Guest AuthorThis is a guest post by John Brasington, freelance writer and skin care writer.
If you’re like most men, skincare is probably not very high up on your priority list.
That’s no surprise – most of the time, it’s much easier to simply shrug off small skin issues, or put off dealing with them until they become a problem.
But is this the right way to go about it? Definitely not – because the fact is, the earlier you decide to do something about a skin problem, the easier it will be to get rid of.
From how to deal with acne, to how to get rid of chapped lips – here are some of the most common skin problems and what you can do about them.
Acne
Like most men, you have probably struggled with acne at some point in your life. If you’re lucky, you have left skin blemishes behind in your teenage years, but chances are that you still wake up some days wishing you could wear a balaclava to work.
If your acne is particularly severe, the best thing to do is to visit a dermatologist. However, most cases of milder acne can be prevented at home.
Acne appears when your pores clog up and become inflamed. The reasons for acne vary, but stress, sweating, and the weather can all play a role.
Pay close attention to how your skin reacts to different situations, and you will be able to predict and preempt your skin’s breakout.
The most important thing is to make sure you eat a balanced diet and follow a simple but effective skincare routine.
Cleanse your face in the morning to get rid of any toxins and oils your skin has produced over night, and once again at night, just before bed, to get rid of dirt and let your pores breathe. Using an exfoliator designed for acne-prone skin is also a great way to deep cleanse your pores.
Pro tip: change your sheets and especially your pillowcases once a week. Germs and bacteria quickly gather here, and if you’re struggling with acne, keeping your face clean is essential.
Dry skin
Dry skin, whilst less visible than acne, is still a skin condition that requires your attention. If your skin has been feeling tight and sensitive, that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you.
Most of the time, your skin type will simply be on the dry side. But that doesn’t mean that you have to put up with it either – cracked and flaky skin neither looks very nice, nor does it feel good.
A moisturizer for dry skin is essential to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
When cleansing your face, opt for a lotion-based cleanser rather than a harsh face wash, which might make your skin feel even tighter. Using an exfoliator will help you get rid of dull and dead skin, but don’t rub too hard – dry skin is often also sensitive skin. This is especially true for your lips – if you’re struggling with dry lips too, take a look at this guide on how to get rid of chapped lips.
Of course, there are some lifestyle changes you can make as well.
Try to cut back on dehydrating drinks such as coffee or alcohol and incorporate more healthy fats into your diet – avocado, salmon, and nuts are great foods to start with.
Wrinkles
Women aren’t the only ones to notice wrinkles.
Discovering the first wrinkle can be a sobering moment, but wrinkles are a natural part of getting older, especially if your skin is on the dry side.
Apart from following the advice for dry skin, another important thing to do is to stay away from two crucial enemies: cigarettes and the sun.
Cigarettes are bad for your complexion anyways, but smoking also ages your skin significantly, so try to either limit your daily smoking breaks or quit completely if possible – your skin will thank you for it.
Sun damage is also known to cause wrinkles, so make sure to always wear sunscreen, even in the winter. If you’re lazy, you can pick a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 20 to reduce your daily skincare steps.
Oily skin
Some people have dry skin, and some struggle to fight off the oil – that’s just how it works.
Throw combination skin into the mix, and everything gets even more complicated. But whether you’re struggling with excess oil on your entire face or just on your chin, nose, and forehead – avoiding a shiny face can be a real pain.
The good news – you are less likely to develop wrinkles and your skin will look smooth and young for longer.
The bad news – oily skin is more prone to acne.
With oily skin, gently cleansing your face twice a day is crucial to let your pores breathe.
Use a foamy face wash to get your oily skin squeaky clean, and don’t skip the moisturizer – simply choose a light fluid over a thick creamy consistency. This will prevent your skin from thinking that it needs to produce more moisture.
Try to stick to a balanced diet, skip greasy fast food whenever possible, and you should see your skin improving in no time.
Wrapping up
Whether it’s how to get rid of chapped lips, acne, or wrinkles – there are always things you can do to help improve your skin, as insignificant as these concerns might seem at times.
Sometimes, your skin is trying to tell you that you should really consider a lifestyle change – other times, it seems to get flaky or oily for no reason.
But with a little dedication and a solid routine, these issues can be nipped in the bud.
About the author: John Brasington is a freelance writer and skin care writer. As a very tall man he knows about some of the biggest problems regarding skin care. When he’s not writing, he’s working on a list of unimpressive world records.
Image Courtesy: flickr.com/carbonnyc
