Skiing is a big part of life in Colorado, where my friend recently moved. He has really gotten into snow sports in his first winter in Boulder. Unfortunately, he has been suffering from dry, cracked skin from being out so often in the winter air. Not all moisturizers are created equally, as he soon learned.
I recommended that he start using products that use shea butter. Shea butter is a complex fat that melts at body temperature and is rapidly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. I bought him some homemade shea butter soap that I use. It cleanses and moisturizes the skin at the same time. I also sent him a container of shea butter he can keep at his office to moisturize his red, cracked hands. He called and said that the shea butter has been working wonders and he is much more comfortable in his skin.
Many men completely forgo the notion of skin are, passing it off as unnecessary or feminine. But the skin is the first line of defense against disease and infection, and healthy skin will serve you best. Here are some skincare tips for men:
~ The face should be washed every day with a mild, natural soap, such as oatmeal or shea butter soap (it’s okay to do this in the shower).
~ Once or twice a week, wash the face with warm water and a deep cleanser to flush out the pores. Apply a moisturizing lotion or aloe afterward.
~ If you’re planning on being outside for an extended amount of time, apply sunscreen.
~ Take care when shaving; make sure the face is wet before applying shaving cream, and allow the cream a few moments to settle in. Apply after-shave cream following shaving.
~ Eat a balanced diet and stay active.
~ Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake.
Shea Butter: The Natural Moisturizer from a World Away
The people of Western Africa have long enjoyed the benefits of shea butter, and their secret to moist, luxurious skin has since been passed to the rest of the world. Shea butter is produced from an extraction of the large seeds of the wild shea tree. In its raw state, the butter is white or yellowish in color, and its texture and consistency are similar to that of real butter.
Handmade shea butter soap has actually been found to contain healing properties as well. It restructures the skin, treats eczema and dermatitis and even soothes sore, aching muscles. Shea butter soap can be made at some expense from home with the use of raw, unprocessed butter, but it’s also widely available online. It represents an all-natural alternative to the mass-produced soaps that can prove harsh and even detrimental to the skin.