Skin Care Tips

Think about it. What is the first thing people notice about you?

It's your face. Take it seriously.

Healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face. It is not only easy to achieve, it's critical and you can do it for yourself. Put your best face forward.

As a professional make-up artist and founder of the first skin care line created especially for men, I'd like to share some basic tips and guidelines to encourage healthier skin. It's simple

#1 - Keep it clean.
Men have approximately 20% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women. Basically, this means you get dirtier. No matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy, and you looking good.

Cleansing products should be as chemical free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn't be used on your face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you. Exfoliate and polish with a Jojoba scrub.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck! Hydrate and nourish your skin.

For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturize this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin secretes no necessary oils on its own. Something with chamomile like the 911 Eye Treatment is refreshing.

#2 - Keep it toned.
Because you spend a lot of time outside, environmental debris and pollutants are a factor in your skin's health. Toning helps keep your face clear and firm. For daily usage stay around 5% Glycolic so you won't burn or damage the skin.

As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

#3 - Treat your skin.
Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know your skin's needs.

All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment.

After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin. Hydration is important.

Skin that is too shiny doesn't look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light powder that will give you a more natural finish, are both good options to try. An undetectable product with anti-shine is desired for a flawless look.

Don't forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious. Menaji's Lip Agent is a once a day application.

#4 - Protect your skin.
Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health. Facial survival is the key.

Here are the key techniques:

Avoid over exposure to the sun.
Sun damage leads to hyper pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use and SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.

Stay in shape.
Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.

Eat right.
Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen.

Everything in moderation.
Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excess alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging, they also decrease facial circulation making you look older. It is important to use products that are nutritious and healthy.

Remember, it is your face, so take it seriously.