About 20 years ago, when I was approaching 50, I noticed the skin on my arms started looking like snake skin, with a dry diamond scale appearance. My Doc told me to start rubbing down with baby oil right after I get out of the shower, while my body was wet, then use a towell to dry off. It is cheap and works to put moisture into your skin. I am also a big fan of Vaseline Intensive Care, epecially with sun block added, which seems to really help with dry skin on my legs in the summer when I wear shorts. I lived in the Sonoran Desert for 18 years and have seen some really leather skinned men and women. The leather look is avoidable with a little care.
DLEAVITT 12/31/07 12:09 P
I use Fusion sensitive skin followed by the Nivea aftershave. My skin gets very dry in the Winter so I try to remember to use some type of moisturizer before I go to bed at night--usually I forget though.
I still get razor burn on my neck occasionally, but I've always had that problem.
WATERCOLOR 12/30/07 3:09 P
Just remember you don't have to spend more to get good products. The drug store products are really very good. Info here: www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/fashion/27SKIN.html?ex=1356498000&en=b0c3e8447477139d&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Neutrogenia products are very good and are unisex.
EKRACINSKI 12/5/07 9:00 P
I forgot to add that a lot of guys I know follow a shave up with a conditioner like Nivea or something similar.
- Eric
EKRACINSKI 12/5/07 8:55 P
Well, bears do like honey, so maybe tough bears do too!
I use Edge gels and while my facial hair is not too tough, my skin can be very sensitive. I have found that a combination of Edge for Sensitive Skin and Schick Slim Twin disposables work best for me.
I shave right out of the shower with a sharp razor using little pressure and hot water, rinsing with cold water. I never get razor burn any more since I have started taking these steps.
It might be different for African American men, but for us pale guys, this seems to be the general consensus.
- Eric
RUSS1985 12/5/07 7:41 P
I can't believe that I'm going to go out and get skin care products for my skin but I guess I should be taking care of myself better.
Any suggestions for people with tough bears and sensitive skin?
ERIC22MIL 12/4/07 10:00 P
Nivea Creme - great fo rthe skin
_JACK_ 7/18/07 10:11 P
Nivea aftershave for the face and head.......Gillete "clean" shave gel before hand.
NYY_FAN 7/18/07 9:59 A
I have sensitive skin, I am trying Nivea products. They are working out good so far, they are not expensive and they are located in the grocery store (no running around). They are also not scented so they do not interfere with my after shave.
HHHBYE 7/18/07 6:36 A
Can I ask for some advice?
I gave my fiance a set of the bioderm brand, but it was small and it`s now finishing up (he`s been pretty good at using it, when I told him he would know the difference when he meets up with old friends in 10 years, haha). I also got him some clinique stuff that seems to be nice to him, although the scrub leaves him a bit reddish sometimes.
Has anyone tried the Lancome ones? Or what do you recommend? I know the "for men" products are coming out now (yikes, I did the marketing for many of them!), but I can`t go and try them on myself... so what do you recommend?
JIMMYR59 7/16/07 10:53 A
I use a few products from the brave soldier line. I started using their antiseptic ointment for cuts and scrapes (really good btw) and then branched out to some of their shaving products, code blue as a aftershave balm works well for me. They have some really good shaving tips at their web site as well. www.bravesoldier.com
I tried a straight razor for about 1 week. It is not called a 'cut-throat' for nothing. Takes a very steady hand, and the real problem is keeping the razor, well, razor sharp. About 10 years ago, when I was trying this experiment in self mutilation, there were not a lot of quality razor strops made any more. I think there is a niche market for these now. It's a must with a straight razor, and I think a lost art making them, like buggy whips or hoop skirts.
One thing I have noticed is if I rinse my razor in really hot water, it seems to distort the blade and I get more razor burn. I rinse between each stroke in cool water, and that has helped.
EKRACINSKI 7/16/07 7:50 A
While I do not use anything special to shave with, I use the hottest water I can stand and then rinse with cold water. It seems to do the trick for me and I rarely get razor burn.
The other key is to use short, repeating strokes with the razor and not use too much pressure. If you use a lot of pressure and a single stroke, that is one way to almost insure that your face will be irritated.
NYY_FAN 7/16/07 7:24 A
Have you guys tried washing your face in the hottest water you can stand then shave immediately after? This is the only way I get away from razor burn. I also use Fusion shaving crème it is thick and kind of lubes my face so the razor glides. I don’t want to sound like a commercial but, since I switched to the fusion line I have not had those problems. I have since tried the Nivea shaving crème and it feels the same on my skin. They are a little more pricy but, they lasts longer because you don’t need as much.
DAVEED 7/15/07 11:22 P
I have sensitive skin. I wash my face in the shower, then use a gentle scrub the shave. it keeps down on the razor bumps.
JPCHEEZY04 7/14/07 11:14 A
I have the same sensitive skin problem... My problem is that I don't know where to find the whole brush thing and pre-shave stuff... I've looked and I have no luck, of course I probably don't really know what to look for. I pretty much shave once a week b/c if I shave the day after, I'm probably going to burn my face up and have cuts. The day after a shave I also have a few bumps from razor burns I guess... I'm not too bright in this subject AT ALL! I need some major help... :(
NYY_FAN 7/13/07 5:57 P
I have the same issue with electric razors. My father used the straight razor I think I’ll stick with my fusion. I just shave twice a day when necessary.
THESULTAN 7/13/07 1:26 P
Matt, when u say an old style safety razor you mean one where you unscrew the cap and then put a flat razor blade in it?? I'm impressed! I looked into trying the straight razor--looks hard to learn!
MATTPARR 7/12/07 6:54 A
I have the sensitive skin problem, plus a heavy beard, so I had to go to the whole shave ritual to keep from having to clean the blood off the mirror every day.
It starts in the shower where I use a face brush and hot water, that starts softening things up. When I get out, I use a pre-shave oil before I use a brush and Crabtree & Evelyn's shave soap to get a thick lather. I then use an old-style safety razor, being careful to go with the grain. One day, I'll get the guts to try a straight razor. I finish up with Nivea's after shave balm. This has been the only way I can keep from getting horrible razor burn. I even tried electric, but then the ingrown hairs were so bad I looked like I was in high school again.
EKRACINSKI 7/8/07 10:07 A
Fortunately, my skin is naturally clear so I do not have to use much. Especially in the winter my skin gets very dry - everywhere but my face, where it is always oily. I just use glycerin soap and that seems to do the trick all over.
I have yet to find a lotion that doesn't make me feel greasy which is why I avoid them.
NYY_FAN 7/6/07 9:26 A
I found and I am trying a couple of Nivea products the purifying wash and balancing crème. Both are for the face, neck and both are supposed to help with the oil slick that I call my face.
The differences; 1. I feel is when I am done washing my face it is not tight like when I used regular soap. 2. My face does not seem to get as oily as before noting that it still gets oily.
THESULTAN 7/3/07 8:57 P
It's no doubt a lot of work. It's worth it when a nice looking woman asks how I keep my skin so soft :)
JGRAY8791 6/28/07 12:22 P
My wife started using the Proactiv products while I was overseas. When I came back I started using it. It works well at keeping my skin blemish-free. There are three parts to it- one is a scrubbing cleanser, one an exfoliator, and the third a rejuvinating lotion. My problem is that I don't always use all three in conjunction, and I should use it morning and night (usually only happening once a day). I also try to use a microderm abrasion once a week (again, something my wife started using). It amazes me how it makes my face feel like I just removed a blanket of dead skin afterwards. This too doesn't get done as often as it should
THESULTAN 6/24/07 7:37 P
I like having the ladies in the dept store take care of me! That's the whole point of looking good!
CWMORGA 6/24/07 10:09 A
I am a big fan of the L'Oreal for men line as well, but I think I've tried most of them by now. I typically use a daily moisturizer with a SPF of at least 15 (I'm pale and proud.)
KENC1971 6/23/07 9:35 P
Most department stores have a pseudo-section for the guys... cologne and guy care products. You could ask one of the perfume ladies, just don't let her mace you with the bottled skunk/flower spray.
NYY_FAN 6/22/07 8:46 P
I only find women's stuff. Where do you buy the guys stuff?
REEGEE333 6/22/07 3:17 P
THESULTAN--- I've been using products from Arbonne International.... they sell a men's kit with an exfoliant, shave gel, toner, moisturizer(which you use in that order.) I can't get enough of it... I've since added an eye cream that helps reduce puffiness and circles around the eyes.... they all work well
KENC1971 6/21/07 12:04 P
Any advice for electric razor users? I usually only get any burn on the underside of my chicn closer to the neck. It's once in a rare while, at least.
NYY_FAN 6/21/07 9:04 A
Ok, this may sound stupid but, here goes I use a buffer in the car is it the same thing?
For being Irish the skin on my face is like an oil slick. My skin is also very sensitive.
What would be the best plan of attack I would need to do.
THESULTAN 6/21/07 12:12 A
LOL I can handle that. How you take care of your skin will depend on what type of skin you actually have. You should definately be using a product that is intended for your type. (Dry, oily, etc.) I've had real good luck with using the L'oreal Mens Skin Care Line. 1. I use a "Power Buff" to exfoliate and take off dried skin 2. Use a face wash to really clean the pores on my face (no you shouldn't use just plain old soap, it will dry the skin out) 3. Wrap my face in a hot towel (or my head if I'm shaving that) and massage it a bit. This will help lift the hairs above the skin. Then, using a silver tipped badger hair shaving brush, apply a shaving soap (up to you which one) and begin to shave! 4. Rinse with a cool water. When the skin touches colder water it closes the pores, this helps to avoid dirt and grime in the pores. This also helps avoid razor burn. 5. Use a NON ALCOHOL after shave balm (Alcohol aftershaves dry up the skin) 6. Apply a skin moisteurizer (one that fits your skin type) 7. Halfway through the day I usually apply more moisturizer as a pick me up.
Most guys think this is too much work, but the way I see it is, I only get one set of skin (i know, i know, it rejuvinates itself everyday) so I better take care of it!
KENC1971 6/19/07 2:46 P
This is the part where The Sultan is supposed to give some recommendations, I think :)
MICKEYMETS 6/19/07 1:42 P
OK, i'll step up and say that my fiancee got me some sharps brand shaving cream and aftershave gel, and it's pretty good. stops razor burn, and doesn't sting.
other than that, i use mostly pretty run of the mill stuff, but i like good cologne. also, for a pale guy like me, sunscreen is the most important skin care product there is.
NYY_FAN 6/18/07 7:57 P
I am rather ignorant with this subject.
Do you mean with something other then soap?
It is what I have always used since for ever.
THESULTAN 6/18/07 7:54 P
So, this thread went over like a fart in church!
Why is that on a healthy website guys can talk about wrestling and UFC but not taking care of their own skin?