Both men and women have skin problems.
Women have a multi-billion dollar market built around their issues, with too many options to choose from. They address problems early – and know what questions to ask their skin care professionals.
Men – especially us “manly” men – we ignore skin problems until we have an issue so severe that the pain requires us to see a doctor. We have no idea as to what to look for in a skin lotion or face cleaner.
I’m sure I’m not the only guy who has tried washing his face with LAVA soap – which I learned quickly should be for super dirty shop hands only. But why do we take better care of our vehicles than we do of our own bodies? Think about it – most of us know what type of motor oil our truck needs – but have no clue as to what type of lotion our red and raw face requires after shaving.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
I’ve brought back Sam Hossa of LEPA Skincare in Austin Texas – if you haven’t listed to our first audio on how to care for your skin – a man’s guide – go listen to that one first! Otherwise – click on the player above or download the MP3 interview for some great male skincare insights.
In this audio interview we talk about common skin problems, what to look for, and steps you can take to prevent and treat them. We start with a primer on shaving issues and lotions – then we move onto dry and oily skin and finally transition into sever skin problems and what to look for in skin lotions.
Three Skin problems we discuss and more detailed info about them.
Facial Redness (Small Problem) –
Redness in this article and audio refers to non-permanent irritation caused by shaving and harsh cleaning of the face
Male Acne – (Potentially an issue – visit a medical professional if you’re older than 25 or it’s severe)
Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red lesions (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged.
Rosacea – (See a doctor – this is not something you’ll fix with an aftershave gel)
Pronounced “roh-ZAY-sha” – Rosacea is a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. In some cases, rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. Individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. Although primarily diagnosed in women, more severe symptoms tend to be seen in men because they often delay seeking medical help until the disorder reaches advanced stages.
One of the lotion ingredients we talk about is Chamomile – I can spell it much better than I pronounce it:)
A little more info on this great skin conditioner – chamomile contains phenolic derivatives and azulene which have both an antiseptic and healing quality that reduce irritation and puffiness. Chamomile has shown to relieve skin congestion by softening the skin and is 100% naturally derived from plants. Outside of the United States – which I know, is hard to imagine:) – it is one of the most widely used botanicals (especially in Germany and Russia) and has carminative, emollient, healing, tonic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile has shown to have strong wound healing properties and has successfully be used with skin problems such as rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, hypersensitive skin and allergic conditions.
FYI – I wasn’t able to find the medical/scientific journals to back-up the above claims, but then again I know much of that isn’t freely accessible on the web yet. So use the guidance above with a grain of salt – in the end see an esthetician or dermatologist if you have a serious skin issue.
