care is a mere afterthought. Beyond the world of shaving their faces, it is rare for a man to devote time to his skin, especially the skin on his face. However, proper skin care is essential for the present and the future. Skin is the body's first line of defense against sickness, germs and disease. Men should practice a skin-care regimen twice a day, just as many women do. A man's skin is approximately 20% thicker than a woman's, and is typically firmer because it's richer in collagen and elastin. However, because of more active sebaceous glands, men's skin tends to be much oilier. It is also more prone to dehydration because of daily or regular shaving Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good. As we mature, biochemical changes occur in elastin and collagen, the connective tissues that give skin its firmness and elasticity. In general, male skin is oilier, with larger pores, a richer blood supply, and an increased a tendency to "sweat." Men are less prone to wrinkling than women, and may require deep cleansing daily. The skin aging process is the same for men and women, but for men it occurs later and is more marked. In a man's skin, the dermis is thicker and richer in collagen, and the epidermis is often more oily. Therefore, it's more resistant than a woman's skin to the effects of the sun and other environmental factors. Around the age of 40 to 50 years, the dermis layer of a man's skin thins, and the level of collagen decreases naturally yet dramatically, causing deeper wrinkles to appear. Just as for women, men can prevent and correct the signs of aging with appropriate skin care. A man's skin is his first defense against the effects of the sun, climate, and other environmental factors such as air pollution. The skin fulfils essential functions: body-temperature regulation, elimination of perspiration and toxins, and more. A man's skin needs to be protected effectively and daily. Some men don't want to be bothered with too many skincare products. However, starting with a regimen of basics - cleansing, protection, and moisturizing after shaving - is an effective skincare routine. To a man who simply washes his face with soap and water, this may seem like a complicated regimen. However, the benefits of these few simple steps are abundant. Daily face washing will keep pores unclogged, which in turn can prevent a variety of skin conditions, from pimples to ingrown hairs, which are not only painful and unattractive, but can also leave discolored marks on the skin's surface. Daily shaving can dry men's skin out. To combat this, look for shaving foams that are specifically designed to treat your skin type, whether it's sensitive skin, dry skin, or skin prone to imperfections. Sensitive skin may be characterized by redness, a burning sensation, and a tendency to experience razor burn. Dry skin may feel tight and lacking in elasticity. Skin prone to imperfections may be characterized by pimples, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. After shaving, skin should be soothed with a moisturizer or an after-shave balm. Men's skin should also be protected from the sun for optimum health. Look for sunscreens or moisturizers with an SPF of 15 or higher for best protection. Shaving gel is a much better option than shaving cream, which has air pockets that can lead to nicks. Gel should be applied clear, as lathering produces the same effect as a cream and can also be drying to skin. A swivel-head razor will decrease nicks, as opposed to a disposable razor. Men have a built-in advantage in the aging process--their skin is thicker and more oily than a woman's skin. Always steam the face before shaving. This allows the hair follicles to open up 30 percent more. If the water isn't hot enough, just microwave a damp cloth for about one minute, then test the temperature on the wrist to avoid burning the face. Splashing the face with cold water after shaving closes the skin pores, but avoid using water only or alcohol-based after-shaves, which can dry out skin. Aloe vera is wonderful as a post-shave moisturizer. Proper skin care depends on using products specifically designed to treat your skin type, and using them daily to reap the benefits of the products. Most men have used shaving creams, sun cream and after shave for years to prevent irritation as well as for the fragrance. However, recently the market has expanded in correlation to the demand for more specific products to take care of the face and body. Companies have realized the size of this demand and have created a market for male products and cosmetics. This reflects in not only the products available but also the marketing campaigns that are used to make the consumer aware. Companies use celebrities, packaging and catchy slogans to entice male consumers. For example the skin care products will have male orientated names and dark packaging as well as a fresh fragrance.