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MALE GROOMING FAQ

1. Male Skincare

i.) What can active ingredients in products do for you?

ii.) Is mens skin different from women’s?

The skin is the largest organ of the body in both men & women. However there are some differences:

  • The structure of the skin is basically the same however men tend to have a thicker epidermis (top layer)
  • Men require more water intake than women to maintain hydration
  • Mens facial skin includes hair follicles that absorb more UV rays, adding to the importance of sunblock
  • This thicker facial hair produces more sebum (an oily substance that contains waxes and lipids) These glands are more concentrated in the scalp, face and forehead and the cells tend to build up and become sticky causing blockages which are called microcomedone (blackheads).
  • Men are also prone to ingrown hairs on the face leaving nasty bumps or spots
  • A good skincare routine will help keep skin clean and healthy.

See Daily recommended routine

iii.) Male Skin types

Your Look

Your Feel

Problems

Nomal Skin

Even and clear texture

Smooth, soft and clear

Occasionally spots can break out. Dry skin can develop if not moisturised

Dry Skin

Thin, with fine pores, maybe prone to capillary damage

May be tight, red and blotchy after cleansing and toning

Development of lines as the skin lacks moisture

Oily or Combination Skin

Looks oily typically around the nose, and forehead areas. Maybe shiny and greasy

Rough and uneven, dull

Patches of dryness on cheeks. May be bothered with spots and blackheads

Sensitive skin

Blotchy and red, reacts to products easily

Hot and stings when irritated

Bumps under skin and flakiness. Reacts with irritant and becomes blotchy

iv.) What is acne?

Obstruction of the pores and bacterial growth are the two main causes of acne.

Two Types:
Non-Inflammatory or Comedonal acne (Whiteheads & blackheads) – is usually superficial and present pores that have been obstructed. Whiteheads have a closed top whereas blackheads are open on the surface.

Inflammatory Acne – Superficial inflammatory acne consists of populas (small bumps), nodules (large bumps) and cysts (very large, deep and occasionally tender bumps). These result when the pore ruptures, releasing chemicals that lead to increased numbers of white cells. This allows acne bacteria to spread. A typical teenager will have some acne due to a tremendous increase in hormones at puberty.

v.) How to treat acne?

Severe cases should be referred to a doctor and may be treated with antibiotics.

  • Your skin should be kept clean at all times to prevent the spread of infection
  • Skin should be cleansed with VitaMans’ Face and Body Cleanser which can be used as a facial and body wash in the shower, twice daily
  • Use VitaMans’ Face scrub if infection is not present, this will allow removal of dead skin cells and prevent pores from clogging, active ingredients such as Lemon Myrtle Oil, Aloe vera, Citric and Lactic acid will also break down clogged pores, act as an anti bacterial and moisturise the skin.
  • Use VitaMans’ Face Mud Masque once a week which will allow the skins surface cells to both eliminate toxins and excess water from the skin whilst allowing the active minerals to be absorbed and utilised by the cells under the skin. The benefits are cleaner, softer, younger looking skin. It is excellent for blemishes and problem skin.
  • Moisturise the skin daily to keep it hydrated with VitaMans’ Face Moisturiser.
Vitaman Male Grooming - Face Scrub

vi.) How do I perform a steam towel treatment?

This simple but reliable treatment will help out blackheads and open pores.

  • Fill a plastic bowl with boiling water
  • Position face about 12-18 inches away from the bowl
  • Cover your head with a towel (forming a tent)
  • Relax for 10 minutes
  • Cleanse the face to remove any excess grime
  • Use a face scrub or mask to cleanse away any dirt
  • Moisturise the skin daily

Do Not Squeeze out whiteheads!!


2. Recommended daily procedure


A.M Routine
1. Shower (Face & Body) Body Cleanser
2. Shave (Face) Shave Crème/Gel
3. Calm (Face) After Shave Balm
4. Hydrate (Face) Moisturiser
5. Hydrate (Body) Body Moisturiser

P.M Routine
1. Clean (Face & Body) Body Cleanser
2. Anti-Age (Face & Neck) Wrinkle Smoother Serum
3. Hydrate (Face & Body) Moisturiser

WEEKLY PROCEDURE
1. Exfoliate (Twice weekly) Face Scrub
2. Deep Cleanse (Once-Twice a week) Face Mud Mask
3. Body Exfoliate (Twice weekly) Sea Salt Body Scrub


3. Anti-Ageing Skincare

i.) How do I prevent fine lines and wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles form as part and parcel of growing older. However prevention of these wrinkles will help keep a more youthful appearance.

  • Use a good daily moisturiser with active ingredients to prevent your skin drying out avoiding the raisin affect.
  • Get into a good daily regime to keep your skin hydrated and unclogged. See Daily recommended routine
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
  • STOP SMOKING this causes premature ageing and fine wrinkles
  • Use antiageing creams such as Skin Doctors Relaxaderm – botox without injections and Antarctilyne – for plumper skin – Collagen without injections
  • Protect your face and skin from UV Light, use a high factor suncream (no lower than SPF18 on the face) – Skin Doctors Hydrascreen is a fantastic moisturiser to lock in moisture and protect against weather conditions
  • Cover your face and moisturise more in the winter if exposed to cold weather conditions (this will dry out the skin)
  • VitaMans’ Skin Protector should be used twice per week around the eye and forehead area to protect against wrinkles.

ii.) How do I treat wrinkles around my eyes?

Wrinkles around the eyes are more apparent in smokers and those who do not take care of their skin, this is due to finer and more delicate skin

  • Skin Doctors Instant Eyelift will give instant effects and tighten/smooth fine lines around the eye area.
  • VitaMans’ Wrinkle Smoother Serum will help even out skin textures and colours as well as the AHA’s helping to stimulate cell renewal, leaving the skin feel silky soft and smooth.

iii.) Does natural sun really age skin?

UV light is the cause of 80-90% of ageing. UV rays from the sun dehydrates the body and skin and overexposure can cause skin cancers. It is vitally important to protect your skin, especially the face from UV rays. It is recommended to use sun protection and moisturiser if always outdoors this will help prevent wrinkles and skin damage


4. Shaving

i.) How to get a clean shave and avoid a shaving rash?

  • Always shave in the shower or straight after, the steam will soften beard hair. Allowing for a closer more comfortable shave.
  • Always make sure your razor is sharp and clean (Use a new razor after every 3 shaves) Run under warm water to heat the blade.
  • Apply shaving oil to condition and moisten the beard hair
  • Apply shaving cream or gel evenly, lathering onto face and neck with fingertips (not too thick) VitaMan Crème and Gel are non foaming and loaded with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oil which prevent irritation during a shave
  • Starting from sideburns, using short sharp strokes, shave down the face in the direction of hair growth. (After each stroke rinse razor with warm water) When shaving the neck, shave upwards holding the skin taut. Shave the chin last thus allowing the preshave oil to have softened this area.
  • Rinse the face with luke warm water and pat dry
  • Apply VitaMan Aftershave Balm then, Face Moisturiser
Vitaman Male Grooming - Shave Gel

ii.) How to avoid ingrown hairs (razor bumps)?

Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls and penetrates the skin with its tip, causing inflammation. Most common symptoms of an ingrown hair is inflammation (red and sore skin) followed by pus, sometimes leading to bleeding and itchiness.

  • Treat with active ingredients (salicylic acid)
  • Exfoliate to improve the skins surface
  • Adjust your shaving technique and avoid shaving too closely
  • Treat ingrown hairs with allontoin and witch hazel.

We recommend using Skin Doctors Ingrow Go which can give results within 2 days. In order to remove ingrown hair, dap a little on a piece of cotton wool over the infected area. Also if ingrown hairs persist use a few hours before a shave to prevent ingrown hairs.

Also continue to use VitaMans’ Face Scrub which will help prevent ingrown hairs, will help improve problem skin such as blackheads and clogged pores. Studies show that regular exfoliation will reduce chances of skin cancers forming later in life. This should be carried out twice per week.

iii.) Is a crème or a gel better for shaving?

If you use a non foaming gel which is clear this will allow men a close shave for those who need to see where they are going. Either to design their beards or whether they may suffer skin problems which need to be avoided.
Shave cream is excellent for hydrating and moisturizing the skin. VitaMans’ Shave Cream contains Grass Lily, Aniseed Myrtle and Aloe vera which creates a better barrier between skin and blade, therefore less friction and irritation to sensitive skin.

iv.) What are the benefits of shave oil?

Shave oil can be used before gel or cream if you have a particularly thick coarse beard growth, it naturally warms and softens the skin. If normal beard growth, shave oil can be used alone allowing you to see where you are shaving.

v.) Why should I use Aftershave Balm?

Balm to calm, not cologne should be used especially if you have sensitive skin. VitaMans’ After Shave Balm soothes and calms any inflammation and irritation to the skin with all the natural ingredients e.g. Blue Cypress Oil, Chamomile and Aloe vera. This balm has many additional uses, excellent to apply on minor burns, sunburn, rashes, insect bites, allergy rashes and waxed skin or after any laser treatment. Aftershave Balm will hydrate the skin, heal and calm irritations, keep the skin clean and free of grime. Best to use before a moisturiser.

Never apply alcohol-based colognes or shave products to recently shaven skin (face or neck)

Vitaman Male Grooming - Aftershave Balm

5. Diets & Detox

1.) How to lose weight sensibly

(We highly recommend Actislim for the following reasons)

  • Use herbal supplements – less damaging and weight is more likely to stay off!
  • The correct amount of vitamins and minerals are supplied.
  • Slimming tablets with appetite suppressants are best and this will help prevent snacking and bingeing especially at night.
  • Try eating breakfast no matter how light!
  • Try drinking a full glass of water before meal times and throughout the day.
  • Try light exercise 3 times per week!

By using Actislim all the above points are covered. Actislim has 100% natural herbal ingredients with 50% more active slimming ingredients which are not harmful to the body. This is a thermogenic product which increases the metabolic rate, thus burning off more calories.

CAUTION: Slimming tablets are not recommended for anyone under the age of 16, those who are pregnant or nursing, people with high blood pressure or who have heart or thyroid disease.

ii.) How to detox effectively

  • Drink plenty of water to flush the toxins out of the body
  • Try giving up alcohol for at least 1 week
  • STOP SMOKING, this ages the skin
  • Eat fresh fruit and vegetables (not frozen) 5 portions per day
  • Exercise regularly to reduce stress levels and improve blood circulation
  • Use natural products with natural ingredients. (Skincare, hair, detoxing methods, herbal supplements, etc)
  • Use detox patches on the feet to promote blood circulation
  • Try to get at least 8 hours sleep per night, take a few early nights this will do your body the world of good
  • Platinum detox can be used for maximised effects. (6 sessions recommended for improved results)

iii.) How to use Platinum Detox

  • Place a new plastic bag (supplied) in the foot spa
  • Add luke warm water (only half full)
  • Add a pinch of saxa salt to water (regulates the water, conducting the current)
  • Connect machine to power pack and lead
  • Switch on array (solid red light means treatment has started)
  • Relax for 30 minutes, while your cells are shook up and detoxing process begins
  • Drink a full glass of water throughout treatment and plenty after treatment
  • When treatment is finished, wash dirty water down toilet and clean array with cleaner (soaks for 5mins)
  • Rest as the detoxing process will continue throughout the next 48hours.

iv.) How to give your skin a detox

See Recommended daily procedure


6. Hair

i.) What Causes hair loss?

About 95% of all cases of hair loss is due to what is termed Androgenetic Alopecia (commonly referred to as male pattern baldness as it occurs much more frequently in men than in women, although women can be affected by this trait also). This trait is usually inherited, although the degree to which a person can be affected by it varies from person to person.
Androgenetic Alopecia is a process that slowly affects the follicles that produce terminal hairs. The follicles go from producing thick, long terminal hairs to gradually producing thinner and shorter hairs and then finally only producing the thin, short, transparent hairs known as Vellus hairs. The follicle may stay in that state or it may simply die altogether.

Diet
Good strong healthy hair is, in part, reflected in the diet that we have. If your diet is lacking in the essential proteins, iron, and amino acids that are required for healthy hair, then it’s only natural that your hair will suffer as a result.

Stress
An increase in stress levels often manifests itself in an increase in other factors that are detrimental to healthy hair growth such as an increase in smoking, drinking coffee, and eating the wrong kinds of food. These habits go hand in hand and can often escalate if left unchecked.

Haircare
Poor hair care can play a major role in the speeding up of hair loss. It stands to reason that strong, healthy hair is able to withstand genetic and external factors longer before hair loss starts to take a hold on the scalp, yet one of the more common reasons for unhealthy hair comes down to simple maintenance and the products that are used. Hair, in and by itself, is extremely resilient and strong and it needs to be to put up with the rigors of daily life.

Hormonal imbalances
It is the DHT hormone that is believed to be the main cause of hair loss. It is thought that DHT causes the growth cycle of a hair to become shorter, and the resting phase of the hair to become longer, thus resulting in fewer and shorter hairs.

Illness
Illnesses, disease and the medications prescribed for them, can be a cause of hair loss. Some medications are known to increase hair loss, such as medications for heart disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis to name a few.
March cat: russian girls.

ii.) How to avoid & prevent hair loss?

Use good quality treatment shampoos and conditioners this will help keep your hair healthy for longer. Eat a proper diet and exercise regularly which will also help reduce stress levels.

There are, of course, many vitamins and proteins that are beneficial to healthy hair, and a healthy scalp is less likely to suffer from additional factors that may expedite hair loss. You should do all that you can to ensure that you maintain your health, and that includes looking after your hair and scalp. Choosing a herbal solution that feeds nutrients to your scalp and hair can certainly do you no harm, but beware of claims that you can stop hair loss and regrow hair from herbal solutions alone.

iii.) How to make your hair look thicker?

Try using thickening shampoo and conditioner, it will give your hair more volume. A good choppy hair cut always helps too.

iv.) Do men need to use conditioner?

Conditioner is essential to treat your scalp and also helps your hair stay strong, healthy and gives shine. Use VitaMans’ shampoo and conditioner with Quandong Seed and Peppermint Oil to prevent dry, itchy scalps and to help prevent against environmental pollution.

v.) What is Scalp Treatment used for?

VitaMans’ Scalp Treatment helps relieve itching and flaking while cleansing and conditioning the hair and scalp. For flakey scalp conditions, shampoo hair, and then apply treatment and massage. Leave in for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and condition. This can also be used for scalp psoriasis.

Vitaman Male Grooming - Shampoo, Conditioner & Scalp Treatment

vii.) How to get rid of body hair?

Firstly, waxing or crèam removal (Hair No More depilatory cream) is the best way to remove hairs from the body, this allows the hair follicle to be completely removed.

After hair removal, by using Hair No More Inhibitor Spray or Bio Depiless products which starve the hair at the roots, preventing hair cells from germinating thus slowing hair growth. This requires continual use to reach the desired affect, however if hair should grow back it will be finer, sparser and lighter. Excellent for mens’ chest and coarse back hair.


7. Hands and Feet

i.) How to repair cracked and sore hands?

Firstly wash hands thoroughly with a non regular soap (will dry out the skin and leave it tight and uncomfortable) e.g. VitaMans’ exfoliating soap to get rid of grime, dry and dead skin cells. Then using Paw Paw Skin Repair Crème which has a strong antiseptic and skin healing properties smooth over you hands and massage in for at least 4 minutes.

If you tend to bite your nails or chew around the skin ‘hang nails’, clip off any access skin and nail and apply Paw Paw Skin Crème to soothe whilst moisturising and regenerating the skin.

Grass Lily and Aloe Vera will also help skin irritation, minor wounds, burns and rashes. Use after body cleansing and exfoliating if hands are grimy.

It is also advisable to wear hand protection when working outside or with machinery. seo consultant

ii.) Hot, tired and sore feet?

VitaMans’ Foot Recovery Gel relieves hot, tired and sore feet after a hard day at work or on the pitch. The natural ingredients of Grass Lily Extract, Tea Tree and Menthol are combined in this light soothing foot gel to soothe your feet by softening cracked skin to eliminate foot odour caused by bacteria. It relieves skin irritations, bites and has anti-bacterial agents as well as moisturisers, absorbing well into the skin. If hard skin persists have a foot treatment, by removing (scrubbing) hard skin, cleanse and moisturise in Foot Recovery Gel.

Vitaman Male Grooming - Foot Recovery Gel

8. Body

i.) How to do a body scrub and the benefits?

The benefits of a body scrub include:

Smoothing and softening the skin by buffing the surface, removing rough skin, debris and unwanted dead skin cells.
Stimulates the blood lymphatic flow and encourages normal sebaceous activity. Aids nutrient uptake as well as aiding healing of skin tissue.
Allows new healthy skin cells to come through and reduces the chances of skin cancers developing.
After a body scrub this will increase absorption of moisturiser.

To exfoliate effectively use VitaMans’ Sea Salt Body Scrub with Exfoliating Gloves to wash and exfoliate all over the body for at least 15 minutes paying particular attention to elbows, knees and dry areas.

Face Scrub is less coarse and should be used on the face (not sea salt body scrub).

Exfoliating will prevent ingrown hairs and the clogging of pores. This should be repeated twice per week, continuing with exfoliating soap to remove grime and dirt leaving more soft and youthful skin. how to unlock iphone

ii.) How should I cleanse and moisture my body to be effective?

Many people forget that skin on their body needs treated as well as their face. In order to remove grime, dirt and sweaty clogged pores from the body requires a daily regime. Skin on the body tends to be thicker and there’s more of it.

  • Firstly wash with a body wash (VitaMans’ Face & Body Cleanser) or an exfoliating soap.

  • Twice weekly exfoliate the body to remove blockages, leaving the skin feeling smooth and more youthful.

  • Apply VitaMans’ Body Moisturiser for daily skin hydration which is formulated for daily use and is mineral oil free which means it will not leave a greasy film on the skin. It is excellent for moisturising, calming, healing regenerating skin and promotes healthy growth of skin cells with antioxidant properties.
Vitaman Male Grooming - Body Moisturiser

9. Tanning

i.) How to Tan with sunbeds safely and effectively

  • Always wear eye protection
  • Use a moisturising tanning accelerator (Fahrenheat lotions)
  • Use products with aloe vera, to prevent ageing (we recommend Fahrenheat lotions)
  • When using tingle products – only use on legs (where the skin is tighter and thicker) never on the face!
  • Only ever use sunbeds for the recommended time according to your skin tone.
  • Remember all sunbed tubes have different strengths, therefore best to check the recommended time every session.
  • Never use sunbeds everyday, there is no need as the tanning process will last up to 48hours.

Beneficial effects of sunbeds

  • Feel Good Factor from dark and dire days. The light can help SAD syndrome
  • Warming effect can ease muscle and give pain relief
  • A base tan from sunbeds can help prevent burning in the natural sunlight!
  • Burning in the natural sunlight is really what creates the skin damage always use protection (not sunbed creams as they have no SPF)

ii.) How to use He-Shi Express Liquid Tan for men

It’s a true fact that too much sun is bad for your skin. It makes you wrinkly and can even lead to skin cancer. However most of us feel and look better with a bit of a golden glow. With this in mind the safest, cheapest and quickest way to get that golden glow has to be one of the new and easiest express liquid tan.

What is He-Shi and how does it work?
He-Shi is an express liquid tan, which tans on contact with the skin. Unlike most fake tans you can actually see it going on, so you know instantly that no parts have been left uncovered. The result is no streaking and no white bits.

Is He-Shi suitable for everyone?
He-Shi is suitable for all skin types however for first time users a patch test is recommended on the forearm 24 hours before full application, particularly if you have sensitive skin.


Do I need to moisturise first?
Moisturiser can act as a barrier, therefore you should not moisturise immediately before tanning, however it is important to exfoliate before tanning. Also bear in mind any waxing or shaving should be carried out at least 24 hours before applying the tan.

Will it get darker?
It will look slightly darker overnight, however if a deeper colour is required, just apply a further coat. This can be done immediately after the first coat has dried out, or the next day.

When can I wash?
It is best to leave a minimum of 5 to 7 hours before showering, but overnight is best. Some surface bronzer will wash off on the first shower. After this He-Shi will not wash off.

How long will it last?
It fades naturally like a real tan and will last approximately 4-5 days.

It is a sunscreen?
No. You should take normal precautions during exposure to the natural sun.

Does He-Shi smell?
It does not smell foul or have any nausea inducing fragrances.

Can Men and Women use He-Shi?
He-Shi is also popular with men and has no sex boundaries. It does not stick to mens body hair as it is a liquid.

How do I apply He-Shi?
You can apply with a make up sponge or cotton wool using a rubber glove to protect the hands from staining, however we recommend a Velvotan Applicator which is a glove mitt. These glove mitts are available in 2 sizes, small one for the face and a larger mitt for the body. They provide extremely smooth and easy application and are also machine washable for repeated use.

What about problem areas?
Use lightly over knees, elbows, back of heels, i.e. dry areas of skin as these retain more of the moisturise and appear darker.

Does it stain clothes?
No. It can rub off on clothes immediately after application, but this should not happen after the first shower. It is best therefore to wear loose dark clothing immediately after application.

How soon can I dress after application?
He-Shi will dry in 5 minutes so you can dress immediately. No more need to wait around naked for 20/30 minutes.

10. Sports

i.) What can sports relief packs be used for?

Relief packs are a fast and natural method for temporary relief of aches and pains. Wheat Relief packs can be used warm or cold. E.g. if you have tension in the neck and shoulder, heat the Hot 700 pack in the microwave place around the neck or over the top of the shoulder. You can then relax or go to bed with your pack.

They can also be used as a cold compress straight from the freezer. If you have sprained or bruised your ankle for example, use the Hot 400 by leaving in the freezer, then placing across the foot/ankle to reduce swelling. Hot 500 is also excellent for lower back pain.


Male Grooming - Wheat Relief Pack Hot 800

ii.) What does Biofreeze really do for you?

Biofreeze is the only analgesic with ILEX, a herbal extract from a South American holly scrub. The ILEX works to extend the properties of the three analgesics contained in Biofreeze. The result is a deep, long lasting pain relief period and acceleration of the basic healing process through relaxation of stiff, aching muscles.

Biofreeze will benefit you if you suffer from back pain, sore muscles and arthritis. Biofreeze helps relieve pain associated with auto-and work-related injuries and for those who have a tendency to overuse or misuse their muscles and joints.

Biofreeze can be used with Wheat Relief packs for maximum pain relief.


Male Grooming - Biofreeze Roll

iii.) What is a muscle strain & how should I treat pulled muscles?

Muscle strains usually happen when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit, tearing the muscle fibers. They frequently occur near the point where the muscle joins the tough, fibrous connective tissue of the tendon. A similar injury occurs if there is a direct blow to the muscle. Muscle strains can be quite painful, and may involve some bruising if blood vessels are also broken. Once a muscle strain occurs, the muscle is vulnerable to reinjury, so it’s important to let the muscle heal properly and to follow preventive protocols.
A person who experiences a muscle strain will frequently describe a popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. Pain is sudden and may be severe. The area around the injury may be tender to the touch, with visible bruising.
Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. We recommend Biofreeze and Wheat Relief packs for a full recovery.

VitaMan also has a specific Desert Muscle Rub for sports injuries. This gives an excellent warming effect wherever applied to the skin by increasing the blood flow to the area.


Vitaman Male Grooming - Desert Muscle Rub

References: various websites.