Just wanted to write a little bit about how it’s just as important for men to look after their skin as well as women. And it appears that that is the case, because women like their guys to look the best they can, just like the guys like their girls to look. It’s apparent that throughout these past ten years or so, men’s attitudes toward skincare and products available-------or not-------to them, has considerably altered. Research has shown that the male population has definitely been taking more interest in personal grooming and personal care. We can all see evidence of this as we go round the shops and malls. You only need to see the displays of products around the stores as well as advertising in the media, to see this is the case. Wonderful. Everybody’s needs being met. All of this has illicited a self concious appeal from the male sector concerning their appearance; as in ‘not just fashion’.

The difference in the skin’s makeup in the sexes is that the males’ skin produces more ‘setum’, influenced by the male hormone, testosterone. The skin can often become greasier, say, than that of the female. This is influenced by the amount of body hair also, since every hair follicle has it’s own sebaceous gland. The skin on the male is far stronger too. There is superficial circulation which is closer to the surface and the temperature of the face is higher. The skin loses more moisture as a result of this and dryness can occur. Men’s skin has a feeling of being thicker than women’s. Dirt is prone to staying in the pores also. But men’s skin usually remains firmer than womens although middle age shows that may weaken more quickly than womens. Men don’t have the amount of estrogen that women do, which helps preserve the skin longer, although after menopause, women’s skin weakens.

Research shows too that ‘wet shaves’ provide the cleanest shaven skin, because the razor blade comes closer to the skin than the head of an electric shaver does, and nowadays it’s very popular to wet shave, and with good reason. For one; the improved quality razor blade has helped. The chances of growing beard hairs are greater with electric shavers and if you realise that beard hair is as stiff as copper wire ----well! With wet shaving, the beard’s hair is cut very short, removing the dead skin cells at the same time, allowing the skin a chance to breathe as it were. The skin also feels softer too. The routine for wet shaving seems to be that you leave the stiffer hairs till last, these being the hair under the nose, round the lip area, the chin and adam’s apple. The hairs here need a lengthened time for the warm water/shave foam to affect them and should also be shaved in the direction of the growth of the hair and horizontally from the middle to the side of the face. The easier areas, the cheeks, neck, can be shaved first and in the same direction as the hair growth. It’s best if pores are allowed to close themselves after shaving believe it or not. And concerning the after shaves, lotions and gels; a good rule is ---buy alcohol –free products. It’s a well known fact that alcohol affects the skin, whether by applying on the skin in a lotion /after shave, or through drinking—it dehydrates the skin.

For Tanning purposes, it’s best to shave well before a Tanning session, due to ‘skin sensitivity’ after shaving. Skin may be more prone to irritation due to direct contact with UV rays and heat from your session.

It’s just a little bit of info for you, although I’m sure the males are saying, ‘I KNOW ALL THAT’! Regardless; it’s equal opportunities out there folks and looking after our skin is a TOP priority alongside nutrition, exercise, well-being and of course SAFE TANNING.

Enjoy yourselves.