Anti-Aging Skin Care Innovations for Men: A Guy’s guide to Youthful Skincare
For most men, a skincare routine includes rinsing and shaving. However, many men also want younger-looking skin. Find out the newest ways that men are turning to in order to achieve younger-looking skin.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that more than a million American men opted for plastic surgery in 2007, a 9 percent jump since 2000. But with an arsenal of anti-aging weapons designed specifically for men, guys today don’t need to see a plastic surgeon for a youthful complexion. Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “A Guy’s Guide to Aging Well” discusses the newest ways that men can turn back the clock.
Routine maintenance
Young-looking skin begins with healthy skin. Fortunately, getting healthy skin is simple. The key is in maintaining a consistent skincare routine that cleanses, protects and hydrates the complexion morning, noon and night. Men should also remember that anything that’s good for their body is also good for their skin, so developing healthy habits is important.
Morning: Wash, shave, protect
An anti-aging routine begins and ends at the bathroom sink, but a man needs the right tools for the job. This means sticking to products designed for men. Women’s products contain more oil, as their skin tends to be drier. All that oil can clog a man’s pores and cause acne. Instead of bar soap, men should use a facial cleanser. An invigorating wash not only cleanses the face, but it also gives a boost of energy before work.
Many men have followed the same shaving routine since their teen years. Even worse, others attempt a dry shave. Unfortunately, an improper shaving routine can irritate the skin, leading to post-shave bumps, scratches and dryness. There are three important steps when it comes to shaving. Shower first and use plenty of lather. When shaving, go with the grain and rinse often. Finally, rinse with cool water and moisturize.
Sunscreen isn’t only for a day at the beach. Any exposure to the sun during the day, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., can lead to skin damage and premature aging. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the sun’s rays cause 80 percent of the damage on aging faces. With so many options, sunscreen doesn’t have to be a thick, greasy mess that smells like coconuts. Many moisturizers now offer sun protection, saving money and time. Choose lotions with SPF 15 (or higher). Men should keep a bottle at work to reapply as well.
Noon: Make healthy choices
Some workday choices can add years to the skin. A man can achieve better skin by tweaking a few of these habits and creating a healthier routine.
Smoking is the first habit to drop. It isn’t only the lungs that pay for those smoke breaks. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, M.D., points out that smoking narrows blood vessels on the skin’s outer layers, robbing skin of oxygen and nutrients. The result? Sagging and wrinkles. Even the facial expressions smokers make can lead to wrinkles, Gibson writes.
Diet is the next habit to focus on. Dermatologist and author Nicholas Perricone, M.D., tells WebMD: “Age-related changes may be reversed by consuming foods and beverages that are rich in a variety of compounds, including antioxidants, and are anti-inflammatory.” For lunches that double as age-fighters, Perricone recommends fish for its anti-inflammatory properties, fruits and veggies, which are powerful antioxidants; nuts to help skin stay strong; and water for hydration and circulation
Night: End on a clean note
Not taking care of his face in the evening can lead to dull skin, breakouts, blemishes and other unsightly irritations. Just a few steps and several minutes, however, can fix an unhealthy face.
First, clean the skin. Washing the face eliminates dirt, grime and sunscreen, all of which can clog the pores, leading to acne. Men should consider investing in a scrub as well. For treating the skin at night, men can add a product that directly combats aging skin, such as a serum designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a firmer, younger complexion. Moisturizer is the final step. Lotion keeps skin soft, supple and hydrated, which makes the complexion look healthy, smooth and young.
