New Delhi: Skin care regime nowadays is not just a woman's prerogative.
Noted beautician Shahnaz Husain has revealed the core differences between the skin of the two sexes and says, "Men's skin is little oilier and thicker than women. Difference also lies in texture, hydration and collagen density." "Skincare products of men are manufactured differently as compared to any women's products but the basic element of an effective skin care remains the same," she adds.
Here are some essential skin care tips for men revealed by the beauty expert:
-To avoid dull, brittle and dry skin, men need to practice regular beauty regime like cleansing, toning and moisturising for maintaining tighter, younger skin and also to protect their skin from atmosphere pollution, vehicle exhausts, sun exposure and other pollutants regularly to avoid puffy eyes and premature wrinkles.
-Natural, ayurvedic products should be used in the morning and at night which will make you look fresh all the time
-A light cleansing gel or face wash can be applied on the skin and wiped off with moist cotton wool, or washed off. It will leave the skin cleansed, without causing moisture depletion. Rinse the skin well with plain water and dab on a skin tonic to tone and refresh the skin. Rose water may be used as a toner.
-For oily skin, mix rose water and astringent lotion in equal quantities. Astringent lotion will be available at a cosmetic store. Rose-based skin tonic is also available. This can be a pre-shave routine.
-If the skin is oily and prone to blackheads, a facial scrub should be used twice a week, rubbing it gently on the skin, using circular movements and washing off with plain water.
-For shaving, choose a gentle, creamy, emollient product. This softens the hair, making shaving much 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 which contains powerful antiseptic sandalwood with soothing effect would be ideal. Moreover, a cream helps to keep the skin moisturized, especially in monsoon and winters.
-Two of the most important aspects of a daily routine for men are cleansing and sun-protection. Cleansing at night is of utmost importance, to remove all the pollutants that have been deposited on the skin during the day. Men spend more time out of doors, in the sun. The application of sunscreens before going out in the sun plays an important role in preventing UV ray damage, sunburn and pre-mature ageing signs.
-With age, the skin care routine should also include nourishing. This provides the emollients (oils), which helps the skin to hold moisture. The application of night creams, with a light massage, helps to improve skin texture. Nourishing cream containing antioxidants like wheat germ oil, or vitamin-rich ingredients, help to keep the skin look younger and can also have a rejuvenating effect.
-Using facial scrub once a week helps to remove dead cells and this itself boosts the skin's cell renewal process. Scrubs should not be applied on pimples, acne or rash.
- Weekly salon facials, with professional massage and other techniques, also go a long way towards delaying the ageing signs and rejuvenating the skin. A salon facial can be a real treat and a great way to relax. Apart from maintaining skin-elasticity and resilience, facial massages help to improve the normal functions of the skin, including that of cell-renewal. Face, head and body massages also have great value in terms of inducing relaxation and reducing stress. For oily skin and eruptive conditions, a facial treatment with clean-up should be done, instead of facial massage with cream.
