Men's Grooming

from safecosmetics.com

Guys are becoming more conscious these days about their appearance and there are more male personal grooming products on the market than ever. If you are new to the male grooming scene or if you just want to know more about how to keep yourself looking young and in tip top condition, here are some tips to get you started.

Shaving Tips

It's best to avoid shaving the very first thing in the morning. If possible, let your skin wake up a while. This allows any puffiness from fluids collecting in your skin during the night to recede. Then you will be able to get a closer shave.

Use an exfoliant such as a facial cleanser or mild scrub to eradicate dead skin cells and open up the pores of your skin to prepare it for a close shave.
Stubble should be wet with warm or hot water before shaving. This makes the hair shaft swell and allows the blade to cut the hair closely without cutting your skin.

Thoroughly massage shaving cream into stubble. A vitamin and Aloe Vera based shaving cream or gel will provide a close, soothing shave and protect against razor rashes and burns.

Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is responsible for many shaving cuts as it drags over your face and catches your skin along with the hairs of your beard.

Rinse the blade often in hot water when shaving and use slow short strokes. Don't rush.

Always shave in the direction that your hair grows on your face. Shaving against the grain can cause redness, rashes, razor burn and ingrown hairs.

After shaving, apply an oil-free moisturiser to soothe and protect the face. If you prefer an after-shave, check the label for alcohol.

(alcohol can irritate and dry out skin)

Avoiding razor burn

The technical term for this condition is pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and the primary cause is shaving with a blade. Men with curly, coarse or even fine hair often experience razor burn or razor bumps after shaving because the hair curls back, punctures the skin and becomes ingrown. You could eliminate the problem by simply growing a beard or rarely shaving. But of course you many not want to do this and unfortunately, for many professional men this is not an option. Here are some tips to help you recover from razor burn:

Prep your skin before shaving by using a face scrub to exfoliate and help lift the hairs from under your skin.

Liberally wet your face and apply shaving cream. Wait 2-3 minutes before shaving. The use of a shaving cream that contains vitamins and Aloe Vera is preferable over brands which may contain skin irritants such as sodium laurel sulphate.

Use a high quality razor and change the blade often. Dull blades are often the cause of skin irritations and shaving nicks.

Shave in the direction the hair grows on your face.

Do not pick at the bumps, as this tends to make them worse.

If possible, take the weekend off from shaving to give the irritation time to improve.

TIP

You can find a very comprehensive article on all the different types of razors and the art of shaving here.

Skin Care

Always wear a hydrating sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

If you've got a problem with mild to moderate acne, opt for alcohol-based topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide treatments.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day to keep your skin hydrated.

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Trim your nails straight and file out rough edges.

Moisturise your skin regularly to keep it young looking and wrinkle free.

Get a regular hair cut to look trim and keep your hair in optimum condition.

Nose and Ear Hair

It's an unfortunate reality for men, but they generally start noticing hair begins to sprout from their ears and nose as they age and the chances of them emerging and multiplying increase as you get older. The purpose of this hair is to act as a barrier to prevent unwanted dirt from entering your ears and nose-just as your eye lashes protect your eyes.

Remember, your ear and nose hair has always been there, it has only changed its growth pattern over time as a result of hormonal changes in your body. Some hair experts link this growth to the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), although the exact relationship of DHT to nose and ear hair growth is still unclear.

The best way to deal with it is to get yourself a good quality hair trimmer. Hair trimmers work in two different ways. Some trimmers feature a rotating blade that spins in one continuous direction, while other trimmers work with an oscillating blade that rotates from left to right. Both types work extremely well.

Keeping Your Teeth White

Everyone likes a brilliant smile. Teeth can become stained for a number of reasons, the most common being consumption of coffee, tea, berries, fruit juices, smoking, and aging. Here are the most common teeth whitening procedures:

Bleaching

Bleaching is done with custom-fitted mouth trays and bleaching gel.

The most common active ingredient in tooth bleaching gel is 10% carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into 3% hydrogen peroxide when dispensed.

First, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and create custom mouth guard trays for your mouth.

To protect your sensitive gum tissue, (s)he will leave a slight space between the tray and your gums when forming the tray.

You'll then be instructed on proper use of the mouth guards and bleaching gel.

You'll probably be told to squeeze a thin line of the gel into the mouth guards and wear them for several hours nightly, or even overnight (not to exceed eight hours). You must be consistent in using the gel-apply it nightly usually one to two weeks, without skipping any days.

The dentist will compare your teeth with a shade guide, and will probably ask to see you again in a week in order to monitor your progress.

The most common side effect associated with bleaching is tooth sensitivity. However, it's generally mild and temporary, usually only lasting as long as the duration of the bleaching procedure.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes can slowly help remove surface stains and keep yellowing from returning once you've had it bleached away, but by themselves the toothpastes won't cause the quick, dramatic changes you'll see with bleaching.

Lip Care

Your lips have fewer than half the cellular layers of the rest of your face, and no sebaceous glands to provide protective body oils. A good lip balm will preserve this delicate skin. There are many gender-neutral versions out there, and some specifically made for men. Look for natural ingredients like shea butter, vitamin A, jojoba and avocado oil.

**** I have been informed that some recent scientific research have found no proof that drinking 8 glasses of water benefits skin or wellbeing.

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