-
3 Simple Tricks To Prevent Further Breakouts.
While there are many reasons men get acne and dozens of ways to treat it, here are 3 simple, often overlooked steps you can take RIGHT NOW to help breakouts. These tools, used in conjunction with an appropriate skin care routine, will help you prevent further breakouts.
- CHANGE YOUR PILLOWCASES FREQUENTLY - Seriously, this is the one thing people with acne rarely think about. Your face produces oil naturally, especially if you have acne prone skin. Those oils seep into the fabric of your pillowcase and over time, that comfortable pillow you rest your head on at night becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you have pets and they sleep on your pillows? Bacteria! Sharing pillows with someone else? Now your sharing face oils and…bacteria! And those hair products you use? Gels, pommades, molding muds, whatever? Those get onto your pillowcase as well. Hair products are heavily fragranced and full of waxy, pore clogging ingredients that just don’t belong on your face. So… having sufficiently scared you into developing an obsessive compulsive disorder about pillowcases, how often should you change them? If you have moderate to severe acne, I strongly suggest washing or changing pillowcases TWICE PER WEEK. Yes, AT LEAST TWICE PER WEEK! When you wash those pillowcases, use FRAGRANCE and COLOR FREE laundry detergent. Remember, artificial colors and dyes can irritate sensitive/acne prone skin. If you use fabric softeners (no matter if its in the washer or the dryer) use color and fragrance free fabric softeners as well. Personally, I’d eliminate fabric softeners altogether, just to be on the safe side. They contain what many consider to be harsh chemicals that aren’t good for your face or body.
- DRY YOUR FACE WITH CLEAN TOWELS - Seems obvious, right? But this is another thing guys don’t think twice about. If you use one towel for your body AND face, and you use that towel several times before washing or replacing it, guess what? Bacteria! If you have moderate to severe acne and you are SERIOUS about getting it under control, use a CLEAN face cloth (washed in fragrance and color free detergent) EVERY TIME you wash your face. If that’s a little too OCD for you, use one clean face cloth per day. Since you should be washing your face twice a day, the face cloth you use in the morning can be used at night, as long as it only touches your freshly washed face and is hung someplace clean to dry.
- STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE - I know. I’m beginning to sound like a hypochondriac. But I cant stress enough that for people with bad acne, bacteria is the enemy. Your hands come in contact with all kinds of things on any given day and touching your face with dirty, greasy, unwashed hands can spread bacteria, clog pores and cause breakouts. If you need to touch that handsome mug of yours, at least make sure your hands are clean, okay?
-
E is for EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation. It’s another word you should familiarize yourself with if you want clear, polished skin and a close comfortable shave. So what is it?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin that accumulates on the surface of your face. A build up of dead skin cells contribute to the most common skin problems including blackheads, acne and ingrown hair. Exfoliating your face helps with these issues - big time! It’s also one of the best ways to get a closer, smoother shave. Now technically, when you shave you’re not just removing facial hair- you’re also exfoliating, courtesy of the razor. And though shaving is one way to do it, I want to focus on an easier, MORE COMPLETE way to exfoliate your face and neck: using a scrub.
Scrubs are basically face cleansers on steroids. They contain small, mildly abrasive particles that work to slough off dead skin as you wash, providing a more thorough, deeper cleansing. So why exfoliate with a scrub if it happens every time you shave? Well, when you shave you’re getting rid of hair and dead skin on the bearded area of your face. Exfoliation needs to happen on the ENTIRE face, including the upper cheeks, nose and forehead -areas you wouldn’t shave unless you were part werewolf. If you’re a frequent shaver (at least 5 days a week), I wouldn’t suggest using a scrub on the parts of your face where you shave. It wont need it. But other areas of your face (except the fragile eye area) need exfoliation.
If you shave less frequently (three times per week or less), using a scrub to exfoliate your skin is definitely recommended. As scrubs unclog pores and sweep away old skin, they are an effective way to prevent ingrown hairs. However, you don’t want to overuse face scrubs. Excessive exfoliation can cause skin irritation for frequent shavers or guys with moderate to severe acne.
HOW AND WHEN TO SCRUB.
Remember, on days when you exfoliate, swap out your everyday face cleanser for your scrub.
- If you shave often (5 days a week or more), use a face scrub in place of your daily face wash once or twice weekly, on a day when you’re not shaving. Focus on your nose and forehead areas.
- If you shave less than three days a week, I recommend using a scrub on the days you do shave. As I mentioned earlier, washing with a scrub prepares your face for a better shaving experience. How? By softening your beard. The scrubbing particles remove the dead skin and oil that accumulate at the roots of your facial hair. With the debris removed, there’s less drag on the razor as it runs across your beard. What you’ll get is a closer, less irritating shave.
Since you use a scrub the same way you do any other face wash, the same rules apply:
- Wet your face with WARM water. Not hot. Not cold. Comfortably warm.
- Apply your scrub gently, in slow circular motions. Focus the scrubbing action on the beard area of your face, your forehead, nose and neck.
- DO NOT USE YOUR SCRUB AROUND YOUR EYE AREA! The particles can get in your eyes. Also, the skin around your eyes is fragile and doesn’t take kindly to any kind of rubbing or abrasion.
- Dry your face with a clean towel if you’re not shaving. Leave your face wet and apply shaving cream if you’re going to shave.
- Make sure you follow your scrub/shave with a soothing non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
Though most scrubs contain gentle synthetic particles or hydrogenated waxes to sweep away dead skin, all scrubs are not created equal. You want a soothing, softening scrub that isn’t too abrasive or gritty. You don’t want to feel like you’re polishing your face with sandpaper, you know what I mean? Below are a list of scrubs worth considering, based on skin type.
**If you have severe acne, I don’t recommend using a scrub more than once or twice a week as it can irritate break outs. ProActiv’s cleanser is technically a scrub, but it’s medicated to combat acne with bacteria killing particles. So if you have acne and are using ProActiv, you don’t need to use a scrub at all.
SCRUBS FOR DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN
- Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser. With exfoliating microbeads this product is gentle enough to use daily if you have normal to oily skin, but I recommend using it only 2-3 days per week or when you shave if you have dry or sensitive skin.
- Nivea For Men Energizing Face Scrub. It does contain some fragrance but overall this is an effective hydrating face scrub for dry skin.
SCRUBS FOR NORMAL TO OILY SKIN
- Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub. Again, there’s fragrance in this product. It seems most scrubs available at drugstores, supermarkets, and discount stores have fragrances and artificial colors in them. If that doesn’t bother you, this is a great scrub for normal to oily prone skin.
- Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser. This scrub-like cleanser is great for normal to oily skin as well.
SCRUBS FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN
- Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub. With microbeads, salacylic acid and glycolic acid, this scrub is gentle and effective on acne prone skin. It contains soothing ingredients that minimize skin irritation
- ProActiv Renewing Cleanser. This is a cleanser and scrub combined. With acne fighting medication and micro-particles to get rid of dead skin cells it’s a good choice for stubborn acne prone skin. You have to order this online or by phone as it’s not available in stores.
-
M is for MOISTURIZER
It’s the word most guys can go a lifetime not saying. But this word is the second most important step to a healthy face; say it with me, guys….MOISTURIZER.
So what is a moisturizer and why does your face need it? Moisturizer is basically a lightweight lotion designed specifically for the skin on your face. Why do you need it? To protect your face from environmental stresses and to keep it looking healthy, smooth and refreshed. A good moisturizer can also help minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
So can’t you just use the same stuff you use on your hands or body when your skin is chapped our you have a sunburn? To put it simply, your face is more sensitive than the rest of the skin on your body. Your hands, for example, can’t produce their own natural oils and dry out easily, so hand and body lotions are usually thick heavy duty formulations designed to add and seal in moisture. Think of it like car wax. Your body is the car and your face is the interior. The wax you use to protect your car’s paint isn’t going to be the same one you use to condition the interior. A car’s paint job needs strong protection from oxidation, debris and the natural elements. While the interior needs similar care to keep it looking new, it requires something a lot milder, less greasy. Think Armor All. It’s a thinner less viscous solution than car wax.
If you use the same heavy lotion on your face that you do on your body, you’re asking for trouble. Most hand and body lotions are “comedogenic” which means they contain ingredients that can clog pores, causing breakouts and blackheads when applied to the face. Most facial moisturizers are lighter formulations designed for the specific needs of the face. The products I discuss below are “non comedogenic”. They wont clog pores, cause breakouts or blackheads.
These suggestions are broken down by skin type. And for the record, ALL of the products I discuss can be used as an after-shave. There’s no need for after-shave AND moisturizer. Most moisturizers are better at soothing just shaved skin than any after-shave.
**Note: If you have sensitive skin, avoid products that have fragrance or artificial colors in them. If you’re outside a lot or fair skinned, use a product that has an SPF of at least 15 to ward off daily sun damage.
SENSITIVE, NORMAL & DRY SKIN - If you have skin that is easily irritated or if your face doesn’t have large pores, get oily or is frequently dry, you should consider the following products:
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. This is a mild, non-greasy, quick absorbing lotion that won’t clog pores. It does what a good no nonsense moisturizer should do, and that’s keep your face soothed and hydrated. It doesn’t have sunscreen in it. If you want a moisturizer with sunscreen, which is important if you are outdoors often, try the following…
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15. Just like the above product but with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen .
- Cera Ve Moisturizing Lotion. Soothing, non-greasy, non-irritating moisturizer that lasts all day long. It’s particularly good if you suffer from mild eczema or psoriasis and have very dry skin. Like the other recommendations, it’s fragrance free, has no artificial colors and wont clog pores.
- Cera Ve Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM. Though it says PM on it (and I’m assuming you’re supposed to use it at night) this is a great moisturizer . This simple, fragrance and color free formulation has many anti-aging properties keeping skin hydrated and soft.
COMBINATION/OILY SKIN - If your skin gets oily , especially on your forehead, nose and chin area, but is dry around the cheek area, if you have large pores and/or occasional breakouts, consider the following:
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream. Helps minimize and keep pores clean. Lightweight and non greasy, it’s effective at keeping oily skin balanced by giving it just enough hydration.
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15. Like the above product, but it has sunscreen and feels slightly thicker.
- Jason Ester -C Lotion. A lightweight face lotion full of anti-aging vitamins. It’s made with natural and organic ingredients, if you are into that sort of thing. More about “natural and organic skin care” and “anti-aging” skin care in a later post.
**If you have very oily skin, sometimes putting any kind of moisturizer on it can cause breakouts no matter how light, non-comedogenic or “oil free” a product says it is. The oil your skin produces is a natural moisturizer, so you might consider skipping a moisturizer altogether if you have this type of skin. Just make sure you wash your face twice a day with a gentle non-drying, non-irritating cleanser.
ACNE PRONE SKIN - If you have acne you still need to keep your skin hydrated. Stripping your skin dry with harsh cleansers and acne lotions makes your skin want to produce more natural oil to protect it. And that makes your problems a lot worse. The trick with acne prone skin is again, to use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that conditions the skin, while providing some antibacterial protection. Here are some of the safer choices for acne prone skin:
- ProActiv Repairing Lotion. I said it before and I’ll say it again. ProActiv works. This lotion has Benzoyl Peroxide in it to kill the bacteria that can settle into pores and cause breakouts. It’s not the most hydrating of lotions but provides very basic protection for skin prone to frequent acne flair ups.
- Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment. With Salicylic Acids to unclog pores and refine skin, this very light non-greasy lotion soothes with skin conditioners that help reduce redness and irritation.
WHEN TO APPLY IT - Like I stated in the post about washing your face properly, it’s about developing a routine. You should moisturize in the morning after you’ve washed your face and brushed your teeth (you don’t want toothpaste residue on a clean face, it can dry your skin out).
At night, before bed, wash your face again and reapply moisturizer. If using a face lotion twice a day is too much of a commitment, once a day, in the morning, is better than nothing. Just make sure to wash your face before bed to rinse off the day’s dirt, oil and moisturizer.
HOW TO APPLY IT - Put a nickel sized amount of moisturizer right below the fingertips of a CLEAN hand. Rub your fingertips together to warm the lotion, then apply it evenly across your entire face and neck in light circular motions. Remember, it’s better to start off with a little bit and add more if you need it than to apply too much.
Don’t forget the under eye area. To minimize and help prevent wrinkles around the eyes (aka crows feet) pat the moisturizer gently around the lower eye/upper cheek area. Avoid the inner corner of your eyes near the bridge of your nose and NEVER put any face product on your eyelids. The lids don’t need it. Applying product to your eyelids will guarantee red, stinging, water eyes. You’ll look stoned- without the high. Not good.
So…I hope you are brave enough to embrace the concept of moisturization, and to do it at least once a day. The goal here is to get you in a natural routine of cleaning and protecting your skin every day, in two minutes or less.
-
Just Say No…To Toner.
When I say the word “toner” guys usually think I’m talking about copy machines or printers. Nope. Sadly, there is another kind of toner. It’s totally useless, a waste of money and you should avoid it. Here’s why…
The skin care industry has created an unnecessary third step in a person’s skin care routine and they have wedged it right in there between cleansing and moisturizing. Basically this “toner step” is designed to make you spend money on something you wouldn’t need if the people who formulated your cleanser were doing their job right in the first place.
A toner is an astringent you apply to your face with a cotton ball after you wash your face. Remember Sea Breeze? That was a hardcore “toner” that was supposed to finish cleaning your skin by removing whatever residue the cleanser left behind. But if your cleanser is doing its job correctly, its thoroughly cleaning your skin and not leaving anything behind and there’s no need for a toner, right? Right! So forget about toners. Laugh at anyone who says you need one, including your girlfriend. The only kind of toner I have ever found to be of value is spray on toner. You spritz these hydrating mists onto your face (with your eyes closed) and it acts like a very lightweight moisturizer/pick me up. If you have really oily skin that breaks out when you put any kind of lotion on your face, a spray on toner is a good solution. But let me repeat: all other toners are useless wastes of money. We’re men. We cleanse. Damn it, we even moisturize. But hell no, we wont tone!
-
Teaching the average guy how to save face—one post at a time.
