For men only > 6 easy steps to take care of yourself

Now gentlemen, if you think that soaps, creams and lotions are solely the domain of women … think again! Many of the things we encounter on a daily basis - pollution, smoke, environmental factors - are the source of toxins that take their toll on our natural beauty. Men, just like women, have to take care of their skin. While some people think a touch of grey around the temples and a few laugh lines around the eyes reflect a certain debonair charm, dull, tired-looking skin and untamed odours have never been known to turn women's heads!

Today there are products specially designed to meet men's unique needs. So men, here in six easy steps is your "beauty program"… the better to charm us with!

Step 1 - Cleansing
In order to prepare your skin for shaving, you should first wash your face well in order to remove the various impurities that can harm it. Don't use an all-in-one body soap - your face needs a foaming gel adapted to your particular skin type.

Step 2 - Shaving
It's always best to shave in the direction your beard grows, starting with areas where growth is lightest so that denser areas have more time to soften. Use a sharp blade and rinse it frequently. There are emollient shaving foams available that give a close shave without burning, while protecting your skin from redness and irritation.

There are also shaving creams specially designed for oily skin which give your skin a deep cleansing as you shave while also providing antibacterial and antiseptic effects. If your skin tends to "shine," then choose an anti-shine facial cleanser which absorbs sebum and controls excess oil throughout the day.

Step 3 - After-shave
This is the "fire extinguisher" for your razor, quickly calming the skin and revitalizing the epidermis. If you have dry skin, choose a lotion that is alcohol-free. For sensitive skin, choose a product that is soothing and restorative. If you plan to also apply cologne or another scented product, choose your after-shave from the same line or else pick a neutral scent.

Step 4 - Cologne
Your choice depends on your own particular taste - pick a scent that reflects your personality, but remember that it doesn't need to be overpowering. Some men like to stick with one particular cologne, which is fine, but you can also be a little more daring… In the summer, a light, fresh scent is perfect for daytime and sport activities; for the evening, or in the winter when you're wearing wool, try something a little more woodsy or musky. And one last request, gentlemen: pass on the sickly sweet colognes. There are getting to be fewer of them, but a few is still too many!

Step 5 - Deodorant
Choose a deodorant or antiperspirant depending on how much you sweat, and do some "longevity" tests. These products come in various forms and textures, so you need to choose one suited to your skin type. Avoid overly-strong scents that will compete with your cologne or after-shave.

Step 6 - Protection
If you ski, windsurf or sail, use sunscreen to protect your skin from premature aging.

There are also nourishing lotions for men that revitalize skin that's beginning to show the effects of time. Unscented and non-greasy, they can be applied either in the morning or at night… and no one will notice!