men's beauty routine

Last night I read an article about how not washing your face before bed causes free radical damage to your skin (similar to how UV rays damage skin). Then Jake and I were talking about how doing a few simple things can make your skin look and feel so much better. For him, washing and moisturizing made a huge difference with his acne, complexion, and overall feel of his face. So I've rounded up a few of our favorite men-friendly products . 

1. Cetaphil Cleanser

Wash your face at least once a day with this and follow with a moisturizer. It's made for sensitive skin so it works well for everyone.

2. Aveeno Smart Essentials Moisturizer with Vitamins A, C, and E

This face lotion is good for many reasons: 

A. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants and can stop free radicals before they do any damage. Many dermatologists recommend a daily moisturizer with these vitamins in them. Vitamin C also evens skin tone.

B. Vitamin A does great things too, although I doubt there's a ton of actual vitamin A in the lotion. It fights acne (I use a stronger dose of it just to prevent acne) and reduces fine lines.  

C. SPF 30 - the easiest way to protect your skin and keep you young, sunscreen every day.

D. It's a lightweight formula and comes in a pump, so it's not exposed to much oxygen and you don't have to dip your germy fingers in it. Some studies show that microorganisms like to grow in those little tubs and oxygen exposure can inactivate active ingredients ... I don't really know but I just always buy pumps when I can because of that. 

3. Oil Blotting Wipes

These are a quick afternoon fix and fit nicely in a wallet.

4. Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Stick

I love the great effects of the charcoal products that are available in stores. Charcoal is meant to draw out the gunk from your pores and clears blackheads. We've tried the Biore Charcoal strips (here) and they work really well to remove built up blackheads. To be fair, I haven't actually tried this cleansing stick, but I've heard only good things about it online and I think it'd work so well on Jake's skin. Maybe it'll be our next purchase ? Read more about it here.

5. American Crew Post Shave Cooling Lotion