Looking good is not just a female prerogative. Men also realise the importance of appearance. Today, men’s personal care products are easily available, while salon care for men has become popular.
A teenage boy is just as anxious about skin problems, such as pimples and acne, which are common during adolescence. Teenagers are confronted with oily skin and associated conditions, like blackheads, spots, pimples, acne, and dandruff. So, a teenager must learn to understand his skin and give it the kind of care that it needs.
‘Cleansing’ is the keyword for the skin, especially in winter. The pores must be kept free of hardened oil, and the oiliness of the skin surface must also be reduced. Therefore, you need a cleanser specially formulated for oily skin. A face wash containing ingredients like tulsi and neem would be good. You can also use medicated soap or cleanser.
Older men may need a cleansing gel to remove impurities without disturbing the moisture balance. With age, the skin becomes drier. Cleansing can be a pre-shave routine.
A good skin toner is a must in winter weather, to refresh the skin. Rose water is ideal, as it is a natural coolant. Rose water refreshes the skin and imparts a clean and fresh feeling. You can keep a small bowl of rose skin tonic, or rose water, in the refrigerator. This way, it is chilled and ready for use. Wipe the skin several times a day with it. It can be most refreshing.
Many men spend a great deal of their working hours outside. The UV rays affect the skin in winter too. Protect the skin by applying sunscreen on the face and all exposed areas. The back of the neck and arms are extremely vulnerable to sun damage both in summer and winter. The sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you happen to be in the sun for more than one hour, you should re-apply the sunscreen.
Night cleansing is a must to remove sweat, oil, dirt and pollutants from the skin. This reduces oiliness and protects the skin from pimples. Rinse with plenty of plain water.
For shaving, choose a gentle, creamy, emollient product. This softens the hair, making shaving easier. It also leaves the skin smooth and supple. Most after-shave lotions are alcohol-based, which can have a drying effect on the skin. A non-greasy after-shave cream would be ideal. Considering this, some companies have formulated an after-shave cream for men. It contains sandalwood, a powerful antiseptic with a soothing effect. It also has a natural fragrance, which is suitable for men. Moreover, the cream helps to keep the skin moisturised.
With age, the skin-care routine should also include nourishing and exfoliation. Nourishing provides emollients, which help the skin to hold moisture. The application of night creams, with a light massage, helps to improve skin texture. Use a scrub once a week, to remove dead cells and this itself boosts the skin’s cell renewal process.
Taking enough water and fluids helps to cleanse the body of toxins and wastes. As far as appearance is concerned, this is bound to reflect on the skin and body. The skin will look clearer and fresher.
Here are some home remedies:
Watermelon juice is a good skin toner and relieves dryness. It cools, refreshes and softens the skin.
Fruits such as banana, apple, papaya and orange can be mixed and applied to the face. Keep it on for 20-30 minutes. Then wash off with water. It cools the skin, cleanses dead cells and removes tan.
Cooling Mask: Mix cucumber juice with two teaspoons of powdered milk and one egg white into a smooth paste. Apply on the face and neck and rinse off with water after half an hour.
Mask for Oily Skin: Mix one tablespoon of multani mitti with rose water and apply on the face. Wash off when dry.
Take one tablespoon each of lemon juice and rose water. Add crushed mint leaves and let it stand for an hour. Strain the leaves and apply the liquid to the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. Helps to reduce oiliness and also refreshes and cools the skin.
