By JASON SHANKEY
Our Resident Men's Grooming Expert
Bronzing
To achieve a healthy looking tan without the damage, try out a self-tanning product. This tanning product will develop in 3-4 hours. Don't forget to wash your hands after using this product. I recommend Dermalogica's Protective Self Tan SPF15 which will achieve a natural looking colour.
Environmental Damage
Most of us can feel the effects of environmental damage on our skin. The effects may vary from the skin drying out in the cold to becoming very red in the summer heat. Dermalogica's Climate Control provides the skin with an environmental shield of Anti-Ozonate Complex, Vitamin E and Shea Butter. These ingredients help to protect and shield the skin.
Exfoliation
The skin renews itself every 28 days leaving thicker, duller looking skin on the surface. If you want to have a fresh, healthy appearance then Exfoliate once a week. I recommend Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub.
Exfoliation of the Body
If you are planning to go on holiday this year or just want to improve the condition of your skin, I would recommend Dermalogica's Ultimate Buffing Cloth as a form of exfoliation. Use this cloth along with your body wash. Holding one end of the cloth in each hand, use back and forth movements work over the whole body. This is quick and easy to use and ideal for hard to reach areas. The purpose of this is to prepare the skin for the sun by getting rid of dry patches and any rough skin.
Eye Care
If you are starting to worry about the fine lines around the eye area, then now is the time to do something about it. I would recommend to use an eye cream. The benefits of an eye cream is to smooth and firm the area around the eye. I recommend Dermalogica's Total Eye Care SPF15 which contains light diffusers which minimise dark circles. It also helps to firm and reduce puffiness.
Face Masks: Dry Skin
If your skin looks and feels dry, then I would recommend Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Mask. With one application of this mask it will relieve dryness and fine lines. It replenishes lost oils and moisture. It restores softness and suppleness of the skin and leaves the skin with a glowing, revitalised appearance. To get the full benefits of this face mask, use it twice a week, especially in conjunction with Dermalogica's cleansers and moisturiser.
Face Masks: Oily Skin
I would recommend a deep-cleansing clay masque for oily skin. The benefits of this masque is to absorb excess oils and impurities, this will result in improving the skins texture and appearance. If used once a week it helps to refine the pores and also helps to revitalize dull skin. I recommend Dermalogica's Skin Refining Masque.
Face Masques
Every skin type will benefit from using a face masque. I would recommend Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Masque. This masque is a refreshing clear gel (great for men) which hydrates dehydrated skin. It also softens and moisturizes the skin. It only takes 10 minutes to activate and will leave the skin looking and feeling a lot fresher.
Ingrown Hairs
If you suffer from ingrown hairs and nothing has seemed to help them, then why not try a 'power cleanse' before you shave. This is a mixture of a face scrub and a foaming gel skin wash. Work this up into a lather and then apply it to the beard area. Always work in small circles in an upwards direction. This will help to lift the hairs. An improvement won't happen overnight so it is important to do this for a few months.
Looking after your hands
Most men seem to neglect their hands and nails. Our hands are on show for all to see. To improve the appearance of your hands here are a few tips to help you along:
1) File your nails using a nail file. Work from side to centre, this will help to give the nail a smooth finish.
2) Ease back the cuticle (this is at the base of the nail) with a towel or try some cuticle cream. This eliminates the dead skin which lies around the base of the nail.
3) To give the nail a bit of shine use a nail buffer.
4) If your hands are dry then try a hand and nail cream. I recommend Dermalogicas Multi Vitamin Hand Cream.
If you follow these few steps you will start to see an improvement in the appearance of your hands and nails.
Moisturisers Week 1: Oily Skin
Every skin type should use a moisturiser. For Oily Skin I would recommend a light lotion. This will absorb oil on the skin's surface and will leave a matt finish. I recommend Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion as it also contains an antibacterial formula which will help prevent future breakouts.
Moisturisers Week 2: Normal/Dry Skin
If your skin feels slightly dry, then you need to choose a medium weight cream. This will provide your skin with enough moisture without leaving the skin looking shiny. It also provides your skin with a built-in sunscreen and will improve the skin's texture. We recommend Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream.
Morning after cure for the skin
Does your skin look sallow and feel dehydrated after a night out? Eliminate this by exfoliating the skin first with Dermalogica's Gentle Cream Exfoliant followed by Dermalogica's Multi-Vitamin Mask. Your skin will feel hydrated and will look a lot healthier. Also, make sure to drink a lot of water during the day for re-hydration.
Oily /Acne Prone Skin
If your skin is prone to breakouts then only use products that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic. Also take a look at your lifestyle, try to reduce stress, drink plenty of water and limit your intake of caffeine and cigarettes. The most important tip is to follow a good skin care routine.
Power Firm for the eyes and lips
The skin around the eyes and mouth has a thinner epidermis. This means that the skin around these areas is the first to show the signs of ageing. It is a fact that men can suffer more from premature ageing. If you are concerned about these areas try Dermalogica's Multivitamin power firm. This product helps repair signs of premature ageing, protects against moisture lost and increases skin elasticity.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is one that is easily stimulated by sun, wind or just delicate to certain skin care products. It is important to avoid the following ingredients which are contained in some products - Lanolin, Alcohol, Fragrances and artificial colours. These ingredients have been shown to cause skin irritation. It is very important for people with sensitive skin to use products which are going to soothe and rehydrate the skin and don't contain any of these substances (especially if you suffer from irritation after shaving). Also, wear a Moisturiser which has an added SPF of 15. I recommend Dermalogica's Gentle Soothing Booster as an after shave balm and Dermalogica's Active Moist as a Moisturiser.
Uneven Skin Pigmentation
If your skin is prone to areas of pigmentation caused by exposure to sunlight, help your skin out by using Dermalogica's Pigment Relief. This product will help to eliminate uneven skin tones and areas of hyperpigmentation. It also contains SPF 15 to prevent further pigmentation from occurring. This product can be used on the face, throat, hands or any other area that is affected.
