Elements of Style – How to Handle Adult Acne
Adult acne can be the result of small daily habits as well as your body’s make up, including your skin type. Your skin type: oily, acne prone, dry, sensitive – won’t change significantly with age.
Either way, there’s also a way to treat it. Men (with or without acne) need to maintain and protect their face in order to improve our feeling of wellness, our perception in the workplace and the social scene, and to minimize the likelihood of skin cancer and other unwelcome side effects. We spend a lot of time outdoors and on the course, so your face is continually bombarded by the damaging effects of the sun, wind, and pollution.
Boardroom recommends a simple routine you can follow in five minutes twice per day and without sacrificing your masculinity.
Your Ideal Daily Routine:
Daily Cleanser: Wash your face each morning and night with a quality cleanser and with lukewarm water. Avoid washing with cold or hot water, as both can cause broken capillaries. Don’t use bar soap! It may seem convenient and easier to use but it’s extremely drying on your skin and dry skin equals more skin problems.
Daily Sunscreen: Apply a dime size amount of SPF directly to face – SPF 15 or 20 works great. Skip a step with a moisturizer that includes SPF.
Daily Moisturizer: After washing, apply a thin layer of quality moisturizer. The moisturizer will soften and hydrate your skin, and help maintain its elasticity while minimizing dryness, blotchiness and wrinkles.
Moisturizer is only half of the hydration equation – skin needs moisture from the inside out. Drink water! Also watch your caffeine and alcohol intake as both dehydrate your skin. Catch some Z’s – your body needs consistent sleep to look and feel its best.
At least twice a week, exfoliate. It’ll open congested pores and sweep away deep-down oil, dirt and dead skin cells. Before shaving, apply a dime size amount of scrub onto a wet face, rubbing gently in circles. The power of the scrub is built-in, so you don’t have to rub hard. Rinse with warm water.
Is shaving and touching your face is causing your acne?
The short answer is yes and yes.
This may sound totally obvious but be sure to wash your hands before you wash your face. If your hands have any bacteria, oil or dirt on them, it’ll get onto your face too.
Improper shaving can irritate the skin and cause acne (or acne-like problems). Ditch the multi-blade razor as it can cause ingrown hairs, razor/shaving bumps and razor burns – the leading complaints in shaving. Using a good quality safety razor will reduce or eliminate these problematic side effects and leave your skin in excellent condition every time.
Always shave after a hot or warm shower (not before) – this helps to open the pores and soften the hair.
Last but not least; invest in a quality shaving brush, which is essential to achieving the perfect shave, as it facilitates a cleaner, closer shave. The brush exfoliates your skin and removes dead skin, again allowing the razor to get a close cut while also giving your skin a healthier look and feel.
What about body acne? Use a brush with a long handle to scrub your back while showering – the bristles will help remove dead skin and clogged pores. Avoid using the same ole dirty washcloth and opt for a fresh one each time. Take it one step further and add an exfoliator.
Use the same one you’re using on your face.
Hit the showers. Especially after exercising or outdoor activities.
Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton. Avoid spandex any synthetic material.
Change your sheets more frequently Armed with the tips above you can put your best foot (or face) forward – on and off the course.