Next gen men

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Men are clocking in more time on beauty treatments and on looking good every morning than women these days. With facials for men becoming a big thing now in the beauty industry, followed by waxing, threading and other indulgences, Dr Sneha Prabhudabholkar, technical manager-skin, Enrich Salon & Academy shares tips on male grooming.

Crowning glory
Now, men are spending more money to prepare for a date than women. The changing grooming behaviour of Indian men is largely due to exposure to international grooming and fashion trends. Deep-pore cleansing, moisturising, exfoliation, toning and vigorous facial, neck, and shoulder massages are sometimes included during men’s facials, which usually last from 30-minutes to a few hours. When it comes to essential oils, more traditionally masculine scents are used for men, combined with masks and lotions.

Let’s face it
Men need to schedule a series of facial treatments at regular interval of twice a month to see optimal results, since their skin is thicker and has more hair. It also has highly active oil glands and might be more prone to acne.
Deep cleansing with a natural cleanser keeps pores clear and also promotes health of the skin by getting rid of pollutants and germs. Cleansers with Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Tea tree extracts helps prevent pore-clogging, refines skin texture and removes oily matter on skin’s surface. While cleansing, a scrub may be used which helps to remove the dead cells from the skin surface. For toning, use an astringent tonic with glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acid as it reduces the pore size and helps avoid ingrown hairs. Follow it up with a moisturiser with grapeseed extract, Hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C and E. They are powerful anti-oxidants and help in increased firmness and elasticity, and improvement in the appearance of fine lines. Facials for men are specifically formulated to male needs and those that target roughened skin.

A close shave
Manual shaving is harsher on the skin than electric shaving. Here are a few tips to get a great shave:
Shave in a warm shower or use a hot, wet towel over your face for a few minutes before shaving.
Massage shaving cream or gels into skin. Glycerin based products eases the friction.
Don’t shave too close. Use single-edged razors to protect skin from irritation. You'll also reduce potential for ingrown hairs, especially if your beard is curly.
Shave only in one direction if you tend to get ingrown hairs. Shave in the direction of hair growth.
Wash with plenty of water. Pat gently with a towel; do not rub. Apply after-shave with aloe vera with moisturising, healing and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and protect the skin.