life-coaching-online-50-plus-magazine-Man in bathroom washing face, a photo by Life-Coaching-Online on Flickr.
This used to be a typical drug store scenario for me:
The panic begins to set in around aisle 3. Staring at what seems to be an endless wall of boxes, jars, and bottles, I try to gather as much information as possible. I came for shaving cream and aftershave lotion, but the decision is quickly becoming more complicated.
Do I have sensitive skin? What is Q10? Do I need protection from UVA and UVB?
The stress of this inner monologue is compounded by the fact that everyone else in this aisle seems to be well-informed about the products they’re choosing. I consider just growing a beard when a gentleman walks up next to where I’m standing and deftly grabs the two products I’m in need of. I wait until he’s moved along, grab the same two products and hastily exit the aisle.
For the modern man, designing a skin care regime can be tricky. But a little research can go a long way when it comes to optimizing a daily facial routine (it will certainly help with any anxiety in the cosmetics aisle). It’s important to first understand what makes a man’s skin different from a woman’s. Certain factors like heredity make it harder to generalize, so it’s worthwhile to consult with a dermatologist if you have any special needs. In general men have more oily skin but smaller sebaceous (oil) glands – thank testosterone for this fun fact. While oily skin can lessen the toll of aging, it does make our skin prone to acne and other blemishes.
What Works for Me
Washing – You need a face wash to battle those overactive sebaceous glands; I’ve been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for more than a year. It’s mild in almost every way, doesn’t dry out my skin, and rinses away easily. This is definitely my go-to when it comes to washing the face. Recently the folks at Galaderma Laboratories (makers of Cetaphil) seemed to have changed the formula of the cleanser. I haven’t noticed a change in the effectiveness, but the new stuff seems to lack the lathering effect most of us are used to.
Shaving – Sensitive skin or not, it seems razor burn/bumps/ingrown hairs come with the territory when it comes to shaving with a razor. For me, using a shaving cream with a gel base provides the lubrication that foam shaving creams do not. Nivea For Men – Sensitive Gel is alcohol free and has chamomile added to reduce irritation. Being a disposable razor guy, I have noticed that with Nivea I get four to five extra shaves before it’s time to replace the razor.
Protection – For after-shave lotion I’ve been test driving Nivea For Men – Double Action Shave Balm. I was curious about Coenzyme Q10, one of the ingredients featured in this after-shave moisturizer. According to the Mayo Clinic, Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the basic functioning of human cells, and natural Q10 levels tend to decrease with age. While I am impressed with the balm’s pleasant smell as well as its ability to moisturize and reduce razor bumps after my shave, the jury seems to be out on the ‘real’ benefits of Q10 as a skin supplement – chalk it up to clever marketing for now?
Protection x2 – Sunscreen. Use it. UVB rays are responsible for the normal effects of the sun like tanning, or if you’re like me, burning. UVA rays penetrate the dermis layer of the skin and are known to cause the nastier effects of exposure like aging, sun allergies and skin cancer. I’ve been using Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 so far this spring/summer and while the protection from the broad-spectrum of UV rays is comforting, it’s just too greasy for me to recommend. I’m in the market for a replacement sunscreen this summer. Nicki has a great article on FutureDerm about the best sunscreen for oily skin , which is definitely worth reading as she gives the nod to LaRoche Posay SPF 60 Fluid Extreme. I was reassured twofold when I read an article about UVA/UVB rays on a client’s website, a dermatologist in Orange County that endorsed the same product.
The Bottom Line
It’s been my goal to share what is involved with my current morning routine and what has (and has not) worked successfully thus far. It’s not a comprehensive list, but it’s a start. If you happen to know a certain husband, boyfriend or just a clueless guy, I hope this can serve as a starting point for them when it comes to easing the anxiety of buying for-him daily facial products.
Author Synopsis
Chuck Haycock is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a world traveler who now works for Etna Interactive – a medical web marketing agency. He writes on a variety of topics in the health & wellness field. For more, check out Etna’s Facebook page.
