Skincare 101 - The Basics

The majority of men feel a little uncomfortable talking about skincare… it's just not standard bar stool banter. But when most guys realize that basic skin maintenance can help ward off aging, wrinkles and even illness, they start humming a slightly different tune. Here's a basic lesson showcasing answers to some of the most common skincare questions:

Q: What's the benefit to a skincare regimen?
A: There are a lot of pluses to a solid skincare regimen. Above all, the biggest benefits are that your skin will be healthier, look younger and your shaves will be smoother.

Q: What are the basic steps in a good skincare routine?
A: Just remember CSP. The "C" is for Cleanse, which you should do daily with a targeted cleanser to remove oil and dirt. The "S" is for Scrub, which you should do a few times a week with an exfoliator to remove dead skin and help with shaving. The "P" is for Protect, which you can do by applying a moisturizer with SPF everyday.

Q: What should I clean my face with? Why not soap?
A: Your facial cleanser should be a product specifically designed for the face - one that's gentle and appropriate for your skin type. Most regular soaps will do more harm than good, as they can strip natural oils from the skin and can lead to infection or premature aging.

Q: How can I fight pre-mature aging?
A: Here's an interesting fact: Only one percent of aging is caused by actual aging. The other 99% is caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Taking this into account, the best way to avoid getting old early is to wear a moisturizing sun block everyday and to use products containing anti-oxidants, which will fight free radicals and help repair past UV damage.

Q: My face gets bumps all the time. I don't know if it's shaving or not. What can I do?
A: Proper shaving preparation should cure all your ills. Prior to shaving, it's important to cleanse your face with a facial cleanser, wiping away all the junk that gets in the way of your razor. Next, use an exfoliator two to three times a week to release ingrown hairs.

Q: My skin is oily and looks really greasy. Obviously, this isn't attractive and I need help.
A: To fight oily skin, cleanse your face daily with an oil-absorbing clay based cleanser, use an exfoliating product to remove dead skin that clogs the pores and top it off with an oil-free moisturizer.