How To Look After Your Skin In 2010
”We have all probably made some sort of new years resolution at the stroke of midnight, promising your wife you will drink less, or you will start going to the gym, but how many of us actually stick to it? I for one have fallen off the road to self improvement many times before so it’s nothing to be ashamed of. This year however I want to make a commitment to myself to take better care of my skin, because as I get older I now realise the youthful look I had at 18 won’t last forever, so in this post I will go through some fundamental skincare routines that I hope will help you as much as it will help me.
Exfoliate Regularly
Why should you exfoliate? well exfoliation not only removes dead skin cells, but also reveals the more vibrant and healthier skin underneath, giving you a much healthier appearance. You should exfoliate your body as well as your face, but they both need treating differently. To exfoliate your face you need to buy a good exfoliation cleanser from brands such as Clinique, Nivea for men, or 4voo.com. You get what you pay for so it’s worth getting a good one.
Using an exfoliant is pretty much the same as washing your face, but I would suggest working it into a thick lather and apply gently to the face with a mild abrasive sponge or loofa to really get it into your pores. To exfoliate the rest of your body make sure you wash and rinse your hair first, if you wash your hair after you will end up washing the dirt from your hair straight into the open pores on your body. Apply some of your cleanser to a loofa on a stick and work in a circular motion all over your body, make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Mosturize Regularly
Moisturising is not just for women anymore, the big moisturiser makers have cornered the market for male skin care products in a big way recently, and producing some top notch stuff that not only does the business but smells nice too. In many ways a mans face can take more of a battering than women’s, we have larger pores to soak up more dirt, UV rays, pollution and dust, so using a good moisturiser will help revitalise your tired skin and keep it healthy.
Which One Should I Buy?
It is a jungle out there with regards to moisturisers, so many companies claim to be the best and you should buy there’s, but in my opinion it is a game of testing the water and finding the right one for your skin type, but I will give you a nudge in the right direction by recommending these for you.
- Clinique M-Gel – This one is light on the face, non greasy, and smells great, one of my favourites.
- Loreal Hydra Energetic – Non greasy, absorbs very easily, makes you feel zingy, great value.
- Clarinsmen Moisture Gel – Very fresh and light, makes your face really soft, expensive but goes a long way.
Tone Regulary
A facial toner basically removes all the gunge and dirt that your face wash brings to the surface, they are important because if you just simply rinse off the face wash and leave it, some of the bacteria and dirt will go back into your pores, so it is worth investing a bit of time applying some toner. The best sort to go for are the ones with witch hazel in them, but you can try out others if you wish, stay away from astringent ones containing alcohol as these dry the skin out.
To apply toner simply wash your face with a good mild face wash, rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Take some cotton wool pads and dampen one with the toning liquid, apply to the face in gentle circular motions around the face, neck and forehead until absorbed. After using a toner you may find your skin feels tight, if so just apply a small amount of your preferred moisturiser to soften it. Using a toner will help reduce spots, make your skin clean and fresh, refines your pores and also helps speed up cell regeneration, so it is worth a go fellas.
Eat And Drink Better
I don’t subscribe to the belief you have to eat this and that, drink less of this and more of that, a little of what is bad for you is fine, and I don’t expect you all to drop the curry and beer because that would be insane! but start changing your eating and drinking habits just a touch and you will start to notice the difference, here’s a list of foods to consider eating more of.
Vegetables
Spinach, Pumpkin, Cabbage, Peppers, Sweet Potato, Carrots
Fruit
Blueberries, Kiwi Fruit, Oranges, Apples, Tomatoes, Papaya
Nuts
Brazil nuts, Almonds, Cashews
Fish
Fish that are rich in omega 3 such as Mackerel, Salmon, fresh Tuna, Sardines and Kippers are all rich in essential oils that do wonders for your skin.
You don’t need to change your diet drastically, just eat more of what is good for your skin, the list I have done is just a small example, there are thousands of different things you can try, so you wont be bored. It is also wise to drink plenty of water a day, you don’t need to drink 5 litres like some people say, just replace your cola or fizzy drink with water instead, and only drink when your thirsty because you can actually drink ‘too much’ water.
This concludes the post, I hope you gained some knowledge from it, I know it all sounds a lot to take in, but it isn’t really, take time to look after your skin, treat it with pride and care and you shall reap the rewards when people comment on how youthful and vibrant you look, and when that hot nubile blond sits on your lap not realising your 68! take care guys. 
Have you got any skin care tips you would like to share? leave a comment below.”
