MFM™ LIFESTYLE
Definition: Your health, your look, your life.
On this page in the upcoming months you will find information on everything from caring for you skin to tips on living your life the way you want to!
(If there are any questions or topics you would like us to address, please send them to us. If we don't know the answer, we will try our best to get one...)
Here's a question that many of us have probably wondered about:
"Why is that every time I wear a baseball cap for any prolonged period of time, I notice I develop pimples on my forehead and scalp?"
To get the correct answer we asked an expert, Dr. Paul Yamauchi of the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center in Los Angeles. He writes:
"Often times perspiration can accumulate under the baseball cap which can cause a local irritation and result in the formation of pimples on the forehead and scalp. In addition, the baseball cap can occlude the pores and follicles in your skin that will result in pimples. A trick to minimize these occurrences is to carry with you a wipe pad that are individually packaged and contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These pads can be obtained from your local dermatologist, either as an over the counter product or as a prescription. After wearing the cap for a prolonged period of time, you can wipe your forehead and scalp with the pad to freshen up and clean the skin once or twice a day to prevent a breakout."
David S., of Las Vegas, recently inquired about the cause of "razor bumps"...so we spoke to Dr. "Y" and he informed us of the following:
"Ingrown hairs (known as pseudofollicuitis barbae) is a common skin condition that affects the beard area. It typically arises after close shaving, particularly with a manual razor. When the whiskers are trimmed close to the skin or below the skin, the whiskers themselves curl downward into the skin or else becomes trapped beneath the skin. This results in inflammation of the skin commonly known as "razor bumps". Red bumps resembling acne typically arise and can last for several days. These bumps are often irritating and may be painful or itchy. Men can help overcome this problem in several ways: shaving less often; some men with severe ingrown hairs simply grow a beard to avoid this problem, or using a specially formulated shaving gel (like Matte For Men Antioxidant Shave Gel) can minimize razor bumps. Prescription strength topical agents such as topical antibiotics and topical anti-inflammatory creams and cleansers may minimize the formation of razor bumps and allow them to heal faster."
Help Us Help You...
Tip: Our products are easy to use and very effective, but they will only work if you use them.
Make sense? Here are some other simple tips from a top dermatologist that will help keep your skin healthy and looking its best for years to come. The best part is that they will not only benefit the skin that covers your face, neck, ears, forehead, and scalp, but the skin all over your body! So while you are here learning about "Complete Head Care", we'll throw in helping the rest of your body as a bonus!
Wear sunscreen - The sun and its damaging rays are potentially the biggest threat to your skin. Keep in mind that even on cloudy days your skin is under attack. You are more likely to use a product that is easy to apply and NOT sticky (we kept this in mind when we created Matte For MenTM Complete Head Care Lotion with SPF 25). All men's products that contain sun protection are NOT created equally...most contain a minimal level of protection (SPF 15 or less). It is important to note that if you shave your head or have a receding hair line, your head's skin is at particular risk.
Some interesting facts:
* A typical white t-shirt has an SPF of 3
* Wet clothing has decreased SPF
* No sunscreen is "waterproof"...reapply suncreen after swimming or excessive sweating
Moisturize...both inside and out - It's important to replace and "seal in" the moisture your skin naturally has. Without maintaining your skin's proper moisture level, you are headed for flakey, dull, dry skin. It s critical that you give your body the tools it needs to succeed...drinking water throughout the day will help do this.
Eat a well balanced diet - You hear this all the time to help maintain your weight, but it also applies to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. Foods laden with sugars and fat will keep you body from performing at its peak...and your skin will reflect it. You can learn more about eating a well balanced diet at www.mypyramid.gov.
Avoid stress - Easier said than done, but stress is a powerful factor that can take its toll on all aspects of your life...your health, your relationships, and yes, even your skin. It is critical that you make time for activities that help alleviate the stress in your life and allow you to relax. This can be anything from working out to a quiet hobby. We are all different, but one thing we have in common....reducing stress will generally help your overall appearance.
Common Sense?
Maybe, but it is not enough to know these things...
You have to live them.