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Skincare for Men : Essential Basics for Healthy, Happy Skin

The attitude that skincare is an exclusively female attribute is a former memory and an outdated one at that. In this modern day and age it is not vanity that drives men to adopt a rigorous skincare regime but health, confidence and general well-being. You can take care of your skin every bit as much as you can take care of the rest of your body with a healthy diet and exercise regime, it is something you can invest in yourself.

Although the skin of men might sometimes feel rougher as compared to that of women, it is not immune to being attacked by the same environmental nemesis women are vulnerable to- UV radiation, pollution as well as the unavoidable flow of time. Razoring may cause its own special problems like razor irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. These problems in turn will result in early aging, dullness, acne and imperfect complexion when not taken care of. On the other hand, a consistent skincare routine will remedy them, as one will notice clearer, more resilient, and healthy skin.

Where then should a man start? On the brighter side, the best way of a simple, workable skincare routine does not require much complication and time. It is reduced to those core steps:

1. Detoxifying (Morning & Evening): the foundation of all effective skin care is cleansing. During the day, your skin gets covered with dirt, oil, sweat and pollution. A decent cleansing product washes away these wastes, and thus, blocked pores and acne. Select a soft cleanser which befits your skin type- oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. Stay away from using harsh bar soaps that will take away natural oils in your skin leaving your skin tight and dry.

2. Moisturizing (Morning & Evening): Moisturizing after cleansing is essential in replacing the water and ensuring the protective barrier is intact on the skin. Despite the fact that you might have oily skin, it is necessary to moisturize, the lack of moisture may in fact provoke your skin to secrete more oil.

Choose a light-weight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that will not clog pores. In the morning, choose a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher because UV rays from the sun damage your skin and are the leading causes of premature aging and skin cancer.

3. Sun Protection (Morning): Mentioning it separately is warranted, as it is arguably the most important item in your skin care routine. UV rays can penetrate your skin even on cloudy days. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is important to protect against fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots — and most importantly, decrease your risks of skin cancer. Use it liberally every day on all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears.

In addition to the three essentials, men may consider the following items depending on their individual needs:
* Exfoliation (2-3 times a week): Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that build up in our pores, encourages cell turnover, and can also help men who shave prevent ingrown hairs. I recommend using a chemical exfoliant (AHA or BHA) rather than the harsh physical scrubs.

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* Targeted Treatments (as needed): If you need treatment for a specific skin condition, like acne, dark spots, or more significant aging concerns, you could add a serum to your routine. A serum is a concentrated formula that can deliver more active ingredients directly to your skin than a cream or lotion.