Wednesday, April 9, 2014

A Man's Guide To Skin Care

By Liam Duffey


For certain men, skin care is low on the list of immediate concerns. They just might not feel motivated to deal with greasy lotions, even if the skin on their knuckles is cracking and bleeding from excessive dryness. Ignoring the need to care for dry skin is not only uncomfortable, but it can also potentially lead to infection and scars. Your skin is your barrier against the infectious agents in the world all around us, and dry, cracking skin makes gaps in that defense. So what are some of the steps that men take to give attention to dry skin?

First and foremost, a finding a good moisturizer is in order. While your skin is supposed to be producing its own layer of oils and lipids to lock in that freshness, some people's skins are real slackers in that department. Due to their genes, some just don't produce as much as they need for the area they live in. Dryness may also be caused by certain illness, such as kidney problems, and by excessive hand-washing.

Using moisturizers isn't exactly the definition of a manly activity, but walking around with dry, bleeding hands while doing nothing to correct the problem is just plain dumb. Moisturizers are the best first step in the fight against dryness. There are countless brands and permutations, so some trial and error may be necessary before you're able to find a product that fulfills all of your needs.

But before you moisturize, remember this: most creams and lotions are made to form a layer over your skin that seals the moisture underneath. But if you have dry skin, you likely don't have much moisture to begin with, and the layer will simply block water from the outside. This is bad, because you're essentially sealing in the dryness instead of the moisture. Be sure to wet your face before you apply moisturizers.

While still on the subject of splashing water on the skin, just remember that everything has the potential to be overdone. Showering is relaxing, and is essential to feeling clean and smelling good. But spending too much time under a hot shower can have adverse effects on the skin. Try to limit the amount of time you spend under the showerhead.

Soap has the tendency to take the moisture out of your skin, especially the stronger ones, made for cutting through grease, and ones with antibacterial elements. Try to avoid those types unless the situation calls for them.

The main cause of season dry skin is the drop in moisture in the air when the colder months roll around. You can combat winter dryness by putting some of that moisture back into your local air through the use of a humidifier. Setting one up in your home or workplace, if possible, will be an invaluable asset in fighting dryness.




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