A Guide to Men’s Skincare

Every man should have a proper skincare routine. And that doesn’t mean simply washing your face with soap and water after you’ve had a shave!

Taking care of your skin is just as important as taking care of any other aspect of your health. Just as you look after your heart by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you should look after your skin by following a basic skincare routine. The skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s essential to treat it right!

Why Skincare for Men is Important

Men’s skin contains more collagen than women’s skin, which makes it tougher and 25% thicker. Thus, it’s important to use products designed specifically for men’s skin. While borrowing products from your girlfriend may be tempting, women’s skincare products won’t be as effective for men.

Add these four products to your bathroom cabinet and you’ll have everything you need for happier, healthier skin.

1. Cleanser

Cleansing the face is an important first step in any successful skincare routine. It will remove any dirt and toxins that have built up on your skin during the day and give you a clean and bright base.

Massage cleanser in a circular motion after rinsing your face with warm water. Remove your cleanser with a splash of cold water to tighten your pores and encourage good circulation to the skin.

Men produce more sebum than women, which means their skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts.  Get into the habit of cleansing your face morning and night to remove this oil, and keep your skin at its healthiest.

2. Moisturizer

Does your skin often look dull and tired? Then you need to invest in a good quality moisturizer. One of the biggest causes of tired skin is a lack of moisture; moisturizer will add vibrancy to your skin, and will also help to prevent the signs of aging. It can even keep those pesky wrinkles at bay!

Use a high-quality men’s moisturizer like Camouflage Moisturizing Face Balm. Apply in small circles and pay particular attention to the deep wrinkles around your eyes and on your forehead.

Top tip: Apply your moisturizer to skin that is still slightly damp after cleansing. This will help lock your natural moisture in and help your moisturizer work harder.

3. Shaving Cream

It’s impossible to get a perfectly smooth shave without a high-quality shaving cream, so it’s important to pick the right one. The right shaving cream will provide protection, make shaving faster and easier, and nourish your skin. We recommend using Camouflage Speed Shaving Cream, which lubricates and moisturizes skin with sweet almond and shea nuts.

Apply shaving cream liberally before each shave. Brush it into the bristles of your beard and shave in the direction of your beard growth to protect your skin as much as possible.

4. After Shave

Finally, don’t forget to apply a liberal dose of aftershave like Camouflage After Shave Fluid at the end of your morning routine. Not only will this ensure that you smell great, it will also help to soothe and protect any skin that has been irritated by shaving, relieving the inevitable razor burn.

Finding your own signature scent is important: wear your chosen aftershave every day and people will immediately know when you walk into a room. Smell is one of our most powerful senses: appeal to it by choosing the right aftershave that suits your nose as well as your skin.

A final note: when it comes to male skincare, less is more. There’s no need to layer on too many products that might actually irritate your skin. If you can find the time to cleanse and moisturize your skin every day, and take care of your skin every time you shave you’ll have a healthy and refreshed-looking face in no time!

Skincare Tips for Traveling

If you’re going on vacation this winter - lucky you! We love how a nice vacation makes us feel happier and more relaxed when we get home. However, we don’t love what traveling on airplanes does to our skin. If you’ve ever taken a long flight, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

The humidity level in most airplane cabins is 20 percent, much lower than the 40-70 percent range most beneficial to skin. These lower humidity levels cause dehydration, making dry skin drier and oily skin oilier. Inactivity and salty snacks can result in water retention, making the face appear puffy. Finally, travel-related sleep deprivation results in under-eye bags and circles; on the whole, not a healthy or attractive look!

Follow these skincare tips for traveling to counteract the negative effects of flying, so your skin looks great when you reach your destination.

Skincare Tips for Traveling

Pack the Essentials

Be sure to include travel beauty essentials in your carry-on. TSA regulations stipulate that you cannot bring on board liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces per product. Items must be kept in a clear plastic bag, so plan accordingly.

Skip the Makeup

Keep makeup to a bare minimum when you’re traveling. Mascara and eyeliner can smear when you nap, and foundations and powders will only serve to further dehydrate your skin.

Moisturize Frequently

The longer your flight, the more your skin will dry out en route. Keep a facial moisturizer on hand and reapply frequently to keep skin hydrated. Since flying means that you’re much closer to the sun than usual, UV rays are stronger. Choose a facial moisturizer with broad spectrum sunscreen to repel those damaging rays.

Sip Water

International flights may offer free alcohol, but that doesn’t mean you should imbibe! Alcohol has the unfortunate effect of causing dehydration. Instead, stick to water in-flight. One glass of water for each hour in the air will keep you hydrated. We recommend buying a big bottle at the airport once you’re past security so you don’t have to rely on the flight attendants for your hourly H2O.

Keep Hands Hydrated

Airplanes and airports are full of germs, so chances are you’ll be washing your hands and applying antibacterial gel more often than usual. Unfortunately, both of these actions can zap the moisture right out of your hands, resulting in dry skin and fragile nails. To protect your skin and nails, pack a hand moisturizer like Herbacin Kamille Hand Cream and reapply after every hand wash.

Don’t Forget Your Lips!

Oh, that sinking feeling--boarding a flight and realizing  that you forgot your lip balm! To combat the dry air of the plane, pack at least one moisturizing lip balm like Herbacin Kamille Lip Balm and reapply often to avoid chapped lips.

Freshen Up

As you approach your destination, make a short trip to the restroom to freshen up. First, cleanse face with a makeup remover wipe to remove any traveling grime or excess oil. Next, apply facial moisturizer and a little bit of makeup (if desired). Then you’ll be ready to begin your vacation in style!

Do you have any skincare tips for traveling?  Share them with us through the comments section.

The 9 Best Foods for Glowing Skin

Changing your diet is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not try adding some of these skin-boosting superfoods to your grocery list? These foods are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support healthy skin. Add one or more of these foods to your diet and enjoy a more radiant complexion.

Salmon

This fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reinforce skin’s natural moisture barrier to keep skin supple and hydrated. Our bodies do not have the ability to manufacture fatty acids, so the only way to get these necessary compounds is by incorporating them into your diet.

Salmon also contains dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). DMAE protects against cell deterioration that causes signs of aging. Finally, salmon is a great source of protein. Protein is the building block of collagen and elastin, both of which act to keep skin firm and youthful. Wild-caught salmon provides the most health benefits.

Avocados

Not a fan of fish? Avocados are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that neutralizes the free radicals that cause cellular damage, and may help to defend against skin cancer. Consumption of vitamin E also moisturizes the skin from the inside out.

Keep that in mind next time you order guacamole!

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium. In fact, just one Brazil nut contains 135% of the recommended daily value of selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production and preserves elastin for firmer skin.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in biotin, a B vitamin also known as the “beauty vitamin”. Biotin is commonly known to support healthy hair and fingernail growth. However, biotin also protects the skin from irritation like rashes, acne, and excessive dryness. Plus, eggs are a great source of collagen-boosting protein.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes’ lycopene content may provide protection from sun damage. According to a 2008 UK study, people who ate 5 tablespoons of tomato paste daily had 33% more protection against UV rays than those in the control group.

Cooked tomatoes have more lycopene content than raw, so try adding tomato sauce, gazpacho, or roasted tomatoes to your diet.

Oranges

Like all citrus fruits, oranges are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which keeps skin taut and firm. According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who eat lots of vitamin C-rich foods have fewer wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Kale

Like tomatoes, kale also provides protection from sunburn. Kale is rich in antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. According to a study published in Clinics of Dermatology, these antioxidants neutralize UV rays that penetrate your sunscreen

Kale is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin cell turnover.

Green Tea

Green tea’s antioxidant content provides its skin-boosting properties. Research at Case Western University revealed that catechins, a type of antioxidant found in green tea, reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Green tea is also helpful for flushing out toxins that can lead to breakouts. Additionally, green tea has topical benefits. Green tea’s vitamin K content can lighten dark circles around the eyes. For brighter eyes, chill used tea bags in the fridge, then place on eyelids for 15 minutes.

Sunflower Seeds

This delicious snack is rich in linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid prevents thinning skin that causes fine lines and wrinkles. Its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties are also helpful for those with skin conditions like eczema.

Did your favorite food make the list? Let us know in the comments!