This may not feel like a masculine topic, because guys are generally not open about their skincare routines like ladies. Women openly love their skincare products, and the statistics on their shopping habits are astounding: About 161 million U.S. women use beauty products each day. With the average woman using some sixteen skincare and cosmetic products daily and spending up to $300,000 in a lifetime on them (or an estimated $250 per month), it is clearly a market for which consumers are willing to spend significant money. Here’s the kicker: men spend as much as women on skincare. If you can’t afford fancy $250 a month for skin products, you can improve your skin with easy and inexpensive ways.
First, let’s accept the facts. We don’t like to talk about skincare, but we clearly do care about it and spend money on it. Nobody wants to be seen with a pimply or greasy face, right? If you can’t afford fancy $120 face cream, and you don’t want to splurge for a $35 Kiehl’s face wash, what are some of the ways you can combat breakouts without breaking the bank?
Improve Your Skin With Clean Hair
Wash out your hair before you go to sleep at night. If you use any kind of hair product like mousse, gel or hair spray, you’ve got to rinse it from your hair. If you don’t, you will lay on your pillow with that product in your hair, and as you toss and turn at night you’ll end up getting some of their hair product on your face. This will undoubtedly lead to a breakout. Even if you don’t use product in your hair, throughout the day your hair accumulates oils. Those same oils will clog your pores and give you breakouts.
Clean Pillows Improve Your Skin
Change your pillow case at least once a week. For the same reasons, and more. Dead skin cells find their way into your pillow case, and they too will clog your pores. Make sure you rest your head on clean linens as frequently as possible. I recently discovered a brand called Silvon that uses silver in their bed sheets and towels. Silver kills bacteria; the same bacteria that leads to acne. Pro tip: make sure you wash and change your bath towels weekly also.
Stop Touching Your Face
This is not easy to do, but as you become more aware of your tendencies you’ll control it easier. Studies have shown many of us touch our faces 15-20 times per hour. When you do this, bacteria, oils and dirt from your fingers will clog your pores and cause breakouts.
Wash Before Sleeping
Use a face wash and a lotion before you go to bed. As you go through your day, sweat, dirt and bacteria accumulate on your face, and if you don’t clear it the nasty stuff will stay with you throughout the night. At the very least, use a wet wipe and clean your face before you go to bed.
Avoid Alcohol
Many skin conditions are sparked by drinking alcohol, which causes dehydration and inflammation. Alcohol can cause hormone changes which suppress your immune system and increase stress. Swap out that six pack for water and you’ll notice an improvement over time.
Take Your Vitamins!
Take your vitamins! Especially Vitamin D. If you’re unable to get an hour of sunlight each day, the next best thing you can do is take a vitamin D pill. It is known to help facilitate healthier hair, skin and nails, while also including anti-inflammatory properties. With regards to your skin, anti-inflammatory properties can combat symptoms of acne. Don’t overdo it, though. Too much vitamin D can be harmful, which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity can progress to bone pain and kidney problems.
We all want to be the best versions of ourselves. Whether its small tweaks to our wardrobe, easy new grooming tricks, or an improved skincare routine, the small steps can help you look your best. Try making some of these changes and you’ll likely see improvements in your skin.
– Your Big Bro
