say go to the nearnest Healthfood Store and getting any of the following oils: All are proven aphrodisiacs. I swear and you can look this up on the internet.
Sandalwood
Pathcouli
Ylang Ylang
Frankincense
Jasmine
Coriandor
Rose
Vanilla
Not all for men, but all proven aphrodisiacs oils. I like men to use one drop of the frank on them mix with one drop sandalwood. Or just a really nice and I mean nice there are all kinds of Sandalwoods.. smells yummy!
And tips that need also to be mentioned:
Milk of Magnesia, the plain kind for a face mask. I know sounds gay but great for men who have oily or acne skin or large pores. I swear you will notice a difference after one time. Just pat on face and let dry. GOes on as a liquid but will dry hard. I mix in a couple drops of tea tree oil for added benefit when I am pmsing and have any break outs.
Lavender Oil mixed in with your shaving cream. Can buy at your local healthfood store. Just use a couple drops. Helps with nicks and irritations. And men like the smell. A store called the Art of Shaving uses lavender in all their products.
Products or chemicals to avoid at all costs. Mineral Oil, this is simply a cheap preservative and does not absorb well into the skin. In fact, over time is does more harm than good. Any chemicals that have "Quatra" something. Stay away from Quatra chemicals.
Hair:
Hard to find hair stuff without all the drying chemicals speed up hair loss.... but a line great for men is called, "Phyto". They make a shampoo, conditioner and aftershave for men. I have one client, man and not gay that buys in bulk, like 500.00 at a time. He swears by this stuff. Other good brands and some over the counter include, Aveda, Fredrick Fekkai (makes a line for men and does Clinton's hair, big whipty do
, Infusium(great leave in for men with thin, longer and dull hair.), Rene Fuertere (or something like that, green packaging and they have specific treatments for hair loss), Aubrey Organics, Dr. Haushcka and well enough. If I left anything out sorry. I have edited this post and the others as its just too dang much.
Enough beauty. But hope that helped at least one man on here out. And if any of you care, there is a wonderful book out called "what's in your Cosmetics" I know sounds gay, but it is written by a man that is not gay and the founder of Aubrey Organics, a natural line of skin care sold mainly at healthfood stores. I just say check out those sort of stores. Men will find a lot of great products minus all the harsh chemicals that are affordable.
I mean we don't keep the food in our fridge in their forever so why shouldn't we be more concerned with the types of products we are putting on our face using all those nasty chemicals and preservatives that cause cancer, and all sorts of crap.In my opinion learning more about aromatherapy products and oils is not gay. Heck you could make your very own massage oil, a signature scent for the ladies if you wanted.
Good luck!
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