In modern society, men are active in various fields and their image is increasingly being noticed. Metrosexual men are no longer objects of ridicule, as moderate grooming for men is beneficial for their physical and mental health, adding to their handsome and carefree charm. A good image for men includes various aspects of their physical appearance, and of course, it also requires good cultural literacy. In terms of grooming, we will focus on the care of the male head and face.
The skin of men and women differs in anatomical structure and physiological function. Men's skin is thicker and firmer, providing them with protection for the most arduous work. Men have larger oil glands, more hair, and larger pores, making them more susceptible to dirt, especially the accumulation of lipid-soluble harmful substances and various microorganisms, which can lead to inflammation and infections. Men have higher levels of testosterone than women, resulting in a significantly higher incidence of acne in men than in women.
The scalp is a special part of our body. It is exposed and covers the head, protecting our brain. Therefore, the protection of the scalp and hair is more complex and important than other parts of the skin. However, many men unintentionally damage their hair by not properly protecting it, which is one of the reasons why we often see more bald men.
The characteristics of men's skin determine that their skincare methods are different from those of women. Men's sebaceous glands are more active, they engage in more outdoor activities, and they come into contact with more dust and harmful substances, which can cause their hair to become dirty. The primary concern is cleansing. The purpose of washing hair is to remove dirt and shed skin cells (dandruff), etc. The frequency of hair washing depends on individual conditions, habits, work environment, and seasons, etc. Washing hair too infrequently can lead to pollution and scalp dandruff accumulation, causing follicle infections and hair loss. Washing hair too frequently can damage the hair follicles and hair by removing a large amount of sebum, leading to scalp allergies and infections.
Currently, there are a wide variety of shampoos available, and the selection should be based on the nature of an individual's skin. People with oily skin can choose nourishing shampoos; those with oily skin can choose shampoos with stronger degreasing properties; those in between can choose neutral shampoos. After washing the hair, combing it has a similar effect to scalp massage and cleansing. Men should try to minimize the use of hair wax cosmetics. Hair perming is unnecessary for the majority of men. Patients with lipid-soluble dermatitis should seek medical treatment from a specialist to avoid the consequences of using products that claim exaggerated efficacy, which may worsen the condition.
One of the characteristics of male secondary sexual characteristics is having facial hair. Nowadays, many people keep a small beard, which is not advisable from a hygiene perspective. Because facial hair grows around the mouth and nose, it easily becomes contaminated with bacteria, dust, and other pollutants. The area around the mouth and nose is called the "danger triangle," and if the hair follicles become inflamed or infected, it can be dangerous. Therefore, men need to shave regularly. There are various types of razors available for shaving, so choose according to personal preference. It has been said that the softest skin of a man is under his beard, which means that this precious skin must be well protected. The correct method of shaving is to shave in the direction of beard growth, starting from the cheeks, neck, lips, and chin, in sequence. Shaving against or inward the direction of hair growth can cause damage to the skin. A clean face will make a person feel refreshed, youthful, and energetic. On the contrary, a face full of stubble gives the impression of being unkempt and careless.
Men's facial skin, like women's, also requires careful protection. Cleansing the facial skin is the first step in skincare. Choose a facial soap or cleanser that suits your skin type, rub it into a lather with your hands, then massage it onto your face gently. Finally, rinse off with clean water. The method of using a basin of water and a towel for facial cleansing is harmful to the skin on the face.
