Why Is Skin Care Important?

Simply put, the sun and environmental pollutants don't discriminate. They’re constantly at work, attacking your face, scalp, forehead, neck, and ears. While men who shave their head or have a receding hairline are at additional risk, ALL men need to protect the skin in those areas.

You need to care for your entire head. Not just parts of it.

Damage to the skin caused by environmental factors is not only a significant health concern, but can also speed up the signs of aging. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers and overexposure to sunlight is the main cause. Over one million Americans develop skin cancer every year (www.aad.org). Sun exposure has also been linked to the formation of wrinkles and "age spots." The sun produces both visible and invisible rays from which you need protection. The invisible rays, known as UVA and UVB rays, are the most damaging. Even on cloudy days, your skin is being exposed to them. More about these rays...

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UVA Rays:

• Penetrate deep into skin layers.
• Are 20 times more abundant than UVB rays.
• Affect long-term skin damage.
• Can pass through window glass.
• Are not affected by a change in altitude or weather.
• Are present all day, every day of the year.

UVB Rays:

• Cause sunburn.
• Are related to more than 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
• Cannot pass through window glass.
• Strength varies with the season. They are more intense in the summer than in the winter.
• Strength varies with weather conditions.

If you would like to learn more about the effects of the sun and ways to reduce its harmful effects, please take a look at the article "The Sun and Your Skin."

What about our everyday environment?
A little chemistry lesson... environmental factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, and radiation can lead to the formation of "free radicals" which are basically unstable molecules that contain an "unpaired" electron. When cells in the skin encounter one of these free radicals, the free radical may cause destruction to the skin cell, which can lead to signs of aging.
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize these free radicals by donating an electron to them to make them more stable. This helps prevent cell and tissue damage, slowing down the signs of aging… and that’s why so many Matte For Men products contain them.

Our products are easy to use and very effective, but they will only work if you use them.

Here are some other simple tips from a top dermatologist which 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!

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 Men^™ 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, the skin of your head 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 sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating

Moisturize...both inside and out – It is important to replace and "seal in" the moisture your skin naturally has. Without maintaining your skin's proper moisture level, you are headed for flaky, 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.