Skin Care Tips for Guys

My blog often usually deals with topics for women but I thought the guys deserve some attention too. Pass these tips on to your favorite fella! 

 Hey guys, think about it. What is the first thing people notice about you? It's your face. Healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face. It is not only easy to achieve; it is a critical thing you can do for yourself. Put your best face forward. I'd like to share some basic tips and guidelines to encourage healthier skin. It's simple… 
 

#1 Keep it clean. 
Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good

Moisturizing is a necessity.. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck! 



#2 Keep it toned. 
Because men are outside more than women are, environmental debris and pollutants are more a factor to their skin's health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm. 



#3 Treat your skin. 
All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment. 

After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin.

 
#4 Protect your skin. 
Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health. Avoid over exposure to the sun. 
 Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face (and a lip balm with sunscreen). 

#5 Stay in shape. 
Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young. 

#6 Eat right. 
Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen. Everything in moderation. 
Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older. 

 Tips taken from an article by Michele Probst

Anti-Aging Tips for the New Year

Anti-Aging Tactics You Should Know Taken from an article by Yvonne Finn 

It's the New Year and many people are making resolutions. How many times have you had good intentions but just didn't carry them out? Here are some ideas you can use to look and feel younger on a daily basis. After all, who doesn't want a long and joyous life without having every line written on their face?

 (1) Check your attitude! How do you feel about life? Is your life going the way you want it to? Do you take responsibility for what you have created, good or bad? How about accepting who you are? Be grateful for what you have, family, friends, a job etc. Then do an assessment of the things you want to change, if any. 

 (2) Know your nutritional needs! What you eat has a huge impact on how you look and feel. The foods you eat help make and maintain soft, smooth, glowing skin. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks, instead of over-processed manufactured "fast foods". Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated. 

 (3) Take time outs! When was the last time you had some fun? A good laugh? If you cannot remember, it's been too long! What about pampering? Done anything special for yourself lately? A facial, or manicure? It’s easy to do these at home.  It's the time you spend just focusing on yourself that will make you feel special and cared for. 

 (4) Grooming is ageless! When did you last update your looks? A new hairstyle or wardrobe is a very effective anti-aging tactic. Subtle changes in hair coloring can make you look years younger. Find skin care that's right for your skin type. Take care of your nails and teeth. Beautiful well cared for hands are a must if you want to appear younger!

 **Meaningful beauty is not just smooth skin (which is nice), but it is also an outlook on life, your life. Treat yourself and others with respect. Balance your physical, emotional and spiritual life. Get rest when you need it, and play when you have the opportunity. These are the best anti-aging tactics!! (Better than resolutions you won't keep)

 

Wordless Wednesday

Oh the joys of a Minnesota winter!

Waiting Here for You..Book Review

I spent the days of Advent reading a devotional called Waiting Here For You An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio. It is a soft-covered purse size book. For each day in Advent there is a Bible reading, a meditation, words of encouragement, sometimes a poem and prayers. 

 Each day’s devotion is very short. A great way to start the day. I found the reflections to be insightful, not preachy and very appropriate for the day’s Scripture passage. The short prayers each day were wonderful ideas to reflect on during the day. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about were the poems. Some were song lyrics and others were old poems that were often kind of hard to read and get something out of. 

 I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a meaningful way to start the day during Advent. The photos are lovely and the layout attractive. Perfect for a night stand, a coffee table, a friend, anyone that you would like to gift. I'm keeping mine in a special place so I can read it again next December.

(I have received a copy of this book to review from the Thomas Nelson book company. This opinion is my own.)

In the Grip of Winter

     

     After running outside this week in very old temps I have had to take extra care with my skin. For those of you who like me, live in a cold climate, it is important to keep in mind that you need to adequately protect your skin from the cold weather and to supply moisture in abundance during this time, since artificial climate control robs your skin of a great deal of moisture. 

     Although few of us will suffer frostbite because of cold weather, (although I saw a runner today with nothing on her head or ears and it was about 8 degrees with a wind) it is best to ensure that you are properly clothed, and the addition of a hat or woolen cap will help prevent loss of body heat, since a large portion of heat is lost through the head. But talking about frostbite, if your skin turns splotchy white with red patches around it, and it hurts, then it is time to come in from the cold real quick, because you might then be starting pre-frostbite, which can play havoc with your skin. 

     In beauty care many people think that it is good enough to slather their faces with creams and lotions, yet pay little or no attention to their water intake. Your skin needs water, and for a great looking skin you should make a point to drink enough water every day. 

     On a different note - if you are undertaking any air travel at this time of the year, (lucky you!) also remember to drink lots of fluid, and try to stay off any alcoholic beverages when flying, as it will act as a diuretic and you will lose even more fluid. The cabin air in pressurized aircrafts is very drying, since it contains very little moisture - so also add a good moisturizing cream or lotion when flying.

     Hope you had a magical Christmas!

Maintaining Your Inner Cheer

Although the holidays are here, and as much as we look forward to them, being "merry" around the clock requires our personal best for all the days of December.     So how do you keep your endurance up from one holiday party to the next?  How do you keep your smile when your Secret Santa at work forgets you?  How do you act graciously while someone grabs the last carton of eggnog right off the shelf before your very eyes?!   

My answer is to treat yourself well!  Pamper yourself!  Don't get caught in the holiday mad rush. Remember what the holiday season is really about: tradition. It could be baking cookies at home together with family or personal rituals to take care of your soul. I start my December days with an early morning run or walk (most days inside) to clear my head and keep a positive attitude. Playing favorite Christmas songs on my piano is a treat just for me.

What can you do to pamper yourself?

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas and books make powerful magic!