Today’s ubersexual man has a more manly approach to health, skincare and overall wellbeing than the metrosexual man ever did (he was concerned only with how he looked). Having said that; the things that worry men most are thinning hair and yellowing teeth, followed by signs of aging and skincare and feeling – and looking – healthy. Buying skincare products is now a manly thing to do, which accounts for the sales of men’s wellness products growing twice as fast as women’s.

Spa Manager at Cape Grace, Taryn Lily, prefers to talk about “skin fitness” rather than beauty. She says it’s all about the health of your skin and not just the surface layer that we present to the world. Men generally have larger pores and a slightly oilier skin than women. This means the key to looking after skin is a daily cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising routine.  Ok guys, I know you’re thinking, “fat chance of that happening!”, but look in the mirror (the magnifying shaving mirror) do you see some rough, blotchy or sun-damaged patches? You probably don’t even use sunscreen do you? 

Out with the old and in with Taryn’s solutions:

• Use a good facial wash night and morning. Look for products which mention hydrating (rather than nourishing, as the skin needs more hydration in winter), deep cleansing, purifying or anti-bacterial (if you tend towards oily skin). Avoid harsh soaps and anything alcohol based.
• Moisturise with a cream containing sun protection.
• Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to get rid of dead skin cells.
• Have a facial once a month – there are loads of winter specials around!
• Exercise to help blood circulation and the flow of oxygen and nutrients.
• Eat well as the nutrients on the inside will show on the outside.
• Get a skin analysis. What’s that, you ask? During a skin analysis, a professional like Taryn will analyse your skin and suggest products and a skincare regime specifically suited to your skin type and lifestyle.

Drawing on years of experience, Taryn says that you get what you pay for from off-the-shelf products in basic chemists, but there’s a huge difference between these and professional products. She also added that the most expensive products are also not necessarily the best. “You go to a doctor to get advice on good health, so why not go to a skincare professional for the best advice on your skin?” Take the hassle out of the trying to choose the creams you “think” are right and let someone else do it for you!

Watch this space for a description of a skin analysis and the Cape Grace Men’s Grooming packages, which Taryn is putting together to compliment her advice.