Plenty of men grew up with one bar of soap for everything, a razor and maybe an aftershave that stung. There is nothing wrong with keeping things simple, but a Georgia summer is hard on skin: sun, sweat, heat and long hours outdoors. A basic routine that takes about two minutes a day can make skin feel noticeably more comfortable. Here is a plain version, with no jargon and no shelf full of products.
Step one: wash with something gentle
Many bar soaps are made for the body and can leave facial skin feeling tight and dry. A mild facial cleanser, in a gel for oilier skin or a cream for drier skin, is gentler. Wash at night to clear away sweat, sunscreen and the day’s grime, and again in the morning if you like. After a sweaty afternoon of yard work, a quick rinse with cool water feels good and keeps the day’s sweat from sitting on your skin.
Use lukewarm water rather than hot, and pat dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
Step two: moisturize, with sunscreen in the morning
Moisturizer is not only for dry skin. A light lotion helps skin feel comfortable after washing and shaving. The simplest approach is a daily moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, so one step does two jobs in the morning. On days you will be outside for long stretches, use a dedicated sunscreen and reapply it as the label directs.
Do not forget the places men often miss: the ears, the back of the neck, the top of the head if your hair is thinning, and the lips. A lip balm with SPF fits easily in a pocket.
A more comfortable shave
- Shave after a warm shower, or at least after washing your face, so the hair is softened.
- Use a shaving cream or gel rather than soap or plain water.
- Use a sharp, clean blade. A dull one tugs and irritates.
- If your skin gets irritated, try shaving in the direction the hair grows.
- Rinse with cool water and follow with a gentle moisturizer. Alcohol-heavy aftershaves can sting freshly shaved skin.
When to see a professional
A simple routine is about comfort and habit, not about fixing problems. If you notice a spot or mole that changes in size, shape or color, a sore that does not settle, or irritation and razor bumps that keep coming back, make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist. It is one of the most worthwhile half hours you can spend.
A starter kit makes a thoughtful Father’s Day gift, too: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer with sunscreen and a good lip balm, with a note saying how much you want him around for a long time. Two minutes a day is not much to ask, and it is a small way of looking after the person in the mirror.