Product picks from David E. Bank, MD, dermatologist and founding physician of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, Mount Kisco, N.Y.:
Anthony Continuous Moisture Eye Cream ($33) "Men often show the first signs of aging around the eyes. A good moisturizing eye cream like this can help plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and decrease puffiness. Apply a dot around each eye in the morning and before bed."
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($14) "Using an SPF lotion, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and wearing a hat are all ways to protect against the sun. Research shows that an SPF like this not only protects from the sun but also helps reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and the risk of skin cancer."
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($14) "Men -- who tend to have extremely dry skin -- should look for body lotions like this one. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract the water and moisture under the surface of your skin, helping hydrate the top layer. Dimethicone helps trap water in the skin."
SkinMedica Retinol Complex .25 ($60) "A good retinoid applied at night before bed can slow aging by increasing skin cell turnover, thickening the skin over time and giving skin a more even tone. I like this one because, while it has one of the highest concentrations of retinoids available without a prescription, it's still very gentle."
Product picks from Michelle Henry, MD, dermatologist at Sadick Dermatology, New York City:
Tend Skin ($20) "Starting 1 day after shaving, use a soft-bristle brush, washcloth, or Buf-Puf to exfoliate the skin and to help keep curly hairs from growing back into the skin. Alternatively, use a daily moisturizing product like this that contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and encourage hairs to grow in the right direction."
Gillette Fusion Razor ($13) "If you have sensitive skin, using a razor with three or more blades is important to decrease the amount of pressure necessary to cut your facial hair. Shaving should be done in a downward motion on the cheeks and in an upward motion on the neck, in the direction of the hair growth."
Dove Soap ($5) "As much as I love the fragrance of Irish Spring soap, it is often too harsh for men who don't use lotion
regularly. For the low-maintenance man, hydrating soaps like Dove can help add moisture to his regimen."
Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Shave Gel ($5) "Shave while your hair is wet and use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel. This allows you to cut the hair cleanly with less force, causing less irritation and reducing irregularly cut hairs that are prone to becoming ingrown."
Expert Q&A
Q: "What's the best way to trim nose hairs?" Brandon Bundy, 25, retail manager, Springfield, VA
A: "First and foremost, it is never a good practice to pluck nose hair. It's painful and can lead to infections. Your best bet is to purchase a nose-hair trimmer, which has blades that are covered by guards to prevent cutting the delicate skin inside the nose. Concentrate on the areas directly inside the nostril that may have hair protruding. Also remember that when trimming inside the nose, it's wise not to go too deep. Nose hair has a protective purpose, helping to filter and prevent particles and other things from being sucked into the nasal passages when you breathe." --Michael O'Connor, celebrity style expert, New York City
