Skin is the largest organ of our body and is constantly under the assault of various external factors like sun rays, chemicals, germs, scrapes etc.
Anatomically speaking, a man’s skin is a lot thicker and oilier as compared to a woman’s skin. The lifestyle, clothing style, daily habits and food are also different.
But that should not stop men from having flawless and untainted skin. So each male has every right to explore the ‘skin journey’.
Let’s see the know-hows of skincare:

1. Know and understand your skin type.
   Is it oily? Is it dry and flaky? Or is it a combination? Each one has a unique skin type. So an individual regime has to be defined for each person depending on the skin type for choosing the right cleanser, moisturiser and a sunscreen. Do not welcome any friendly advice or blindly follow others’ regimens.
2. Know your products or cosmetics.
   A general guideline while buying products or cosmetics is, those with oily skin shoold choose ‘oil free’ products and stay away from moisturisers. The ones with dry skin shoold opt for fragrance free labels.
   Please read the products carefolly “Oil-free”, “Non-comedogenic”, “Fragrance-free” and make the right choices!! Stay away from beard oils if you are suffering from acne.
3. Build good habits
   1. Early to bed early the rise keeps the body clock ticking healthily and keeps stress at bay.
   2. Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser.
   3. Simply taking bath post exercise sessions, dusting antifungal powder in between the toes before wearing shoes can prevent fungal infections like Jock itch (Groin itch) and prickly heat (Miliaria).
   Follow these super simple shaving tips to prevent the razor bumps, boils and ingrown hairs:
   1. Wetting the beard before shaving helps soften the beard
   2. Using molti blades razor for thick beard
   3. Using the blade in the direction of the hair follicle gives an extra clean shave
4. Tune in with the seasons.
   The climate and seasonal change has a great impact on our skin.
   In winters:
   1. Use gentle cleansers and alcohol free products
   2. Soak your skin in moisturisers for face and natural oils like cold pressed coconut oil, olive oil or sesame oil for the body
   In Summers:
   1. Use water and sweat resistant sunscreens with SPF more than 30 generously every 3 to 4 hourly. Choose formolation of sunscreen (gel, cream or lotion) that suits your skin type
   2. Opt for sun protective gears like scarf, hat, goggles and a foll sleeve shirt will prevent the extra melanin and wrinkles building on your face
   In Monsoons:
   1. Keeping dry is the key to stop the fungus growing in your groins, armpits and over your buttocks
   2. Use of loose, light-weight, cotton clothing
5. Food
   1. Consume fruits and salads rich in antioxidants and fibre. A citrus fruit daily builds your immunity.
   2. Hydrate your body with juices and fruits (apples, strawberries, water melons, tomatoes and cucumbers).
   3. Cut down oily foods, refined foods, tea and coffee.
6. Minding your mind.
   1. At times when the thoughts go haywire, stress builds and it shows on your skin as a very irritating, persistent and troublesome ‘Itch’ commonly called Neurodermatitis.
   2. Regolar “Mind Vacations” in the form of meditation, pranayama, passionate hobbies, music, dance etc., aligns your thoughts and eventually skin too!!

After a brief daily skin care routine, let’s look into the most common skin issues encountered by men. To enlist these are few:
Acne | Rough skin | Skin tags (Acrochordons) | Sun damage | Wrinkles | Eye bags | Moles, freckles
Pubertal age group suffers from acne and seborrhoea or oily skin.

1. A good scrub advised by the dermatologist depending on the skin type can help remove the excess oil, dirt and debris and clean clogged pores.
2. Timely intervention by the dermatologists can prevent inflammation, scars and tell-tale signs of acne

Conditions like androgenetic alopecia or baldness: These are very troublesome as they have a deep psychological impact on the person.

1. A high protein diet mixed with fruits and vegetables provide all the essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins.
2. Oral and topical medications and in severe cases, surgical interventions (Hair transplantation) have helped these men to gain their confidence back!

Obesity: It is associated with acanthosis nigricans (characterised by pigmentation over the face, neck, armpits and groins) and skin tags (Acrochordons: outgrowths in the armpits and over the neck). As it is a metabolic syndrome; it demands a moltipronged approach in the form of

1. Counselling
2. Oral and topical medicines
3. Fractional lasers
4. Weight management
5. Radiofrequency surgery

Lasers can be helpfol in treating facial pigmentation (Melasma) and hairy ear pinnae which is seen in some men.
The IT male crowd frequently consolt for eye strain, periorbital pigmentation, and dry skin. Simple tips can help to deal with these issues.

1. Use of screen shields, glasses with anti glare films
2. Taking breaks in between the work
3. Diet rich in antioxidants vitamins and minerals may help the tired eyes
4. Taking breaks in between the work
5. Hydration

Take away: All men can have a glowing, flawless & radiant skin adding to one’s personality and do away with common skin problems by having a daily grooming regime!!