Every day, you’re getting older. But you’re also growing wiser, gaining new experiences, and generally becoming a better person (hopefully). Is your men’s grooming routine growing with you?
If you’re still following the same grooming routine you had in college (or even worse, high school), it’s high time you made a few changes. Here are the 5 top men’s grooming tips for 2018 to help you look and feel better ASAP.
1 - Cooler Showers for Better Skin
Hot water is not doing your skin any favors. Sure, it helps open up your pores. So it’s great for using pre-shave. But all those scalding hot showers you’re taking? Bad news.
Very hot water dehydrates your skin, stripping away it’s natural oils. Those oils protect you from bacteria, keep your skin properly moisturized, and ensure a healthy skin tone. Strip them away each time you shower and you’re only going to speed up the aging process, leaving you with duller skin.
Turn town the temperature a bit to lukewarm. You don’t have to take an ice bath, just keep it at a lower setting. You’ll still step out of the shower feeling fresh and clean. But your skin will be much better off.
2 - Shave with Fewer Blades
Lots of guys get into the habit of using multi blade monstrosities. They’re easy to use. They basically can’t ever cut you. And they’re just… habit.
If you want better skin, a closer shave, and a more luxurious shave experience, upgrade to a single blade safety razor. It will take some getting used to at first, but the learning process is worth the results. You’ll get a smoother shave, you’ll experience less irritation, and you’ll save hundreds of dollars each year.
Make sure you’re using a top quality natural shave cream for men also. And ditch the aftershave with alcohol - it’s not doing you any favors. Alcohol dries out your skin and leads to irritation, so go with a natural alcohol-free aftershave instead.
3 - Swap Out Your Toothbrush
This is so easy. It’s so logical. And so many guys never even think about it. But your toothbrush becomes a low-quality bacteria palace if you keep using it for too long. The bristles weaken, the bacteria down in them starts to proliferate, and it all gets extra nasty.
Switch out your toothbrush every 3 months to keep it effective and clean. It only sets you back a few bucks but can make a big difference in your oral hygiene. Another option is to upgrade to an electric toothbrush and have new heads delivered on a regular basis. That way you don’t have to worry about forgetting to switch them out.
4 - Use a Face Mask to Reveal Better Skin
Your skin gets clogged up with all kinds of toxic junk over the course of a typical week. Do something more than just using face wash to make sure it’s detoxed, bright, and youthful. Use a face mask for men with activated charcoal and Kaolin clay. It gets down into your pores to draw out impurities, bacteria, and other gunk that dulls your skin and causes blemishes.
The great thing about a face mask for men is that you only have to use it once or twice a week to get results. It takes maximum 15 minutes - this isn’t anywhere near as expensive, time consuming, or stressful as a trip to the dermatologist.
5 - Exfoliating Is a Must
Whether it’s pre-shave to prevent irritation or just to keep your complexion bright and youthful, exfoliating is a must for all men. Use a natural face scrub for men 3-4 times each week. If you have dry or sensitive skin, make it 3 times and don’t apply it to your most sensitive areas (usually your cheeks). If you have oily skin, make it 4 times each week and make sure to cover your T-zone (forehead and nose).
If you aren't applying these skincare and grooming tips yet, there's no time like the present. Make 2018 your best-groomed year yet.
