How To: Choose the Right Products

How-to Choose the Right Skin Care Product

Purpose:	To find the best products for your specific skin type.
Estimated Time:	5 minutes
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	Most products target several individual skin types: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and combination skin.

	Decide on what skin type you have and keep this in mind when searching for products. Oily skin: Feels slightly greasy or slick to the touch, with larger pores. It is usually more prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Look for products that are ultralight and oil-free, and exfoliating items that will remove oil and dirt.
	Dry skin: Often feels tight and itchy and is more prone to irritations. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Urea and Allantoin, and pay special attention to moisturizers.
	Sensitive skin: Easily irritated by skincare or shaving products or extreme weather conditions. Look for products that do not contain dyes, fragrances or irritants and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.
	Normal skin: If haven’t had any reoccurring skin problems such as shininess, acne or irritated skin, you probably have normal skin. Unless a product states otherwise, most skincare items can be used by men with normal skin.
	Combination skin: Most men fall into this category, having dry patches and oily patches on their face at the same time (oily patches often fall in the “T-Zone”: your forehead and down your nose to your chin). Look for products that gently clean skin without harsh abrasives and moisturizers that are ultralight.
	Acne-prone skin: Can partner with oily skin, but is also a factor with people with dry skin. This type tends to breakout frequently with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Look for products that are noncomedgenic (not pore-clogging) and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

	Decide what products you’d like to start with. You can break a skincare routine down to four basic steps: Cleaning, Exfoliating, Shaving, and Moisturizing. That means you should look for a gentle liquid cleanser for your face, an exfoliating scrub, a shaving product, an aftershave product and an oil-free moisturizer. If you start with these basic items, you can’t really go wrong.

	Although it’s often a difficult task, don’t be fooled by fancy packaging or high prices; concentrate on natural ingredients and products that don’t contain dyes or irritants. Items can get pricey, but the most expensive product is not always the best one. Likewise, don’t sell yourself short with products offered at bottom prices.

	Always read labels to find out how a product should be used, how much should be used and how frequently.

	Once you’ve decided on your core products and established a regular skincare routine, think about including items that target other specific problems as well. For example, every guy should own a reliable, broad-spectrum protection sunscreen. If you are interested in products targeted towards reducing wrinkles and diminishing lines on the face and around eyes, look for specific items that do just that.

	Don’t be afraid to try new products or alter your skincare routine. After all, you are the best judge for what makes your skin feel good and look great. Keep in mind thought that most products need at the very least a week to begin working, so don’t be too quick to switch products if you’re not getting results right away.

Tips:

Taking care of your skin is a long-term investment and the sooner you begin, the better. If all else fails and you are still completely in the dark, try consulting a counterperson in the skincare/cosmetics department of your local mall for some tips.

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