The ingredients are Zinc Oxide to fight the sun, multiple antioxidants to control free radical damage, and a citrus scent to make it pleasant to wear.

SPF Equivalent to 18. – Get it!

Rating: ★★★★½ 

Unfortunately, there were many men who thought that a simple face moisturizer was still reserved for ladies. But little did they know how prepared I was to disprove this notion!

You see, the face is the only part of our bodies that is completely exposed to natures elements (i.e. sun’s rays, dry air, pollution) on a daily basis. So if it isn’t protected by a moisturizer, it’s fighting all day without any armor. The result?

• Redness & irritation on the shaved area
• Oily skin
• Acne
• Dry and puffy eye area

The list goes on and on…

So the moment I held a mirror to the faces of the skeptics, and pointed out areas of the face that were suffering because of the lack of moisture, their opinions quickly changed! And, the worst part is that many of the men looked older than they really were! 

Here’s the deal… Have you ever felt a dry sponge? It usually feels hard and rough, right? But the moment it gets wet, it swells and becomes softer. Your skin works the same way!

If you deny your skin the necessary tools to keep your skin moist, premature aging is just the beginning!

So here’s the issue.

Improper prep or post shave practices can be a major reason for dry skin. Also, a dry face can be the reason for an uncomfortable shaving experience (ie. razor burn). So let’s cut to the chase, and say that properly moisturized skin will lead to a much better shaving experience, and without a doubt, healthier looking skin.

The process of shaving is actually an exfoliation that removes a layer of skin every time we shave, thereby potentially causing the skin to become very dry without the proper prepping. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, don’t worry, below you can find the specific items and steps to prevent this problem.

Here are the essentials…

• Moisturizer – designed to increase water content in the skin and prevent water loss all while protecting skin from outside pollutants.
• Pre-Shave Oil – designed to trap moisture on to the skin, raise the beards hair and protect the skin from the blade. (See post: Don’t be afraid of pre-shave oils!)
• Shave Cream – designed to infuse moisture onto the skin all while creating a cushion between the blade and the skin.
• After-Shave Balm – designed to quicken the healing process of the skin to prepare the face for it’s next shave.

So check the list above and get one of each. Trust me, your face will appreciate it, and so will you!

I had a friend ask me the other day… “are there any really good moisturizers for less than $60?”

My answer… Of course there are!

More often than not, we are all guilty of believing that if the product is expensive, it must be the best! But, although that may be true for “specific needs” grooming products (i.e Anti-Aging products), the standard moisturizer shouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet… especially since this is an essential daily use item!

Here are a few great face moisturizers that not only get the job done, but are concentrated enough so that you get more “bang” for your buck!

And of course, the most important part… less than $60!

• Vitamin E Moisturizer by (Malin + Goetz) - $45
• Skin Smoothing Cream by Dermalogica – $39
• Multi-Vitamin Day Balm by Eyre BioBotanics – $37
• Instant Moisture Gel by Lab Series – $26
• Age Fighter Face Moisturizer SPF 15 by Neutrogena – $14
• Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 by Cetaphil – $11

Immediately after showering, towel dry your hair, then apply a hair moisturizer to your scalp.  If you need to use another product to style your hair, wait 5 – 10 minutes before applying that styling product.

The reason:

Shampooing removes the ”day old” natural oils and hair products, leaving your scalp clean and moist.  Applying a moisturizer to your scalp works the same way as applying a moisturizer to your body.  A hair moisturizer along with the natural oils produced by your scalp is a more effective way of combating a dry and itchy scalp.  Give it a try!

• Side note: If symptoms persist, seek a dermatologists advice for a better solution.
• Hair Moisturizers - Grooming Creme by Bumble and Bumble and Frederick Benjamin

I don’t have to tell you that moisturizing your skin is important. You already know that…right? After all, with so many elements out there (sun rays, cold temps., winds…) ready to damage your skin, you practically have to carry a tube of moisturizer in your gym bag.

So here is one that you can try. 

Believe me, choosing a moisturizer out of so many good ones was a challenge.  So, I chose a product that serves a slightly different purpose.  One gentleman described it’s results as, “giving your skin a tall glass of water before
going to bed”.  My thoughts…more like Gatorade!

Night Recovery Lotion by Lab Series

• Continuous hydration throughout the night with ingredients like…spring water!
• Firms the skin and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Potent anti-oxidant complex (including Vitamin C & E) that helps to protect the skin from natures elements
• Perfect for hydrating the skin during air travel and other artificial elemental scenarios
• For all skin types

Just over $30, it’s an investment. But you know what? It works!  I’ve used this product for some time now, and every morning my skin looks refreshed, even after only 5 hrs of sleep.