Sorrento Secrets: It's guy time for skincare

Guys, no more excuses! Men are embracing grooming in record numbers. Your face and body need serious attention. Remember look good... feel good... confidence... success. As a professional makeup-artist, I’d like to share some basic tips to encourage healthier skin. It’s simple.

Step 1

Keep it clean. Men have approximately 20 per cent oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women. Basically this means you get dirtier. No matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important, it keeps pores clear, skin healthy, and you looking good.

Cleansing products should be as chemical free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn’t be used on your face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

Step 2

Keep it toned - if you spend a lot of time outside, toning helps keep your face clear and firm. As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

Step 3

A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you. Exfoliate and polish with a jojoba scrub for example.

Step 4

Moisturising is a necessity again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don’t forget your neck! Hydrate and nourish your skin. For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, this is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturise this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age.

Step 5

After shaving, you need to moisturise with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin. Skin that is too shiny doesn’t look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away.

Step 6

Don’t forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

Facial survival is the key, here are the key techniques.

- Avoid over exposure to the sun:

Excessive exposure can exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use a SPF15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.

- Stay in shape:

Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keep skin looking young.

- Eat right:

Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet.

- Everything in moderation:

Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excess alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging, they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.       

Caroline Bourke’s evening make-up artistry courses start in September from 7-9. Limited places available. Contact Caroline on 086-1941447.