What do men really want? Clean Skin! There’s a lot of content for the ladies when it comes to skincare, but with Father’s Day right around the corner, this one is just for the guys. The shift in perspective on men’s skincare over the last few years has helped shed new light on different treatments and grooming methods men can use to help achieve a clear, clean complexion. Let’s dive into some common questions you guys ask me about men’s skincare along with a few tips and product suggestions to help with any concerns that may follow.
1.) Why Do I Have So Many Black Heads Around My Nose?
Men have thicker skin than women with a higher concentration of pores and oil gland activity. The nose has the highest concentration with the chin, central cheeks and glabella as other areas prone to black heads. Our sebaceous glands are responsible for producing an oil like substance called sebum and when combined with dirt and dead skin cells this can clog the pores, ultimately leading to blackheads. The shape of the nose also plays a factor as it is usually curved, making it easier for oils and dirt to accumulate in this area. A great way to minimize blackheads around the nose is using Clarify Pads 3-4 times a week. They contain salicylic and glycolic acid to help break down the build up of sebum.
I have a detailed Youtube video dedicated to this topic below! (How To Shrink Your Pores)
2.) Is It Better To Wash My Face Before Or After I Shave?
Cleansing before shaving removes any impurities and softens the hairs for a seamless shave. It’s more important to prioritize post-shave skincare. The presence of facial hair can create a barrier that hinders the ability to effectively apply skincare products and allow for adequate absorption. It’s crucial to wash your face after shaving to thoroughly eliminate any excess product, loose hairs, dead skin cells, and impurities. It also helps soothe and refresh the skin, reducing the chances of irritation or inflammation typically associated with shaving. A post-shave cleansing step ensures that your skin is cleansed and primed for your products. I recommend Purify Cleanser for post-shave cleanses as it’s gentle and soothing on the skin yet effective at removing impurities.
3.) Do Men Need To Wear Sunscreen Too?
Yes. Always. This is a commonly asked question and the answer is always YES. By age 50 men have a considerably higher risk of developing melanoma in comparison to women. Specifically, the most common area for Melanoma in men is the back, so be sure to cover up and protect your skin. Men’s skin is more prone to oiliness so they tend to avoid applying lotions and creams. Using a lighter SPF lotion that’s water based or an SPF powder is a great option for sun protection. My male patients love the UV Clear Powder Brush because it’s so easy to apply. They surprisingly also love the way the Hydratint BB SPF44 makes their skin look. It’s a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that offers a light tint to help diminish imperfections.
4) What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of ”Bacne” (Back Acne) And The Pigmentation It Leaves Behind?
Body acne is a form of folliculitis. It can also come up on the buttocks, chest, inner thighs, or shoulders. The buildup of sweat, bacteria, yeast, and oils can cause the pores in these areas to become clogged and infected resulting in red acne-like bumps often leaving behind a dark stain that lasts for months! Use a benzoyl peroxide wash in the shower, like Panoxyl or Cerave. Be sure to rinse it off as it can bleach clothing and fabrics. Apply a medicated spray like The One Spray to make it less favorable for yeast and bacteria to grow in addition to exfoliating and renewing skin cells. This also helps clean up any buildup in the pores as well as promotes cellular renewal to help fade the scars and discoloration body acne can leave behind.
Check out my youtube video on “How To Clear Body Acne” for more in-depth information.
5.) How Do I Get Rid Of Ingrown Hairs And Folliculitis?
Ingrown Hairs, also known as pseudofolliculitis, are typically caused from a close shave, causing the hair to get trapped under the surface of the skin as it grows back from below the skin’s surface. The area then becomes inflamed and irritated. Whereas folliculitis is when you get inflammation around the hair follicle from bacteria or a blockage in the pores leading to infection. Here are three tips helpful for you:
-Shave in the direction of the hair follicle to avoid the hairs curling under the skin’s surface and getting trapped in pores particularly if you have coarse or curly hair. Avoid shaving against the direction of hair growth.
-Wash with a medicated cleanser : one of my favorite medicated cleansers is Z-Bar from Amazon or the Exfoliating Cleanser as it has antibacterial and anti-yeast properties while also removing dead skin cells.
-Exfoliate Using Clarify Pads: sweeping the skin removes buildup from the outer skin layer, unclogs pores, and smooths skin texture. These medicated pads are formulated with clinical ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acid and very easy to use. They help with reducing ingrown hairs and unwanted microorganisms.
