SAVE FOR A RARE FEW, guys are mostly clueless when it comes to their grooming and skincare.
The thought of caring about their appearances is about as vague to them as the difference between Gucci and Pucci. They see it as a feminine thing, and the mere mention of it conjures up images of wimpy, girly men.
In their head, it?s simply not something a real man, like, say, Chuck Norris, would do. So how do you convince a man to start taking command of his skin? Give him a no-sweat game plan:
o Ditch the bar soap. Many men mistakenly think that using an ordinary bar of soap in the shower is sufficient facial cleansing. Truth is, soap can actually do more harm than good by stripping your face of its natural oils. Instead, use a facial cleanser to dissolve daily dirt and grime.
Short on time? Apply your cleanser in the shower while the skin is already wet. Massage a small amount over the face and neck, rinse carefully and pat dry. After you get out of the shower, apply lotion immediately to lock in moisture.
o Scrub it off. Exfoliate two to three times a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliating encourages new cell growth, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and makes shaving easier.
o Moisturize. Although men?s skin is often thicker and coarser than women?s, moisturizing is still an important part of a guy?s basic routine. The sun and the elements, free radicals and pollution don?t discriminate, after all?they affect women and men of all skin types, causing dryness and damage.
Here are three men well on their way to a better skincare routine. Like them, the best way to start is to actually use the products given to you by the women in your lives.
These products can serve as a buyer?s guide for clueless men who don?t know where to start.
?I use the Lab Series Basics: Multi-Action Face Wash, Shave Cream and Daily Moisture Defense Lotion?all from Rustan?s. My older sister was the first one to introduce it to me, and now it?s become my foolproof skincare regimen. The Lab Series? antiperspirant deodorant stick is something I rely on everyday. It keeps me dry and protected when I play ball or when I?m out in my events.??Paolo Cabalfin, events coordinator, One Up events
?One beauty product I got from my girlfriend is the Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen. I like it because I use it often when I ride the bike and run. Plus, it also helps to know that a big percentage of the proceeds go to funding cancer research.??Javi G. Rodriguez, import manager
?My girlfriend gave me Bvlgari BLV. It?s a classic perfume that provides a light, fresh and clean scent. It?s subtle enough for the office or a night out without the annoying heaviness of musky perfumes.??Angelo Puyat, VGP Group of Companies
For men exposed to the sun all day long, make sure you have a separate sunscreen for the face. Try L?Oréal Paris UV Perfect. It?s specifically designed for Asian skin, and shields against the sun and pollution. Available at all Robinsons and SM department stores.
For men who spend their days at the gym, Try Lab Series Ab Rescue Body Sculpting Gel. It enhances the abs by tightening and toning the appearance of the mid-section. You can use it as a post-workout formula in conjunction with your daily fitness program. Available at Rustan?s Makati and Rustan?s, Shangri-La Mall.
