A Guy's Guide to Skin Care

Skin's Best Friend introduce

You're a guy. A sports team gets your attention -- not your facial skin. But here's a news flash: If you want to look good, you've got to deal with your skin.

"If men want to keep skin youthful and healthy looking, they've got to make skin care a part of their daily regimen," says Mathew Avram, MD, JD, director of the Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. He's also a faculty member at Harvard Medical School.

Sun and smoking are your face's worst enemies because both cause skin damage and wrinkling. "If you smoke, quit," Avram tells WebMD. "Using a moisturizer with sunblock is a very effective way to prevent aging and wrinkling.

A Checklist for Great (Manly) Skin

Choosing skin products:

• Think "moisturizer" when buying soaps -- body and hand soaps, that is.
• Buy a face moisturizer that contains sunblock or sunscreen.
• If you've got dry skin, buy a light moisturizing body lotion for summer.
• During winter months, buy heavier moisturizing creams or ointments.
• If dry skin is really a problem, thicker and greasier is better.
• Always use a good sunscreen outdoors (SPF 15 or higher).

Preventing dry skin:

• Take lukewarm showers (instead of hot ones).
• Limit shower time to 5 or 10 minutes.
• Apply moisturizing lotion right after drying from the shower.
• Moisturize after washing hands.

Getting a great shave:

• Shave in a warm shower. Or carefully put a hot, wet towel over your face for a few minutes before shaving.
• Massage shaving cream or gels into skin.
• Don't shave too close. Use single-edged razors to protect skin from irritation. You'll also reduce potential for ingrown hairs -- especially if your beard is curly.
• Shave only in one direction if you tend to get ingrown hairs. Shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Wash with plenty of water. Pat gently with a towel; don't rub.
• Apply moisturizing cream (containing sunblock) to soothe and protect the skin.

Controlling acne:

• Using a prescription retinol treatment like Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Avita, or Differin at night can make skin less prone to breakouts.
• Daily use of an antibiotic cream or benzoyl peroxide wash or gel can also help.

http://www.webmd.com

Skin-Shmallow 

Make your skin like a Marshmallow!