More men than ever are interested in taking better care of their skin. A simple daily ritual of cleansing and moisturizing will keep skin and hair looking healthy. And proper skin care is essential to protect the skin – the body’s first line of defense – against sickness, germs and disease.

A man’s skin is approximately 20 percent thicker than a woman’s, and is typically firmer because it’s richer in collagen and elastin. However, because of more active sebaceous glands, men’s skin tends to be much oilier. It is also more prone to dehydration because of daily or regular shaving. So it’svery important no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good. As we mature, biochemical changes occur in elastin and collagen, the connective tissues that give skin its firmness and elasticity.

In general, male skin is not only oilier, but also has larger pores, a richer blood supply and an increased a tendency to “sweat.” Men are less prone to wrinkling than women, and may require deep cleansing daily. Around the age of 40 to 50 years, the dermis layer of a man’s skin thins, and the level of collagen decreases naturally yet dramatically, causing deeper wrinkles to appear. Just as for women, men can prevent and correct the signs of aging with appropriate skin care.

Some men don’t want to be bothered with too many skincare products; however, starting with a regimen of basics – cleansing, protection, and cleansing after shaving – is an effective skincare routine. To a man who simply washes his face with soap and water, this may seem like a complicated regimen. However, the benefits of these few simple steps are abundant.

Daily face washing will keep pores unclogged, which in turn can prevent a variety of skin conditions, from pimples to ingrown hairs, which are not only painful and unattractive, but can also leave discolored marks on the skin’s surface.

Daily shaving can dry men’s skin out. To combat this, look for creams and gels that are specifically designed to treat your skin type. After shaving, soothe skin with a moisturizer or an after-shave balm. Men’s skin should also be protected from the sun for optimum health. Look for sunscreens or moisturizers with an SPF of 15 or higher for best protection.

Individuals with oily skin and acne- prone skin tend to run from moisture or oils applied topically to the skin. The use of the correct oils for oily and acne prone skins can be very helpful. Essential oils like lavender, sage, mint and tea tree are naturally antiseptic, active and help heal the skin. Oils mimic our own sebum and will send signals to the skin to even out the over production. Look for products that are non-cosmogenic, as the ingredients will not clog the pores. Antioxidants A,C and E, along with fish oils are highly beneficial to the skin’s elasticity and provide protection from the sun. Avoid chemical sunscreens that release free radicals into the skin. Everyday elements such as the sun and wind can dry your skin to the point that it hurts. To prevent this, wear sunscreen when you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time. An SPF factor of 15 should suffice. Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in preventing cancer and premature aging.

Lastly, eating a balanced diet and staying active are obviously part of the equation. Double up on the fruits and vegetables, which often contain many anti-oxidants that can retard skin damage. Take a multi-vitamin that is rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin E. Do your best to avoid greasy, fried food. Substitute olive oil in place of butter when you cook. It is healthier and, some claim, will allow your skin to retain its elasticity longer.

Exercise will do more than simply get your heart rate going. It will clear your pores, increase your metabolism, and promote sweating, which allows your inner body to cleanse itself.

Perhaps the easiest and best way to help your skin is to drink plenty of water on a day-to-day basis. Increase your intake if you are a drinker of beverages that dehydrate you, such as coffee, soda and alcohol. If you do drink alcohol excessively, do your best to limit your intake, as the consequences will manifest themselves in more than just bad-looking skin.

Skin care for men is remarkably similar to that for women. You will want to clean your skin every day, apply toner and moisturize. Proper skin care need not take copious amounts of time. A few minutes a day are all that is necessary.