Here are some of the most common skin conditions men deal with and what you can do to help combat them.
Dry skin
In winter, your skin is battling the cold air outside as well as overheated air inside. If you already have dry skin then winter is not its best friend. "As temperatures drop, the skin produces 10 percent less oil per degree it drops," explains Durban-based skincare specialist Shana Giessing. Not only does dryness increase but so too does sensitivity.
Prevent flaking and chapping with a richer moisturiser during winter. Skin masks, specifically for men, are also good for dry skin. "I love a mask that offers a combination of both water hydration and oil, infused with multivitamin repair qualities. If your skin is too sensitive, you can use a gentle exfoliator before you use a mask or before you shave," explains Giessing. "It removes dead, dull skin cells and also allows for a far more comfortable shave."
Try: Nivea for Men Revitalising Face Wash Q10.
Razor burn
At least 25 percent of men experience razor burn. It's uncomfortable and unsightly, but it's one of the easiest concerns to fix. Razor burn occurs because of a lack of prepping pre-shave, a lack of product usage and because of incorrect shaving techniques. "Skin is best shaved post-shower or bath. The heat softens the beard and makes the skin more supple," explains Giessing.
Follow these expert tips for an ideal, burn-free shave:
- Start with a mild exfoliant, after using face wash.
- After your shower apply a pre-shave gel or lotion to create a layer of protection between the blade and skin.
- Next, apply your shaving cream or gel. It's a good idea to run a basin full of hot water and drop some liquid soap into water, which will help by removing the foam off the blade when you rinse it between each stroke.
- Follow the grain of the hair growth first. If you want a close shave, reapply shaving foam and shave against the grain of hair growth.
- Rinse off residue, splash on a non-fragranced or alcohol-free post-shave soothing balm, followed by a moisturiser and SPF.
TRY: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil.
Blemishes and scarring
Blemishes appear when pores get clogged with dirt and oil. Wash with a good cleanser morning and evening and minimise the contact your skin has with anything that could cause it to break out. For example, don't touch your face with unwashed hands and try to prevent any hair products getting onto your face.
"Lemon juice applied with cotton wool on a nightly basis will help with blemishes and scarring," says skincare specialist Gabrielle West. "Wash it off in the morning. A great product, specifically for scarring, is Bio Oil. Rub it in at night and during the day and wear sunblock to prevent further damage to the skin," she says.
TRY: Bio Oil.
Dark circles
Dark under-eye circles are something both men and women have to deal with. These unattactive circles under your eyes are caused by a variety of factors like allergies, exhaustion, kidney stress and pigmentation or genetic predisposition.
Apart from treating the underlying causes, you can reduce their appearance with simple products from the fridge or Clicks. Cold cucumber placed over your eyes for 10 minutes will constrict the blood vessels and reduce dark circles and puffines.
"Pressure point sinus drainage massage is excellent for relieving puffiness and tiredness," says Giessing. "I often use a cold chamomile tea bag over the area, followed by ice blocks, gently run from the corner of the nose towards the ear and from the eyebrow to the ear again. Movements must only be away from the nose to facilitate drainage into the Eustachian tube."
TRY: Nivea For Men Revitalising Q10 Eye Roll On.
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs occur when the hair doesn't grow outwards properly but rather sideways or back into the skin. There are various reasons for this. Perhaps you have coarse facial hair, or there is a build-up of dead skin cells blocking pores. Not shaving correctly or shaving too closely also triggers ingrown hairs. Ensure you start with regular exfoliation, getting rid of dead skin cells and leaving the path clear.
Once or twice a week is sufficient."Before shaving, steam your face to open up pores," says West. You can do this at the basin, by running a bowl full of hot water, then leaning over it with a towel over your head so the steam can’t escape. "Do this for 10 minutes on a cleansed face, shave and pat dry with a hot cloth."
TRY: The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Face Scrub.
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