Now a beauty regimen for men!

Contrary to the popular belief, skincare is not just for women! A man’s skin needs attention and nourishment just as much.

Before you start with a skincare routine, you would need to find out your skin type: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. And once you've figured that out, you might want to know what products to pick, how to use them and also how to ensure they don’t smell too floral/feminine.

Here are a few tips that will help you look your very best and of course, make a lasting impression.

1. Cleanse :           
   If you are too lazy to do anything else, cleansing your face is the single most important thing you can do. Search for a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick to it. If possible, stay away from bar soaps as they often leave your skin feeling dry. Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a clear cleanser if you have oily skin. But remember not to overdo it.
2. Shave:
   Hair growth in men is fairly regular. There’s no need to shave daily. But whenever you do, ensure to choose a good razor and a shaving gel or cream that yields a close shave, kills bacteria, softens follicles and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Avoid using any shaving products that contain alcohol and parabens as they strip natural oils from the skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
3. Exfoliate:
   In order to remove dead skin cells and debris, exfoliation is a must. Moreover, it stimulates circulation to add a healthy glow to your skin. A recent study proves that one of the reasons men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.
4. Moisture: 
   As men usually have oilier skin than women, they tend to wrinkle just as quickly. A light moisturizer and a nourishing cream can do wonders. If shaving irritates your skin, try moisturizing your skin after a shave and before going to bed. A good quality moisturizer includes quality vegetable oils that do not clog pores.
5. Protect:
   Celebrity Talk Show host Oprah Winfrey’s magazine ‘O’ ran an article featuring interviews with top skincare experts and dermatologists. Everyone claimed that sunscreen is the most important part of skincare regime. Sunscreen only works if you use it properly. SPF 15 is a good start but apply it half an hour prior to stepping outdoors. If you plan to stay outdoors for longer, use SPF 30.

All said and done, remember that you need not spend lavishly on expensive lotions and creams. And you don’t need to be worried about carrying the label of a metro-sexual anymore. Taking care of skin is perfectly normal.