4 Dumb Ways to Ruin Your Skin

You take care of your health. And it’s hard work.

You hit the gym after a long day of work. You get up early for a run. You eat better than you used to even dream of.

But you don’t take care of your skin?

If you want your fine lines and small wrinkles to develop into face canyons over the next decade, by all means, dive head first into these 4 dumb ways to ruin your skin.

Alternatively, you could choose to preserve your health and make smart men’s skin care choices that will keep you looking and feeling your best for years to come. The choice is yours.

#1 - Skip the Sunscreen

Guys, time for straight talk. You know that men are often stereotyped as careless and unconcerned about their health. Want to prove all the haters wrong?

Start using sunscreen.

Sun exposure is a very real cause of early aging. Potent UV rays penetrate your skin and cause cellular damage - tans and burns. A healthy glow might seem like the best way to go, but any change in your skin’s normal tone is an indicator of the sun’s damaging effects.

So what, I get burned one day at the beach, no biggie? Right?

Wrong. Sunburns are painful, speed up the aging process, and can eventually lead to the development of skin cancer.

Do yourself a huge favor. Start wearing sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher - every time you will be in the sun for 30 minutes or longer. If you live in a tropical area where the sun is especially intense, even less than 15 minutes can be an issue.

#2 - Wash Your Face with a Soap Bar

This is a big problem - one that this blog has tackled in detail before. But, it’s also a common mistake that guys still don’t seem to take seriously.

Soap bars are not designed for your face’s sensitive skin. Their pH is too high and ends up taking away much more than just dirt and grime. Natural oils and a protective outer layer that your face needs to stay moisturized and healthy are also stripped away.

You end up with dry, tight skin - the perfect setup for early aging.

Get smart. Make the switch to face wash for men. The ingredients are milder - and specifically designed for the skin on your face.

For an easy approach to skincare in the shower, use an all in one wash for men. It's designed to cleanse your hair, face, and body. The gentle cleansers are ideal for all skin types and won't leave your skin dry or irritated. 

#3 - Shave like a Neanderthal

Do you shave everyday? What’s your routine? Probably something like this:

Foaming shave cream

Shave

Aftershave (maybe)

Expect ingrown hairs, redness, bumps, and constant irritation. Most shaving products leave the skin irritated and feeling raw. If you’re not treating your skin to a good moisturizing routine, your shave is not going to be smooth and comfortable.

Looking to improve on this situation? Take your shave routine up a notch and take care of your skin:

Pre-scrub -- Before shaving, use natural face scrub to prepare the skin for a close, clean shave.

Shave -- If you're using a razor with cartridges, resist the urge to be cheap and keep reusing the blades week after week. Four or five uses is the max. 

Brushless shave cream -- Products that lather and foam are not doing your skin any favors. Choose a hydrating, natural shave cream with organic ingredients instead. You will get a closer shave and feel a huge difference afterwards.

Alcohol-free aftershave -- Aftershave shouldn't sting; it should soothe and hydrate. Reach for an alcohol free aftershave to leave your skin feeling refreshed.

#4 - Don’t Use Products for Your Skin Type

Do you know your skin type? If not, make this your priority. In fact, you shouldn’t purchase or use any men’s skin care products until you know your skin type - since you should only use products specifically designed for your skin’s needs.

Here’s an example of why this is so important:

Imagine a guy with oily skin. He knows he should wash his face once or twice daily, ideally after waking up or before going to bed. He purchases a men’s face wash that will cleanse his face. He gets great results and recommends it to a friend.

This friend - he’s got dry skin - purchases the same product and uses it the same way. The results are quite different. His skin feels extra dry and the redness and flaking that he was trying to avoid actually gets a bit worse.

The problem here isn’t the product - it’s a lack of information.

Want to avoid this blunder?

1 -- Learn Your Skin Type - You can use this simple guide.

2 -- Choose Products Designed for Your Skin Type - Our Clarifying Gel Face Wash for Men is for normal and oily skin. Go with Purifying Charcoal Face Wash for Men for dry or sensitive skin.

3 -- Continue Educating Yourself - Remember, the problem is not the way the product is made - it’s who is using it. The Grooming Manual believes in education - that’s why you’ll find so many articles in our archives devoted to explaining skin types, how to use men’s skin care products the right way, and how to prevent common skin problems.

Please, don’t be dumb. Avoid these 4 mistakes that so many guys are making. You’ll enjoy healthier skin, stave off the aging process, and be an all-around better person or it.