Skin FAQs

Is a man’s skin really any different from a woman’s?

The basic structure of the skin is the same although a man’s skin does tend to have a slightly thicker top layer (epidermis).

Men also have stronger, thicker facial hair than women and produce more oil (sebum). This excess oil can block the pores, causing blackheads and spots if the skin is not kept clean.

There is also the problem of in-growing hairs on the face and neck, caused when hairs grow back on themselves, leaving nasty bumps or spots. A simple skin care routine will help to keep skin clean and healthy, and will go a long way to preventing such problems.

What is the best way to clean my skin?

The quickest and most thorough way to clean your skin is with a non-drying facial wash.

• A facial wash will dissolve excess oils and remove dirt and grime. This is especially important if your skin is regularly exposed to pollution.
• Massage the facial wash onto wet skin and then work around your face paying special attention to the sides of the nose and the dip in the chin.
• Always rinse off thoroughly with running water.
• Use a Facial Wash before you shave in the morning and before you go to bed at night or whenever you skin is dirty.

What’s wrong with using soap?

Regular soap usually over-dries your skin and leaves it feeling tight and uncomfortable. It often contains strong fragrance that can irritate.

The skin is finely balanced between acidity and alkalinity. This is known as the pH balance. Some soap is very alkaline and therefore disturbs this balance causing further irritation.

Facial cleansing bars have ingredients that don’t disturb this pH balance and are better for the skin than regular soap.

Should I be using a scrub or exfoliator regularly?

These are the best products to instantly brighten and smooth your skin. A ‘scrub’ is a type of exfoliator which means it removes or ‘exfoliates’ dead cells from the surface of the skin.

A face scrub is like a face wash but contains tiny particles that ‘polish’ the skin as you massage it. The particles can be made of anything from crushed shells or nuts to polythene beads.

As you wash with the scrub it removes dead skin cells and debris revealing the smoother skin underneath. It will also help to release in-growing hairs and keep the skin really clean and healthy.

Use once or twice a week but don’t rub too hard. If your skin is easily irritated by shaving you may want to use the scrub only on the areas you don’t shave.

Use a body scrub all over the body and a face scrub (usually with smaller particles) on the face and neck.

Published on Monday, August 22nd, 2011 under Grooming Guides