

Men and women are different, it’s true. However, men can take some lessons from women, especially in the area of skin care. There are very few essential differences between the physiology of the skin between the sexes. Women spend countless hours and dollars ritualizing their skin care regimens. Men, however, often don’t invest the same amount of time to consider what their skincare needs may be, even though their skin is affected by the same factors that can compromise skin appearance and health. Diet, environmental factors like climate and pollution, stress and anxiety, illness or trauma, exercise, age and exposure to the sun all take their toll, either way, so having a few basic techniques and simple skin care products can go a long way in keeping a man’s skin healthy and appealing.
For men, there are two basic steps to keeping their skin healthy and well-cared for, and the first is cleansing. All the men I know think that the same soap they use on their bodies is suitable for their face. In general, conventional soap can be quite harsh and can dry out the skin, leaving it tight and shiny. Instead, guys can use an all-natural soap, made from olive oil or other plant oils, that can be found in health food stores and some larger department stores. Exfoliating is also an important part of cleansing. A natural, gentle oat-based exfoliant removes dead skin cells and cleans out the pores, reducing the appearance of blemishes and blackheads. Exfoliation should only be done once every two weeks to avoid the skin thickening from over-exfoliation.
Another simple step for men is to protect their skin throughout the day by applying a natural, organic moisturizer right after cleansing. Cleansing and moisturizing in the morning and before going to sleep are easy ways to keep skin healthy and clean.
Furthermore, any skin care discourse that does not include a discussion of nutrition is lacking a fundamental part of healthy skin care. Good health and appearance are synonymous. For instance, a clogged and spotty complexion can be linked to a diet high in saturated fats and sugar. Sensitive skin may become worsened by poor digestion or inadequate absorption of nutrients. Dry flaky skin may reflect a diet low in fatty acids or vitamin E. Skin that does not heal quickly may be low in vitamins A, B6, C or zinc. Making some adjustments to one’s diet can drastically change the appearance of the skin. A healthy, varied diet helps the skin defend itself against infection, cell damage and premature aging. Increasing your daily intake of fresh, raw vegetables and fruit adds vitamins, antioxidants and water to your diet, which are all essential elements for healthy, glowing skin, even for men!
The Jerusalem Artichoke
by Jennifer Phennings
For Mom and Baby
by Julie Watson