Skin Care Regimen

[+ Gar1eth]

I am a gay male of a certain age-that age being 51. I am going to have to admit possibly to my shame that I have no skin care regimen other than a bit of Lubriderm or the like during the winter if my hands start to crack. I'm mostly bald so don't really have a hair care regimen either. Most of the escorts I've ever had an overnight/weekend with seem to have a lot of skin care/ hair care products. Or even if I've been to their domicile, I've seen a lot of products in their bathroom. Am I just hopelessly out of step with the rest of the gay male population out there? Actually I already know I am. I was just wondering if this was further proof of that.

 

 

 

Gman

[Bosguy]

I am a gay male of a certain age-that age being 51. I am going to have to admit possibly to my shame that I have no skin care regimen other than a bit of Lubriderm or the like during the winter if my hands start to crack. I'm mostly bald so don't really have a hair care regimen either. Most of the escorts I've ever had an overnight/weekend with seem to have a lot of skin care/ hair care products. Or even if I've been to their domicile, I've seen a lot of products in their bathroom. Am I just hopelessly out of step with the rest of the gay male population out there? Actually I already know I am. I was just wondering if this was further proof of that.

 

This is a great topic. All of the working guys I've been with have gorgeous skin--facial and the rest of their anatomy. I will admit that I am lazy about this procedure and would love to know a simple plan to address this issue.

 

Boston Bill

[unsub2O17]

You're right about the escorts--gorgeous skin. I'm specifically thinking of AJ Irons and the body lotion after every shower. But, honestly, I also think that genetics plays a big role. I lost a lot of weight a few years ago and didn't get the excess folds of skin that I expected. I'm told that genetics affects skin elasticity issues, and, hence, looks and feel. Not much you can do about that.

[jjkrkwood]

I am a gay male of a certain age-that age being 51. I am going to have to admit possibly to my shame that I have no skin care regimen other than a bit of Lubriderm or the like during the winter if my hands start to crack. I'm mostly bald so don't really have a hair care regimen either. Most of the escorts I've ever had an overnight/weekend with seem to have a lot of skin care/ hair care products. Or even if I've been to their domicile, I've seen a lot of products in their bathroom. Am I just hopelessly out of step with the rest of the gay male population out there? Actually I already know I am. I was just wondering if this was further proof of that.

 

This is a great topic. All of the working guys I've been with have gorgeous skin--facial and the rest of their anatomy. I will admit that I am lazy about this procedure and would love to know a simple plan to address this issue.

 

Boston Bill

 

Exfolliate, Cleanse, Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.....

[hornytwells]

Actually, my dermatologist is an avid believer in using very little products> he says most of the moisturizers out there are useless, and designed to eventually dry the skin so you keep thinking you need more. he says they gave the skin the illusion of feeling soft, but its the amount of water you drink and your diet that can really affect that. Interesting. I tried using nothing, but have to say my skin does look better when I really clean and exfoliate well

[jjkrkwood]

You're right about the escorts--gorgeous skin. I'm specifically thinking of AJ Irons and the body lotion after every shower. But, honestly, I also think that genetics plays a big role. I lost a lot of weight a few years ago and didn't get the excess folds of skin that I expected. I'm told that genetics affects skin elasticity issues, and, hence, looks and feel. Not much you can do about that.

 

If finances permit, all that excess skin can be eliminated....

[jjkrkwood]

Actually, my dermatologist is an avid believer in using very little products> he says most of the moisturizers out there are useless, and designed to eventually dry the skin so you keep thinking you need more. he says they gave the skin the illusion of feeling soft, but its the amount of water you drink and your diet that can really affect that. Interesting. I tried using nothing, but have to say my skin does look better when I really clean and exfoliate well

 

The immediate effect of exfolliateing and cleansing will irritate and inflame the skin, but that will subside... You are actually ridding the skin of Dead cells and allowing cells to breathe and regenerate. Lubricated skin always has a healthier appearance than dry, rough, crackled skin, and for that reason alone its important to moisturize. As for long reaching effects, not so sure..

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

I am a gay male of a certain age-that age being 51. I am going to have to admit possibly to my shame that I have no skin care regimen other than a bit of Lubriderm or the like during the winter if my hands start to crack...

 

Gman - my initial response is that this is a generational thing. When I discuss the broader grooming topic, about all I get from other guys in Boomer generation is discussions about shaving (cream or gel/how many blades on the razor.) At some times, the conversation turns to the day we realized we needed to trim eyebrows, ears, and noses. But almost never is there a discussion about skin care. But guys just a few years younger than me (I'm 48) seem to be more aware of their skin care routine.

[JT Brooklyn]

"Maintenance" has been a Key Issue with most of the "Working Guys" I have hung out with! It does take Product to SELL a "Product"! But there's been a few well known "Working Guys" who are NOT investing in Product!

 

As far as Civilian "Gay Maintenance" goes..IF you didn't do it when you were 30 don't worry about it at 50! Its really kinda Late for that!

 

Then again that's what a Qualified P/S is for..

[Racketjock]

I will chime in here. I try to follow a sensible diet, but with work travel, too much work, not enough sleep, and not enough working out, I can look (and often do) a little worse for wear. Being a red head with fair skin and a history of skin cancer in my family, my dermatologist turned me on to some products that have dramatically changed my haggard look and although I am far from handsome, it helps and I now stick with them.

 

Face products: Dior (I buy them at Dillard's) daily wash, moisturizer, and this under eyes stuff - not necessarily cheap, but last me for at least a year.

Shaving: Art of Shaving, hands down the best shave oil, cream, and balm (as I have thick hair, this has prevented break outs and burn even on this old guy)

 

Drinking water is a no brainer, and as other's have said, it is the biggest thing you can do to stay hydrated and help with skin tone. Just my two cents.

[+ azdr0710]

as others have said, the basics prevail, I think: lots of water, healthy diet, genetics, stay out of the sun as much as possible, moisturize, plenty of sleep, healthy weight.....

[jjkrkwood]

I will chime in here. I try to follow a sensible diet, but with work travel, too much work, not enough sleep, and not enough working out, I can look (and often do) a little worse for wear. Being a red head with fair skin and a history of skin cancer in my family, my dermatologist turned me on to some products that have dramatically changed my haggard look and although I am far from handsome, it helps and I now stick with them.

 

Face products: Dior (I buy them at Dillard's) daily wash, moisturizer, and this under eyes stuff - not necessarily cheap, but last me for at least a year.

Shaving: Art of Shaving, hands down the best shave oil, cream, and balm (as I have thick hair, this has prevented break outs and burn even on this old guy)

 

Drinking water is a no brainer, and as other's have said, it is the biggest thing you can do to stay hydrated and help with skin tone. Just my two cents.

 

Just an FYI, from my experience, you dont need to spend mega-bucks to get a product that works. When you buy Designer brand, ie: Dior etc., for the most part you are paying for packaging and promotion and actually getting the same product you get over-counter at Duane Reade or Walmart but for a much lower price. I learned my lesson, now i can pass it along. But if you like looking at pretty packages and bottles on your shelf, go with Name.

[EZEtoGRU]

I do moisturize with relative frequency. One area I have found gets particularly dry are the soles and sides of my feet. I started getting pedicures a few years back and I find that helps a lot. I go for the foot scrubbing and wax treatment version. Works wonders. The first time I had one I was shocked at the amount of dead skin that came off my feet.

[+ Travis69]

I seem to remember hearing some people mixing sugar and water as a good cheap exfoliate.

[+ azdr0710]

Just an FYI, from my experience, you dont need to spend mega-bucks to get a product that works. When you buy Designer brand, ie: Dior etc., for the most part you are paying for packaging and promotion and actually getting the same product you get over-counter at Duane Reade or Walmart but for a much lower price. I learned my lesson, now i can pass it along. But if you like looking at pretty packages and bottles on your shelf, go with Name.

 

I agree....it's been proven many times over the years by investigative-type shows and magazines and others that the stuff sold by the ladies in the white smocks is grossly overpriced....just stick with the basics of skin care....

[Guest]

Actually, my dermatologist is an avid believer in using very little products> he says most of the moisturizers out there are useless, and designed to eventually dry the skin so you keep thinking you need more. he says they gave the skin the illusion of feeling soft, but its the amount of water you drink and your diet that can really affect that. Interesting. I tried using nothing, but have to say my skin does look better when I really clean and exfoliate well

 

Your dermatologist was right about how moisturizers dry out skin. And others were right about how genetics plays an important role. What most people think of as "moist" skin really refers to oils, rather than to water. I've always had more moist or "oily" skin; in other words, my skin produces a lot of sebum, or skin oils. When I was younger, that meant lots of acne. I actually still have to put on acne gels (gels are the strongest skin "dryer") on my face at night. But now, well into middle age, my skin is very soft and supple. I don't have any wrinkles and the back of my hands are as soft and smooth as a child's. The best moisturizer is petroleum jelly, i.e. Vaseline. Although when people think of "moisture," water comes to mind, water is actually the enemy of dry skin. Prolonged baths, for example, actually wash away the body's oils which keep the skin "moist."

[Xander]

I seem to remember hearing some people mixing sugar and water as a good cheap exfoliate.

 

Oatmeal, honey, and sugar is a good exfoliant

[+ Travis69]

Oatmeal, honey, and sugar is a good exfoliant

 

Someone gave me some of that bought at a store and it smelled GREAT!!!

[bigvalboy]

I am a gay male of a certain age-that age being 51. I am going to have to admit possibly to my shame that I have no skin care regimen other than a bit of Lubriderm or the like during the winter if my hands start to crack. I'm mostly bald so don't really have a hair care regimen either. Most of the escorts I've ever had an overnight/weekend with seem to have a lot of skin care/ hair care products. Or even if I've been to their domicile, I've seen a lot of products in their bathroom. Am I just hopelessly out of step with the rest of the gay male population out there? Actually I already know I am. I was just wondering if this was further proof of that.

 

 

So is the question then, what is a good skin care routine or what products should you buy?. Or are you asking, is the lack of skin care products in your daily routine further proof that you are hopelessly out of step with the rest of the gay population. If it is the latter, then I would say that everyone is different. Trying to stay in step with the "gay male population" is a trap. Be yourself and don't worry what everyone else is doing, including the escorts. They have a greater need than the rest of us do to keep everything in tip top shape.

 

If however you feel a need to kinda put on a fresh coat of paint and spruce things up a little, then I think everyone has given some great advice already. Including those that mentioned drinking plenty of water...easy and cheap!!

[foxy]

I've always kept an aloe plant in my kitchen since it works wonders if you burn yourself. Lately I've been I've been breaking open a leaf and smearing the goo on my face. Good for dry itchy skin and the plants are really cheap.