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Men’s Skincare: More than just shaving. 6 Common Problems & Solutions.

Skin problems, from minor irritations, blemishes to full blown ‘what the hell is on my face’ problems, who needs them, who wants them?  No thanks. Let’s look at 6 of  the most common skin problems experienced by men and simple steps that you can take to help eliminate them. Point 6 should be non-negotiable! Whether we are young teens or older, handsome or ‘homely’, sportsman of the year or a couch potato we may have all suffered at the hands of acne, rosacea, razor burn, ingrown hairs and as we age, which we do; men are not immune, wrinkles and sun damage.

As flawless as some of the Hollywood type’s look I am sure that at some stage they have suffered at the evil doings of one of these life’s little complications.

Our skin is an organ which is under attack 24/7. We expose our skin to the elements every day, sunlight, harsh winds, pollution, chemicals, sweat and dirt to name but a few. Stress is also a contributing factor to many skin problems.

 
1. Acne

Generally acne can be one of the first little treats that we can experience as we enter into our early teens. For some this can be temporary, others can suffer from acne all their life. 85% of people worldwide have suffered from acne at some point in their lives. Acne Vulgaris, is one of the most common skin diseases and it can be distressing and debilitating for the sufferer causing lack of confidence, embarrassment and awkwardness. These sometimes painful and infected skin blemishes have been an affliction of torment for many and sometimes, it seems, like nothing will work. Acne can cause scaring as a result of the skins normal healing process.

Typical causes of Acne are one or a combination of the following

• Excess sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin for lubrication and protection. Overproduction of sebum can lead to     compacted, blocked pores or follicles.
• Propionibacterium Acnes, which is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin, invading said plugged follicles.
• Inflammation from touching/picking/poking your skin can cause germs and dirt to trigger blemishes.

For moderate or severe acne it is best to seek medical advice. However there are steps that you can take to help minimise the occurrence of acne.

• Avoid skin irritation, alcohol based cleansers, harsh scrubs, soaps and overly aggressive cleansing.
• There is no need to use industrial strength scrubbing agents on men’s skin, there is nothing ‘manly’ about grating the skin off your face, its setting your skin up for a host of additional problems.
• Cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin regularly.
• Use skincare products such as the correct moisturisers for your skin type to ensure your skin is receiving correct nutrition.

Don’t let acne control you, take control of your acne. Our shaving oil is superb for an easy, close and gentle shave and the ingredients not only soothe and soften but also help to balance oil production and heal blemishes.  HarveyJ Matte Finish Moisturiser is also an excellent choice for those men suffering from oily to combination skin, prone to Acne.

For a more detailed blog post please read  Acne – The Indiscriminate Face Mugger

 
2. Rosacea

We all know the poor red faced guy who looks like he has been on the whiskey while standing out in Arctic like freezing conditions, possibly naked? It is no laughing matter for the sufferer however, rosacea is a chronic and potentially life disruptive disorder predominately experienced on facial area. Over time the redness can become ruddier and more persistent, blood vessels may be visible.

Primary signs of Rosacea are, flushing, persistent redness, bumps, pimples and visible blood vessels.

Again like acne this condition can be distressing and debilitating for the sufferer causing lack of confidence and embarrassment and downright mortification.

A gentle skin care routine can help control Rosacea such as

• Cleanse face with gentle deep cleansing non-abrasive cleanser.
• Rinsing face thoroughly with warm water after cleansing.
• Pat skin dry with soft towel, never rub skin aggressively.
• Apply non irritating skin care products such as a mositurisers suitable for reactive & rosacea prone skin, Cool & Calm by HarveyJ would be perfect, just sayin…..

 

3. Razor Burn

We have all done it at some time or other. Applied too much pressure when shaving with a new blade or shaved without preparing your skin properly. You may be left a temporary red blotchy face or even worse still an irritating rash and pimples lasting for several days.

A clean, close problem free shave can be achieved by taking simple steps in preparation of the skin and beard. Such as

• Wash face with warm water ensuring all whiskers have been fully soaked.
• Use top quality shave oil… why we have just the thing!
• Use a quality blade that is clean, sharp and rinsed after every pass.
• Shaving with the grain first, then against the grain of the beard if desired.
• Shaving in short deliberate strokes.
• Rinse off skin and pat dry gently.

4. Ingrown Hairs

These can be the most painful mothers in the history of pain… Caused by hair that is cut too close to the skin as it grows which either curls into the skin without emerging or into the skin next to it. Skin irritation results and can lead to inflammation of the skin. In some cases infection follows which causes an inflamed bump sometimes accompanied by seepage. Nice.

Common causes of ingrown hairs are

• Multi-blade razors which can tug and cut the whisker too close to the skin or even slightly beneath the skin surface.
• Shaving against the grain where you are prone to ingrown hair, such the neck area.
• Use of a dull blade.
• Bad shave preparation.

You can help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs by

• Ensuring good prep, wetting beard with warm water and use of a quality shave oil.
• Knowing the grain of your beard and shaving with the grain on your first pass.

5. Wrinkles/aging

Ok let’s call a spade a spade, you are getting old and your skin is dulling, sagging and losing its elasticity.  So you’re not in your dotage just yet, but it will and does happen to everyone. At the time of writing this blog nobody can reverse time without A) surgery, B) you have a DeLorean or C) you are a Cher impersonator.  But you can take preventative action and slow the aging process.

If you are in your 20’s and 30’s start now and take action.

• Cleanse your face properly with an appropriate cleanser am & pm.
• Exfoliate regularly, according to your skin type.
• Use a high quality anti-aging moisturiser suitable for your skin type daily.
• Don’t overuse soap, its extremely drying and avoid really long, hot showers for the same reason. Moisturise afterward.
• Stop smoking, recent studies have shown that aside from the threat of cancer, heart and lung disease, smoking will turn your    laughter lines into deep wrinkles. Not so BahHaHa now…
• Reduce caffeine intake, it dehydrates the skin, if you can’t reduce well at least up your water intake…  Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated; water is essential to great looking skin. See blog post … Drinking Water Daily – Essential  To Great       Skincare

 

6. Sun Protection Is Essential. End of.

Our last concern is the importance of using sunscreen. Men, ignore this at your peril! Sun damage can happen to anyone…

In your teens, 20s and 30s, you are usually action man, taking part in a number of outside activities and unfortunately sunscreen may not be a huge consideration, especially in Ireland. However  UVA and UVB rays are dangerous, yes even in cloudy dull weather, rays don’t care about clouds, car or office windows, trust me, they will get you  and you will pay the price, some of you sooner than later.  Remember too that as we age, you will find that your hair is thinning and you scalp is also exposed to those damaging rays… for the love of God, wear a hat when you are going outside for extended periods.

If you have any of the aforementioned skin issues or maybe you have perfect skin (you male model you) and want to keep it that way, try some of our suggestions and see for yourself if they help.