Making time for yourself is important and is being embraced more and more. Often, when we talk about self-care, men can feel left out of the conversation. Luckily for our men, we’ve put together a guide of 10 easy ways you can give back to you–and look good doing it!
1. Embrace the Beard
So you’re a part of the beard gang. It’s an elite club, but the hard work is never done: facial hair requires a LOT of maintenance to look its best.
Frequent cleansing is the first beard grooming basic. It helps to prevent a build-up of oil and dirt, which can lead to beardruff and acne. Get the soft beard every woman loves by regularly using beard oil– that will condition the hair from the inside out and look after the skin beneath. Don’t forget to comb your facial hair to promote healthy growth and distribute oil to the dryer ends of the beard.
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2. Make Shaving Mindful
Not a part of the beard gang? No problem! There are plenty of reasons to get on board with a bare face. Apart from standing out from the bearded crowd, facial hair often goes greyer faster than what’s on your head. Getting rid of it could suddenly take years off your appearance. Not to mention the quiet time can be good for your day. Whether electric or manual, allow your quality time with your razor to also be a quiet moment for you. You’ll end with a smoother face and refreshed mind.
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3. Don’t Shy Away From Manscaping
When it comes to body hair removal, there are many methods to choose from, and there’s nothing wrong with trying them all to see which works best for you.
One option is to shave. Shaving requires preparation and can cause irritation, especially in sensitive areas, but it’s quick and doesn’t require booking an appointment. You could also try waxing or sugaring. Both waxing and sugaring are initially painful but give a longer-lasting, smoother look and hurt less the more you do. Laser hair removal, including handheld IPL devices, is the most expensive and the only permanent solution.
For the gentleman interested in only “cleaning up” certain areas, a body hair trimmer may be the easiest solution. Body hair trimmers are typically good for precision and minimal removal.
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4. Smell Like A Million Bucks
When shopping, think of fragrance as music: different tunes can contain the same notes, but the order of the notes is what makes a song appealing to you. Fragrances are much the same and the order of those notes creates the scents that stand out. The top notes are what you smell immediately. These evaporate first. Then the middle notes emerge, and the ‘dry down’ reveals the base notes. This is what you can smell for the longest on the skin.
Fragrances also offer a variety of concentrations, which affects how long they last. The weakest is Eau de Cologne, followed by Eau de Toilette and then Eau de Parfum, which is typically the most expensive.
The world of perfumery can be overwhelming with its various scents, prices, and names. Selecting fragrances that work for you can take time as you sift and compare. You may be attracted to a certain type of fragrance, woody or floral for example, and identifying which families or categories appeal most to you can help eliminate some of the guesswork. Subscription services, like ScentBird, can help you find your match without breaking the bank.
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5. Mix Up Your Moisturizing Routine
Moisturizing helps to keep the skin supple and avoid wrinkles. To start your day off right, use a formula that is loaded with SPF and antioxidants, which protect against environmental aggressors such as sun and pollution. Energizing formulas can also help wake up tired-looking skin and hide the evidence of nocturnal activity.
After sundown, the skin enters repair mode, so boost its internal functions with night cream or oil. Choose a nourishing formula designed to promote cell renewal and stave off the signs of aging.
It’s okay to adjust your routine according to the seasons; upping the UV protection and using lighter gel/water-based textures in summer and layering on the hydration during the winter.
6. Shed Those Layers
Every day the human body sheds around 50 million flakes of skin. Unfortunately, the turnover of new cells decreases as we age. The key to maintaining a fresh face is exfoliation or the removal of the very top layer of the epidermis.
Exfoliation keeps pores clearer and blemishes at bay, making skin feel and look smoother. Cleansers often double up as exfoliants. These can be physical exfoliants like the grains of salt in a scrub, or chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acid. Exfoliating every day can be harsh and ultimately counterproductive so once a week is ideal.
7. Up The Luxe-Factor With Toners & Serums
Toning is almost as important as cleansing and moisturizing and should be done daily. Toners come in several different forms, including mists and cleansing waters. There are general toners on the market, such as witch hazel, and others that work to target specific skin issues such as dry skin, excess oil, and hyperpigmentation.
Serums take your facial care routine to another level. They are made up of much smaller molecules than traditional creams and are typically more potent so they can better target skin concerns like wrinkles and dark spots. Serums and similar facial oils can be used in conjunction or in place of a traditional moisturizer. It’s all about finding the right texture and combination that works for your skin.
8. Pamper Yourself With A Face Mask
Face masks are a great way to tackle any skin issue all in one fell swoop. They work as a booster for the skin, so if you’re experiencing a sudden breakout, are hungover or feeling extra dry, spend a little extra time pampering the skin.
Clay- and charcoal-based masks are best for congested skin and clogged pores as these ingredients work to draw out impurities. Sheet masks are good for use while traveling as they come individually wrapped and can help replenish moisture sapped by low-humidity airplane cabins.
9. Don’t Forget Those Hands & Feet
Unless you are a full-time hand or foot model, these extremities are likely to be the hardest working on your body. The hands and feet are also often the most neglected, and as a result, can pick up ailments like dermatitis, eczema, cracked heels, and fungal infections.
Regularly moisturizing your hands and feet and paying attention to the nails will improve and maintain their condition. Prevent sunspots and premature aging by wearing sunscreen on the hands. Don’t be afraid to book a manicure or pedicure, keeping the nails trimmed between each appointment.
10. Make An Impression/Your Barber Is Your Best Friend
It’s a bold statement, but a good haircut has the power to make more of an impression than any expensive wardrobe. Whether it’s a fresh Caesar, a baldie with a beard or a freshly retwisted head of locs, hair maintenance, particularly before any wedding, date, or job interview, is an integral part of any grooming routine.
Finding a good barber is key to getting the right hairstyle for your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Thinning or receding? Your stylist will know the best way to enhance what you have. Get organized and into the habit of booking a regular cut. That way you can build a relationship with a barber and they can learn what you do and don’t like.
Between visits to your barber, be sure to take care of your scalp and hair with a proper wash routine. It may seem simple, but shampoo can strip the hair of its natural oils, especially if you have tightly coiled 4c type hair. Washing it every day might be unnecessary. In fact, for the brave, it only takes six weeks of not washing at all to restore the hair’s natural cleaning mechanism.
Find what works for you and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when shopping for new products. Your body will thank you for it!
Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.