Skin slackening, fine lines... Gentlemen, how can you prevent and treat the signs of aging? The answer in five easy steps.
1
Clean your skin everyday
If you want to keep your skin happy, you need to clean your face morning and night. This will get rid of any impurities that have accumulated on the epidermis (pollution, sebum, sweat, dead cells, etc.). It also prepares the skin for shaving or anti-wrinkle treatments, which will be more effective on clean skin.
Which cleansing product should you choose?
Pick a product that will be gentle on your skin and preserve its natural balance. Avoid formulats that contain soap, since they can cause dry skin.
How to use the cleanser?
Delicately massage a small quantity of your product onto damp skin for a minute or two and focus on the T zone (chin, nose, forehead). This area tends to be oilier than the rest of the face. Use lukewarm water to avoid drying or irritating your skin.
2
Exfoliate your face once or twice a week
Cleaning your face every day takes care of the surface of the skin but a scrub or peeling can go deeper. It gets rid of impurities that obstruct the pores, prevents blackheads and pimples and makes the skin care products you’ll use later even more effective.
Which exfoliating product should you choose?
You can use a scrub, with microparticles to unobstruct the pores, or a fruit acid peeling that will "dissolve" impurities and dead skin while reducing the appearance of redness and brown spots. What's important is that you pick a gentle, not too abrasive formula to avoid irritating your skin.
How to exfoliate?
On a clean, damp face, apply a small amount of exfoliating product and gently massage in circular motions, going outwards. Rinse with lukewarm water.
3
Use an anti-aging cream everyday
As your skin ages, the rate of cellular renewal declines and there is a decrease in the production of collagen, which is naturally present in the body. That's when the skin starts to slacken and becomes dryer, and when wrinkle can appear. To slow this process down, you need to use products formulated to help firm skin and stimulate cellular renewal. Apply these products morning and night on a clean skin.
Which ingredients should you look for in anti-aging products?
- Hyaluronic acid, an ultra-hydrating ingredient that helps keeping skin supple and plump.
- Vitamin C, that enhances the skin's glow, reduces inflammation and fights cell oxydation.
- Vitamin A, that smoothes the skin's surface and stimulates collagen production.
How should you apply your cream?
Warm up a small amount of face cream in the palm of your hands and dab it on to your entire face: forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, between the eyebrows, etc.
4
Use a product specially designed for the eye contour
As the skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, it doesn't need the same type of cream than the rest of the face. Pick a formula created specifically for this zone, that will brighten your eyes and fill the fine lines without causing puffiness.
How should you use your eye contour product?
Gently dab it under the eye to stimulate blood flow. You can also store it in the refrigerator between uses: low temperatures have a decongesting effect - that's why some products also have a metal applicator!
5
Don't forget the sun protection
Even though sunshine can provide you with vitamin D, the sun’s rays are one of the most proeminent aging factors. They dry out the skin, may cause brown spots to appear and increase the appearance of wrinkles. So make sure to apply sunscreen everyday, whatever the season.
Which sunscreen should you choose?
Look for a broad spectre product, efficient against UVA and UVB rays, and equipped with a protection factor of at least 30. You can pick a mineral, dry-touch formula or a chemical formula designed specially for the face. These products are generally non comedogenic and let the skin breathe.
How should you use your sun protection?
Apply it every morning after your cream. Don't forget often neglected areas such as ears and hair line. Reapply during the day as needed - particularly if you plan to spend some time outside.