Skin Care and Acne Prevention for Men

Although the majority of skincare products are marketed toward women, that doesn’t mean that a man should neglect his skin. Men are just as prone to acne and other skin problems as their female counterparts and should take great care to prevent acne flare-ups and ensure that their skin stays as healthy as possible.

Keeping it Clean

Keeping your skin clean is essential to healthy skin. Many men tend to be very active in sport, outdoor recreation and simply sweat more often, and more profusely, than women. The oil and sweat from your skin can clog pores, creating acne and blackheads. Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser will help keep your pores clear. Avoid using bar soap, as this can strip the natural oils from your skin. Purchase a product designed for your face and save the bar soap for the rest of your body.

Moisturizing

In addition to cleanliness, moisturizing your skin will keep it from being dry and flakey, and will help keep your skin’s natural pH balance. Moisturizing creams and lotions for your face should be lighter than those used for your body, and shouldn’t be too heavy or too oily. If you feel uncomfortable about purchasing moisturizing products marketed toward women, brands such as Neutrogena and Lancome carry products designed especially for male skin.

Bad Habits

Ditch your cigarettes. The chemicals in cigarettes will age and dry out your skin. Avoid picking your pimples. Women are lucky because they can use makeup to cover any unsightly acne, however men must rely solely on prevention and healthy habits. Popping pimples only inflames the skin and can leave a scar. Skip your junk food. Loading up on oily pizza and fries can encourage acne flare-ups.

Good Habits

Drink a lot of water. Men do not retain water as well as women, and must drink more water. Men should drink at least 8 to 12 cups per day, which can include water-rich foods, according to holistic health professional Dr. Loretta Standley. Drinking enough water will help keep your skin hydrated and will help flush out any toxins or dirt. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Not only will they help keep you trim, the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will help keep your skin in good shape. Keeping your pillowcases and sheets clean will help prevent acne breakouts.

Shaving

Use a gel-based shaving cream while shaving to get the closest shave and avoid skin irritation—don’t shave dry. Keep your blade sharp, and ensure that it is clean and hasn’t been used elsewhere on the body—or anyone else's body. Use a good aftershave to help avoid further irritation. But if you find that aftershave irritates your skin, check to see if it has menthol. Menthol can irritate some men’s skin. Every now and then, skip your daily shave to give your skin a break.

-JOJO-