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If personal ads read like the following, most
guys would never think about taking preventive measures to ward
off premature aging:
Swedish bikini model seeks middle-aged male
with wrinkled skin for fun with no commitment. Brown spots on skin
a plus.
But since ads like this don't exist, it's
probably a good idea to take the steps necessary to keep your skin
looking young and fresh. Below please find a quick course designed
to help your dermis stay forever young.
WHAT ARE GUYS WORRIED ABOUT?
Recent research shows that men are most
worried about the following when it comes to their skin and aging:
• Fine Lines: Wrinkles all around the face
-- particularly the eye and mouth area (often referred to as
“Crow's Feet”).
• Tired-Looking Skin : Skin that looks “worn
out,” with no hint of softness or suppleness (sorry, we couldn't
think of any more macho words to use).
• Brown Spots : Small patches of
discoloration on the face.
WHAT CAUSES THESE ISSUES?
Not to get too scientific, but Collagen and
Elastin are the elements that keep skin looking soft and healthy.
When these elements are damaged, skin tends to go downhill and
premature aging sets in. So, it's important to protect skin from
outside forces that damage Collagen and Elastin.
THINGS TO AVOID
This stuff wreaks havoc on Collagen and
Elastin and affects your skin's appearance.
• Major Sun Exposure : Betcha' didn't know
that 99% of all premature aging is the result of sun exposure. So,
sun block is imperative prior to any stint outside (it doesn't
have to be 80 degrees).
• Smoking : The damage to skin can be
significant, but is still probably the least of a
smoker's worries.
• Alcohol, Drugs & Highly-Processed Foods
THINGS TO DO
Whether you're trying to avoid premature
aging all together or just slow it down, follow these golden
rules:
• Wear Sunscreen: Slap on a moisturizer with
an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more every single morning.
• Follow A Solid Skincare Routine : Remember
the letters CSP – Cleanse , Scrub and Protect. To find a daily
routine that's right for you, click here .
• Make An Appointment: Find a spa/salon
where you'll feel comfortable and visit a Skin Care Expert. Two or
three “facials” a year can really make a difference.
• Take Your Vitamins: Use skin care products
packed with vitamins and minerals. Some of these products can
directly battle “ Crow's Feet .”
• Exercise: Inner health is scientifically
proven to be reflected on the outside.
The majority of men feel a little
uncomfortable talking about skincare… it's just not standard bar
stool banter. But when most guys realize that basic skin
maintenance can help ward off aging, wrinkles and even illness,
they start humming a slightly different tune. Here's a basic
lesson showcasing answers to some of the most common skincare
questions:
Q: What's the benefit to a skincare regimen?
A: There are a lot of pluses to a solid
skincare regimen. Above all, the biggest benefits are that your
skin will be healthier, look younger and your shaves will be
smoother.
Q: What are the basic steps in a good
skincare routine?
A: Just remember CSP. The "C" is for Cleanse,
which you should do daily with a targeted cleanser to remove oil
and dirt. The "S" is for Scrub, which you should do a few times a
week with an exfoliator to remove dead skin and help with shaving.
The "P" is for Protect, which you can do by applying a moisturizer
with SPF everyday.
Q: What should I clean my face with? Why not
soap?
A: Your facial cleanser should be a product
specifically designed for the face - one that's gentle and
appropriate for your skin type. Most regular soaps will do more
harm than good, as they can strip natural oils from the skin and
can lead to infection or premature aging.
Q: How can I fight pre-mature aging?
A: Here's an interesting fact: Only one
percent of aging is caused by actual aging. The other 99% is
caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Taking this
into account, the best way to avoid getting old early is to wear a
moisturizing sun block everyday and to use products containing
anti-oxidants, which will fight free radicals and help repair past
UV damage.
Q: My face gets bumps all the time. I don't
know if it's shaving or not. What can I do?
A: Proper shaving preparation should cure all
your ills. Prior to shaving, it's important to cleanse your face
with a facial cleanser, wiping away all the junk that gets in the
way of your razor. Next, use an exfoliator two to three times a
week to release ingrown hairs.
Q: My skin is oily and looks really greasy.
Obviously, this isn't attractive and I need help.
A: To fight oily skin, cleanse your face
daily with an oil-absorbing clay based cleanser, use an
exfoliating product to remove dead skin that clogs the pores and
top it off with an oil-free moisturizer. |