Chicago Mens Skincare - Frequently Asked Questions

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Men’s skin care expert Randall McGee answers your frequently asked questions about men's face care.

What are the quick and simple basics I should be doing every day?
First recommendation... NO regular bar soaps on your face! There are way too many detergents that strip the skin of vital oils and other essentials. Soaps make your face feel clean, but in reality they are drying your skin out and causing premature aging evidenced by wrinkles. No need to make things complicated at all. Keep it simple—all you need is a professional facial cleanser and moisturizer. Stock and use these 2 products no matter what.

My skin seems to change with the seasons. What should I do when my face is dry or oily?
Often a guy's skin does change with the seasons. What's happening is that your skin is reacting to several different factors such as temperature, humidity and sun exposure. Again, I have to stress how important it is for you to use a professional recommended facial product to combat these factors. Consult a skincare expert who can examine your skin and able to give you an custom skin care regime to follow. This regimen should include products that specifically target your individual skin care needs. Examples: For dryer skin, lean towards creamy type cleansers and rich moisturizers. For oilier skin types reach for liquid cleansers and oil-free moisturizers.

Face Scrub vs. Face Wash. Do I need both?
They are both great things to stock up on. Face scrubs contain an abrasive ingredient to assist in removing a layer of dead skin cells and allow newer, living cells to show through the surface. The healthier skin cells make you look more healthy and youthful in appearance. Scrubs should be used 2-3 times per week with a side benefit of achieving a closer shave.

A face wash cleanses the skin of excess dirt and oils. It's a much gentler process and should be done twice per day. My time-saving and results oriented professional tip for you: combine an amount of each to be applied simultaneously to your face, in the morning, depending on your skin type.

What's Toner for (besides for my printer)?
Facial toner is a liquid that brings your skin back to an optimal pH level, and protects against bacteria by shrinking the skin pores. Smaller pores make the skin a more formidable barrier against bacteria. Those with acne prone skin may obtain a positive result by regularly using a toner.

I'm 40+, what do you recommend?
As you age, you should look into anti-aging products to fortify and protect your skin. Skin needs change with age and there are very good products out there to protect your face; the investment you have been caring for all these years. These anti-aging products are a little pricier than scrubs and washes, however, they need to stimulate collagen and elastin cells in your face. The ingredients required to do this are a bit rarer and the process of putting them together is more difficult. Luckily, scientists and skin care specialists have combined to create some excellent product resources to achieve results.

It is also important that your face moisturizer contain an SPF, as the sun is your greatest enemy of the skin. In addition, it's probably time for an eye cream to fight crows feet.

How often should I get a spa face treatment?
Make the effort for a comprehensive facial treatment from a professional at least a few times a year. A professionaly licensed Aestician will be able to keep your home care regimen on track and really deep-clean and restore the skin on your face.

Any other tips?
The last and best advice I can give you is use sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! This applies to everyone, whether they receive professional skin treatments or not. Your skin is an investment, so take care of it. Everyone will notice.

About Randall McGee
Randall was professionally trained through Pivot Point International in Chicago and is a licensed Aesthetician. At SIR, Randall specializes in men's skincare services, such as face treatments, waxing, body scrubs & wraps. With SIR from its inception, you won't find a better expert on men's skin than from a well-educated skin care man himself. Randall's large and loyal following of male clientele in Chicago will attest to that! Have further questions for Randall? Simply contact him at service@sirspa.com.