Men's and women's skin age differently. Testosterone causes men
to have thicker skin, which means that it tends to sag and wrinkle
less and is a more effective barrier against environmental irritants
and bacteria. Not only do women have thinner skin, but their oil
glands produce slightly less oil than men's, which means they
have less "natural" moisturizer. Men usually shave their
faces, which exfoliates the dead cells and lessens the appearance
of wrinkles. On the down side, for many men shaving is an abrasive
experience and can account for the roughening of the skin along
the jaw line and cheeks.
Regardless of the inherent advantages that men have when it comes
to their skin, a daily skin care regime can work wonders to maintain
a vigorous, youthful appearance (that testosterone doesn't last
forever, guys). Skin care for men is remarkably similar to that
for women. You will want to clean your skin every day, apply toner
and moisturize your skin. And always use sun block, at least SPF
15.
Protect Your Skin
Sun is damaging to the appearance and health of your skin, and
even those of you who spend a total of five minutes in the sun
per day-getting in and out of your car, for instance-will want
to heed the following tips. Always use an SPF 15 sunscreen and
apply it everywhere the sun's rays might touch you: ears, the
back of your neck, and bald areas of your scalp. If you're sweating
or swimming, apply it at least once an hour. Wear tightly-woven
clothing to prevent the sun from penetrating the fabric and getting
to your skin.
Sunburns
If that week-long beach volleyball tournament has left you with
sun-reddened, throbbing, blistered skin, there are a few things
you can do to lessen your discomfort. Apply aloe vera to burned
areas to moisturize and promote healing; chamomile steeped in water
can help to relieve the sting; calamine lotion will lessen the itching;
cool compresses, baths, and showers will sooth your skin, and adding
vinegar or cooked oatmeal to your bath water will reduce the sting.
Starchy, liquefied raw potatoes applied directly to the sunburned
areas will also lessen the pain, but make sure that you wait until
the mixture dries completely before you rinse it off to reap the
full benefits.
Acne
Acne is a problem for many men. Thick skin and active oil glands
can cause everything from the occasional blemish to full-blown
acne. Men's acne treatment is similar to women's, but the products
tend to be a little more concentrated.