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Overpriced flowers. Calorie-dumping chocolates. Higher expectations. It’s enough to make you say “Bah humbug!” (Wait, wasn’t that another holiday?) With a little creativity and a few MenScience tips, Valentine’s Day won’t be all that bad – in fact, you may even grow to like it. This issue will let you in on some dirty little secrets… You know those guilty pleasures you swore off last month? They just may be good for you! We’ll help prep you for the big date with the best (and worst) hairstyles and protect you from last minute emergencies. Love life a bit limp? We can show you how to make things stimulating - year round. If you’re low on cash, we have a V-Day Sweepstakes that you’re going to just love.
Single and breathing a sigh of relief? Committed and up to your eyeballs in cheap drug-store candy? Email us and let us know how you weathered the holiday. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest MenScience articles? Subscribe to our RSS feed today. |
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Cheers,
Deidra Garcia,
Editor
Rebecca Hausen, Co-Editor |
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As you frantically search for a good-looking Valentine’s Day gift to wow your significant other, remember that the big day is also about your impression. Nobody dreams of dinner at a swanky restaurant with a guy who looks like he stepped out of a Cro-Magnon display, so take a cue from MenScience and keep in mind these hair-do’s (and don’ts).
DO get hair trimmed regularly and change your hairstyle up every once in a while. Cutting off dead ends and re-styling promotes healthier hair growth and can significantly improve your appearance.
DON’T do the comb-over. People are more responsive to a man with a polished, trimmed look, even if his hair is thinning. Sorry guys, Trump’s comb-over is simply not sexy.
DO wear an age-appropriate hairstyle. We’re big advocates of the young-at-heart, but faux-hawks, hipster mullets and bleached-white locks? Leave those hairstyles to the kid who delivers your paper (he has longer to live down the embarrassment).
DON’T overload your hair with a million styling products; it promotes greasy buildup and weighs hair down. Stick to one kind at a time; chances are, if you’re using gel, mousse AND pomade, your hairstyle is way too complicated.
DO treat your hair gently by cleansing it with a shampoo that contains conditioning ingredients (like Daily Shampoo). Being too rough on hair causes breakage and accelerates hair damage.
DON’T show up for the big Valentine’s Day dinner wearing a hat. What’s okay for your buddy’s BBQ will get you death looks at the restaurant (and from your date). Besides, if you follow our advice, you won’t want to burrow under your Giants cap.
Read The Basics of Men’s Hair Care for more hair-raising tips and advice.
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Valentine’s Day isn’t the only time the little guy with red horns pops out on your shoulder. Men deal with inappropriate urges 365 days of the year, but here’s some uplifting news….some things you thought were bad are actually good for you. Let’s take a look at some guilty pleasures that are turning their reputations around. However, just like anything, a little of these go a long way!
1. Chocolate: Contrary to popular belief, eating chocolate neither causes nor promotes acne. Acne is caused by an overproduction of an oily substance called sebum, which could be triggered by a number of factors, including stress and hormones. Chocolate also doesn’t raise cholesterol or cause headaches…leaving that bite-sized chocolate bar in the clear. In fact, nutritionists are now celebrating dark chocolate because of its high content of phenolics, antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage. Of course, only a small amount of dark chocolate is recommended, since it packs quite a few calories. To get the benefits of antioxidants without the weight gain, take Advanced Antioxidants Daily Supplement.
2. Sunshine: That’s right, we said it: Sunshine is good for you. Medical advice will have you slathering on the sunscreen the minute you step out the door, but a slight exposure to sunshine boosts Vitamin D levels, which can help uplift spirits and alleviate depression, especially during the long winter months. The effects of UV rays are even being studied for their possible benefits to asthma-sufferers. No one’s telling you to fry though; a few minutes outside is enough to get your daily quota. And if you’re going to be in the sun for prolonged periods, be sure to use the long-lasting sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.
3. Coffee: This bad beverage has some ‘eye-opening’ health properties; a recent medical study found that drinking coffee could help reduce the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer, as well as diminish asthma attacks and headaches. Some experts attribute this to the antioxidants coffee contains, while some actually credit the caffeine levels. So if you’re a regular coffee drinker, you may just be doing your body good! If you want a break from coffee, green tea is a healthy and refreshing alternative with a big energy punch.
4. Fat: Fat is an essential nutrient that your body needs to function. It supplies fuel for energy and protects nervous system. However, all fats are not created equal. Stick to polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (in olive, fish, sunflower and soybean oils), which may help with heart disease. Our Medical Perspective on Omega-3 explains how fatty acids support the heart, brain and joints while maintaining triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Conversely, reduce saturated fats (in whole milk, fatty meats and butter) and avoid trans fats (found in donuts, cookies, French fries and other fried foods). These raise cholesterol levels substantially. But beware: all types of fat bring extra calories to the table, so keep your portions moderate. (Maintain good health by exercising regularly; even on a busy scheduleand taking the Thermogenic Formula for more efficient fat-processing).
5. Sex: Remember when your mom told you too much sex will make you go blind? Well, there have been incredible advancements in eye surgery, so there’s hope. Seriously - you can stop worrying – researchers at Queens University found that people having frequent sex (3 or more times a week) had less instances of heart disease and suffered from fewer illnesses. In addition to helping reduce depression and pain, sex burns approximately 200 calories, a convincing argument for why it’s always a good idea!
To see how much you know about nutrition and wellness, try our online quiz.
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All right, so shaving isn’t exactly the sexiest thing in the world; but with a little imagination and a few MenScience products, you would be amazed at how the mundane transforms into scintillatingly sexy.
1. Set the mood with soft lighting (try some scented candles), low music and a clean bathroom and bedroom (nothing kills the mood like a pile of wet, dirty towels). Have wine handy to loosen things up.
2. Draw a bath and gently wash each other with the Daily Body Wash and Buff Body Gloves. The rough texture of the gloves is not only great for exfoliating, but it also feels sensational.
3. Get a head massage. Like any other massage, this soothing wonder works to alleviate stress and tension and absolutely erases bad days. Try using our Daily Shampoo for extraordinary foaming performance.
4. For a little foot play in the bathtub, use a daily body wash to stimulate nerve endings in the feet. Reflexology experts insist that the pressure points in the foot are linked to very specific organs and glands… ones that – trust us – you want to pressure - or perhaps pleasure.
5. Shave through inhibitions with a razor burn free shave formula. Having your partner give your face a gentle shave will not only make your skin smooth and soft, this focused intimacy will be extremely enjoyable for you both (while ensuring that your partners’ facial skin isn’t unceremoniously ripped off in the playtime to come). Girls have been known to use the our shave formula for their bikini lines – which just may be a smooth move in the right direction.
6. After you’ve dried off, be sure to apply Advanced Deodorant; there’s nothing like B.O. to kill a sexy vibe. Once you’ve been protected, have your partner lay face-down on the bed and give them a back massage using long, firm strokes. From there, it’s up to you.
7. For an even sexier experience, consider trying out this treatment on a weekend getaway and take along the MenScience Travel Kit. For gift ideas, check out the Valentine’s Day gift guide.
Even more treatments are available in our How-To section.
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Advanced Acne Pads? How un-romantic is that? But for anyone with an impending acne breakout, they’re a life-saver. These convenient acne treatment pads combine antibacterial, exfoliating and healing ingredients to thoroughly cleanse skin of acne-causing dirt, oils and bacteria.
Formulated with our prescription-grade, maximum-strength concentration of Salicylic Acid, these pads completely clear skin while helping to prevent blackheads and acne breakouts. The fast-absorbing application is perfect for all skin types. Say hello to smooth, clear skin and goodbye to looking like a 12th grader (if you’re in 12th grade – sorry kid, this too will pass).
For more on how to fix problem skin, click here.
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Pre-date skin less than stellar? For an immediate “pick me up,” exfoliate face by applying Microfine Face Scrub. Allow scrub to sit for 1-2 minutes, gently rub into pores using a circular motion and then rinse away.
For clarification on how to wash your face, scrub here. |
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• The ratio of single men to single women in their 20’s is 120 to 100?
• Jewelry stores sold $2.5 billion worth of merchandise in February 2007 alone?
• Per capita, Americans ate 26 pounds of candy each in 2006?
* From U.S. Census Bureau statistics
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Not as scary as it sounds, Salicylic Acid is a powerful ingredient prescribed by doctors and skincare professionals for the treatment of acne, ingrown hairs and dandruff, as well as to combat the effects of skin aging. Also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and derived from willow tree bark, Salicylic Acid has penetrating, exfoliating, antibacterial and moisturizing properties. It helps prevent pore-clogging, refines skin texture and quickly removes oily matter on skin's surface.
Discover more about MenScience ingredients here.
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