Skin Health For Men

Author: Joel Warner

A lot of guys consider themselves pretty tough, but chances are their skin is anything but. “Men's skin is way more oily than women's, so it attracts more dirt and oil. Plus, most men tend to shave every day, which causes the skin to be more sensitive,” says Kim Schroeder, an aesthetician in Santa Barbara, California. Sun exposure and stress also take heavy tolls on the face. The best solution is a soothing and calming skin care regimen — one not often provided by guys' grooming products, which can be harsh and aggressive. But men can give their skin the pampering it deserves — and still feel macho — with these natural helpers.

Forget squeaky clean, says Alan Dattner, MD, a holistic dermatologist with practices in New York City and New Rochelle, New York. If you're plagued by dry skin, take fewer and cooler showers, especially in cold weather. “You wash off your body's natural oils and humectants and this dries out the skin.” Humectants are moisture-loving molecules that draw and hold water in the skin, and oils provide a protective barrier on top. If you need a basic freshening up, it's not always necessary to wash the whole body. “Certain areas get dirty, and certain areas don't,” says Dattner. “Most men don't get dirty enough to use soap on their forearms and legs.”

Showering

When it's time to step in the shower, skip soaps that contain animal products, artificial fragrances, synthetic antibacterial chemicals, and heavy colorants, such as coal-derived Brilliant Blue FCF and Fast Green FCF. All can lead to inflammation or allergic reactions, says Luke Vukmer, founder of Herban Cowboy Organic Grooming Products. If you're prone to overly oily skin, soaps with mild citrus ingredients may help reduce buildup without drying out the skin. “Men also need to dry off well after showering because excess water can lead to bacterial growth — a precursor to odor,” says Vukmer.

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