If you're a man, solving your skin problems shouldn't be a matter of reaching for your wife or girlfriend's skincare products. While some problems may be similar, men often have unique concerns that need to be targeted with specific products.
Unsightly rashes and ingrown hairs, as a result of shaving, are one of the most common skin complaints for men.
Cle de Peau Beaute training manager Kyoko Deguchi says the problem occurs when the sharp tip of the razor or electric shaver stimulates the skin, leading to redness. Aveda beauty therapist Natalie Lau agrees and recommends using a shaving cream such as Aveda Men Pure-formance Shave Cream to moisturise and cushion the skin.
After shaving, try a lotion or balm to relieve irritation, such as Cle de Peau Beaut?'s Soothing Essence. Some aftershave lotions also help to prevent ingrown hairs. 'Sometimes an ingrown hair occurs because the pore is blocked for various reasons and the hair is forced to grow sideways,' Deguchi explains.
Clinique research and development executive director Tom Mammone says it is advisable to exfoliate up to twice a week to avoid this situation. 'Exfoliation helps to encourage newer, better-looking skin that will help alleviate the likelihood and problem of ingrown hair.' But watch for signs of skin inflammation as exfoliation can aggravate the situation.
Shedding old skin cells can also help dry, dull skin, allowing moisturiser to penetrate more deeply. Mammone says dry skin can occur as a result of genetics or short-term environmental changes including the weather or stress. Physical changes to your skin can result from excessive washing or the use of other agents that strip the skin of its natural barrier. 'In all cases, hydration needs to be replaced to bring the skin's moisture levels into balance and help repair the skin's natural moisture barrier,' Mammone says.
Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Scruffing Lotion uses salicylic acid to remove flaky skin and unclog pores, while the Face Scrub removes dead flakes and oil build-up, while helping reduce ingrown hairs. This can be followed by the Maximum Hydrator, an intense moisturiser that triggers the skin's ability to build and hold moisture while firming dry skin.