Men's Skin Care Tips

Men have skin too! But men's skin is very different from women's, as their skin is thicker and they use a razor every day! Men are less likely than women to fuss with their skin and therefore, the simpler approach to skin care, the better.

1. NEVER USE A BAR OF SOAP ON YOUR FACE

The binders that hold a bar of soap together are in an alkaline base (high pH balance) which will strip all the water and natural oils out of the skin, causing the surface of the skin to dehydrate. Your skin cells need to stay moist in order to be healthy; without water, acne conditions and sensitive skin will be aggravated.

2. IF YOU ARE PRONE TO BUMPS, SENSITIVITY, AND INGROWN HAIRS, AVOID REGULAR SHAVING CREAM

The key to a comfortable shave is to condition the skin prior to shaving to soften the hair and the hair follicle. Many men shave after showering when the skin is moist, but for sensitive skin, that may not be enough. You need an emollient-based shaving cream that, when applied to the skin, softens the hair and follicle so that when a razor goes across the skin, there is less irritation. Typical foam shaving creams are not emollient enough. Look for gel-based shaving creams that really lubricate and soften so that the razor glides easily across the skin, lessening irritation.

3. AVOID USING AFTERSHARE THAT CONTAINS SD ALCOHOL 40

Many men like the clean and tight feeling associated with using alcohol-based aftershaves, and they have been told that these close the pores. Contrary to popular opinion, pores do not open and close like doors. Using alcohol-based aftershaves only results in more problems, as alcohol causes dead skin cell buildup, keeping hair trapped in the skin, leading to more ingrown hairs and sensitivity. Instead use a calming, oil-free moisturizer that will soothe the skin after the abrasiveness of shaving.

4. WEAR A SUNSCREEN IN YOUR MOISTURIZER DAILY

Studies indicate that 78% of the sun exposure we get in a lifetime is incidental exposure. You may say, "I'm not out at all during the day." Just walking to your car, and even driving in your car will subject you to unnecessary sun damage. Windshields do nothing to protect you from UV rays! And we know that sun exposure is the #1 cause of aging! A minimum of SPF #15 should be used every day, year round. Wearing a moisturizer with sunscreen is one of the best wrinkle creams you can buy. And for men who golf, a sunblock is a must!

5. GET REGULAR PROFESSIONAL FACIALS

Men are prone to blackheads and clogged pores mostly on the nose and forehead area, and the safest way to get those pores cleaned out is with a professional facial treatment.

6. IF INGROWN HAIRS ARE A REAL PROBLEM, USE AN ELECTRIC RAZOR

Most men are aware that they get fewer ingrown hairs when they use an electric razor. It's the close shave that they get with a blade that causes the hairs to get trapped below the skin when the hair grows in. With an electric razor, the hair is cut above the skin, thus diminishing the chance of ingrown hairs. But the downside is that you cannot get a close shave with an electric razor, which is why most men don't use one. It's better for blond men whose hair is less visible; for dark-haired men, using an electric razor results in a 5-o'clock shadow that they may want to avoid.

7. SHAVE IN THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THE HAIR GROWS

It's best to shave in the direction in which the hair grows. This results in less irritation because there is less friction.

8. HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line when it comes to irritation, ingrown hairs, and shaving is that men need to find a shaving schedule that works best for them. This might mean shaving during the week and going natural on the weekends, allowing the hairs to grow out from underneath the skin.

Better Products ~ Better Skin & Improved Shave

It can be difficult to convince male clients that changing up their shaving routine can be beneficial for their skin. This news item provides proof you can share that a more advanced shaving routine can provide beneficial results.

Globally, millions of men from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds shave their faces on a regular basis. These men have diverse skin sensitivities, varied hair types, different hand sizes and unique shaving techniques. While preferences differ, the goal is the same; most men want a close and comfortable shave.

As a rite of passage, men are most often taught to shave by the previous generation of shavers, leading men to believe that there is only one way to shave — the way they were taught. Globally, millions of men from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds shave their faces on a regular basis. These men have diverse skin sensitivities, varied hair types, different hand sizes and unique shaving techniques.

This was challenged in the previous Gillette white paper where the science behind the three-step shaving regimen and the use of advanced shave care products was introduced. This paper further supports those findings with a study that demonstrates how including advanced shaving products into the three-step shaving regimen can have a positive impact on skin condition and shave quality through improved hydration, even for men with self-reported sensitive skin.

Gillette research has shown that shaving has a direct impact on the condition of the skin and, in turn, the condition of the skin impacts the quality of the shave. To study this further, Gillette conducted a dermatologist-consulted clinical study comparing a man’s Typical Shaving Regimen, using a bar soap, shaving prep product and razor to a regimen consisting of more advanced products including a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

Forty (40) men who reported having sensitive skin and who shaved four or more times a week were assigned the shaving regimens for a 14-day usage period. Each man was provided a razor and shaving products that were used in a specific order throughout the entire study. Study subjects shaved their faces and necks daily during this time, using the Typical Shaving Regimen on one side of the face and neck and the Advanced Shaving Regimen on the opposite side.  The study revealed that the Advanced Shaving Regimen demonstrated a significantly better shaving experience and resulted in superior skin hydration on the face and neck at

Overall, the study results suggest that including more advanced shaving products into the three-step shaving regimen can have a positive impact on skin condition and shave quality through improved hydration, even for men with self-reported sensitive skin. This could provide great relief for clients with sensitive skin, especially those who want or need to shave daily.

Votre Vu offers the Advanced Men’s line.  The line contains a 3 in 1 cleanser, a shave balm and a organic moisturizer containing SPF.