by Amy Nutt
For decades, men who used moisturizers or other skin care products were ridiculed as being effeminate. These days, though, men realize just how important it is to look after their skin. It’s not a gender thing; it’s about keeping your skin healthy and looking great, which is why we are now starting to see more and more products geared toward the male sector. More and more men are starting to take an interest in a daily cleansing routine.
Cleansers
Just plain old soap doesn’t cut it. Even though men’s skin tends to be tougher than women’s, it will still end up rough and irritated with most regular bar soaps. The best way to deep clean the face and pores is to use a specially formulated cleanser with a balanced pH to keep the skin neutral.
Why is a cleanser so important? It will help reduce the amounts of pimples and outbreaks that even men tend to get and will help keep the skin healthy. Look for products that are as natural as possible, since chemicals and other artificial agents can act as irritants.
Scrub
A good scrub is necessary from time to time to help slough off dead skin and keep the face looking great. Scrubs will also maintain the skin smooth and soft and makes shaving less of a hazard for ingrown hairs. Scrubs should contain small granules and shouldn’t scratch the skin. They don’t need to be used every single day; it’s usually enough to exfoliate twice a week.
Moisturizer
At the very base of skin health is the moisturizer you use. It’s important to keep the skin hydrated and healthy, but you can’t just use any old lotion on your face. Stick to those formulated especially for the face. A light hydration cream applied after the cleansing and shaving is often all that is needed. If you suffer from dry skin, you might want to consider a more intense lotion that is non-greasy.
You may also want to look for a moisturizer that contains sun protection in the form of SPF 15 or higher, depending on how much time you spend outdoors.
Lips
Lips are one of the most important parts of the face, so it makes sense that they would be part of the daily routine. Use a clear lip balm to moisturize them on a daily basis. If the lips get too dry, the balm won’t soak in, so use a toothbrush to gently scrub away the dead skin before applying the moisturizer to your lips. Using a balm with SPF 15 or higher will also help to protect them from the sun.
Caring for your skin isn’t just a girl thing. Men who stay healthy and take the time to cleanse and prepare their skin will find that they have smoother, healthier faces and fewer skin issues to deal with. You don’t need a huge basket of products, either. Just a cleanser, scrub and moisturizers for the face and lips will do.
About the Author:
Just like skin care products, different types of hair gel target different hair concerns. While protecting hair is important, using the right type of natural hand cream is as well. Hand cream and body oils are especially important for winter.
by Amy Nutt
Products for the treatment of hair loss and hair re-growth formulas are a multi-billion dollar industry. For many people, hair loss is an often frustrating experience that can cause deep emotional issues such as embarrassment when going out in public or self-esteem issues caused by the stigma of not having a full head of healthy hair. Thinning or loss of hair can be particularly devastating to women who have a great sense of pride in their manes. The causes of hair loss can seem like a mystery and knowing what kind of treatment to get can be even more confusing.
The actual cause of hair loss, according to research, is a naturally existing hormone called DHT. Usually, this hormone serves an important purpose in the body during childhood development, but once the level of DHT in the body becomes elevated due to illness or age, it attaches to the hair follicles causing them to shrink and fall out. This is typically seen in older males, which is why the hairline begins to recede around the age of 30-45 in most men.
Hair thinning and loss can also occur in women and younger people with hormone issues or those suffering from illnesses that elevate DHT levels. Fortunately, the solution to the problem of hair loss involves reducing DHT in the body which usually results in a reduction in hair loss or assists in the re-growth of hair lost. There are some prescription drugs which reduce the level of DHT and stop hair loss. Nonetheless, these drugs frequently have harmful side effects, poor results and unknown long-term concerns.
A much more effective and safe solution to hair re-growth is by using natural alternatives. Many natural hair re-growth treatments can reduce the levels of DHT to prevent it from binding to hair follicles. However, since they contain only natural ingredients, they do not have any side-effects commonly associated with man-made chemicals. This makes natural hair loss treatments an attractive alternative to prescription drugs.
Below you will find some natural products that you can use to help re-grow your hair.
Saw Palmetto
This natural plant found in the Southeastern United States has been used for many years to treat thinning hair in both men and women. Saw Palmetto is safe to use as it naturally binds to DHT in the bloodstream and helps the body to flush out excess levels which aids in the re-growth of hair. You can find Saw Palmetto inexpensively in health product and natural food and drug stores.
Olive Oil
Massaging the scalp with olive oil prior to shampooing stimulates the hair follicles. This in turn, causes the hair to grow back in over time. Regular use of olive oil also improves the overall texture and shine of hair and restores moisture levels in the scalp, which can prevent other annoying hair and scalp conditions like dandruff and flaking.
Vitamins and Zinc
Taking multivitamins rich in B vitamins and Zinc may help unclog the follicles as well, and restore normal hair growth. Vitamins that contain high levels of Biotin also aid the body in the re-growth of damaged hair and have added benefits of restoring nails and giving the skin a healthy glow.
About the Author:
As Jurlique products allow an individual to achieve flawless skin, it is also essential use sunscreen to prevent the skin from damages. As well, eye creams and massage oils are also notable candidates for achieving a refreshing look.