Here comes the groom! Two experts offer a guy's guide to shaving and skin care with tips and product picks.
Tips from Jeffrey Benabio, MD, dermatologist, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego:
Moisturizing Soap for Men
Lush Almond & Coconut Smoothie ($21.95) "A common reason men have dry and itchy skin is that they use soaps that are too harsh. A better solution is to use a body wash with a moisturizer, which won't strip skin of natural oils that offer protection. This all-natural pick has almond and coconut oils."
Aftershave for Men
Dove Men+Care Hydrate Post Shave Balm ($6.59) "Aftershave shouldn't sting or dry your skin out. If it does, consider switching to an aftershave lotion or balm instead. This one is alcohol-free and contains vitamin B5 to help relieve irritation instantly and soothe skin."
Moisturizer for Men
Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Face Lotion ($8.99) "Reluctant to use heavy cream moisturizers or ointments because they feel too thick and sticky on your skin? Opt for lotions instead -- products that contain dimethicone can provide a good moisture barrier and still feel light on the skin."
Ingrown Hair Help
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment ($12.54) "Nip stubborn
ingrown hairs in the bud by spot-treating them with a salicylic acid cream or serum, which helps soften the skin covering the hair. Then, gently pluck the hair out with clean tweezers."
Tips from Thomas Rohrer, MD, dermatologist, Chestnut Hill, Mass., and associate clinical professor of dermatology, Brown University School of Medicine:
Sunscreen for Men
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion SPF 30 ($9.99) "Other than shaving, men in general are unlikely to do anything to their skin every day. The easiest way to protect your skin on a daily basis is to use sunscreen like this one, which blends into skin quickly and has an SPF of 30. The important thing is to apply a lot of it and reapply frequently."
Smoothing Out Razor Bumps
RoC Multi Correxion Skin Renewing Serum ($27.99) "Razor bumps are a result of trapped hairs burrowing back into skin, leading to inflammation. Slough away dead surface skin cells with a retinol cream or serum like this, which helps prevent the blockage of hairs."
Shaving Brush Recommendations
Tweezerman Deluxe Badger Shaving Brush ($12.99) "Using an ample amount of shaving cream on a warm, wet beard will result in an excellent shave. Using a shaving brush to apply shaving cream can help boost lather, which lifts hairs for a smoother shave."
Aftershave Moisturizer
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer With Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 30($16.99) "Prefer using an electric shaver on dry skin, but don't like irritation? Make sure your skin is hydrated and moist prior to dry shaving, and then afterward, use a skin-soothing moisturizer like this one with SPF."
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