MAVERICKS COLUMN: Following on from the last column on “talking to your barber”, although men primarily come in to Mavericks to get their hair cut, a hot towel shave or a beard trim, we are often asked by our customers for advice on their skin.
So to help out the men of Donegal Daily, we have compiled a basic Q&A on skin care for men.
How does men’s skin differ from that of women?
Men’s skin tends to be both thicker and oilier. This extra lubrication is essential for beard growth and helps to counterbalance the ravages of time, protecting the skin and acting as a natural wrinkle-reducer. Despite the benefits, having excess skin oil does have a downside – when the oil combines with dirt and dead cells, it can clog the pores causing spots.
What happens to the skin as men age?
Skin changes dramatically as you age. During puberty, when a man’s hormones are kicking into high gear, the body produces more sebum (oil). However, as men get older, oil production in the skin reduces and moisturisers with age-defying ingredients are needed to nourish, hydrate and help combat the skin’s aging process.
The sun…friend or foe?
While sunshine may lift your spirits the odd time we get it around the hills of Donegal, it does nothing but harm the skin. Exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging and also puts you at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists suggest that, regardless of skin type, a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is essential for year-round use.
What is exfoliation and why do I need to do it?
Skin produces cells that continually renew themselves. Exfoliation helps rid the skin of the dead cells that build up on its surface. Scrubs containing granules gently buff away impurities and dead surface cells, stimulating skin renewal and revitalising the complexion without any redness or flaking.
What products should I use for shaving?
When wet shaving, a lot of men try to cut corners and use cheap aerosol shaving foams and gels. The vast majority of these products contain additional chemicals that irritate the skin as opposed to soothing it. To create their texture, they are also heavily aerated, creating insufficient lubrication between the razor and skin. The best products to use are shaving oils or, better again, are the old fashioned shaving soaps or creams. Prorasso has a range of shaving soaps and creams which are second to none. When used correctly they result in the smoothest shave achievable. We use the Prorasso range ourselves for the hot towel shave and it is also available to buy in Mavericks. Anyone who has tried it, hasn’t looked back.
Under eye cream: Is it for men?
Check out any photo of yourself that’s at least five years old and you’ll no doubt see far more significant changes in the eye area than in any other area of your face. The skin under the eye is extremely delicate, and as you age, it gets thinner, making it extremely susceptible to wrinkles. It’s especially important to feed the vulnerable under-eye area with a nutrient-packed, super-hydrating, under-eye cream. Start today – even if you’re only in your twenties – for results you can see like fine lines beginning to diminish.
I hope this helps and gives you an insight on how to slow down the clock.
For any more advice on skin care for men just contact us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Maverick-Traditional-Barbershop-1544230652533677/?fref=ts or call into Mavericks Traditional Barbershop, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny.
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