An introduction to facial Skincare for men
by J.G. Kiama
Aside from advice about shaving, men have a raw deal when it comes to finding advice about taking care of their skin. Pretences of bravado may prevent men from asking for advice at the skincare counters of pharmacies or cosmetics’ shops. Remember that skin is an organ that is universal to all humans, so it’s not like female skin has special requirements that don’t apply to male skin. Everyone needs to take care of their skin. This article will take you through the basic tenets of facial skincare. The skin on the face is unique not just because of its high exposure to dust, pollution and Ultra-Violet rays, but also because of its unique biology (guys, go to an encyclopaedia for that, I’ll skip it here).
There are three things that you need to do to your facial skin.
Cleansing: Cleansing can include the following: the removal of dirt/oil particles with a cleansing lotion; the removal of dirt/oil particles with a ‘face wash’ and water; the use of a face mask. When you wake up in the morning, use a face wash. Don’t use soap on your face! Using soap is about as helpful as using Omo to wash your face; we will cover this topic in the next issue, so for now just remember to find a face wash – they are usually in gel or cream form. In the evening, you could use a cleansing lotion (which is applied then wiped off with cotton pads) before using a face wash. Use a face mask once or twice a week.
Exfoliating: The removal of dead skin using an exfoliating paste that contains abrasive particles. You can exfoliate your skin as often as you like, depending on the state of your skin and the harshness of the abrasive. Once, twice or thrice a week may suffice. It is not a good idea to ‘brush’ your facial skin using a body brush, unless you are using a special brush that won’t scrape off your epidermis!
Moisturising: Using a facial moisturiser is one of the most important things that you can do for your skin. Face moisturisers are specially formulated to hydrate your skin without clogging it (clogging prevents skin from ‘breathing,’ contributing to zits). Face moisturisers are also designed with a wide array of aims – some are anti-bacterial (to help prevent spots), others have vitamins and minerals, others have ‘nano-particles’ (we’ll cover this soon), and others have anti-ageing aspirations. Look for a face moisturiser that suits your skin – be it oily, dry or ‘combination.’ Avoid anything with ‘paraffinium liquidum’ – you really don’t want petroleum remnants on your face. Obviously, petroleum jelly is a no-no. Face moisturisers without perfume are best, to avoid allergic reactions. Before you take that tub to the till ask yourself whether it has UV protection. Forget it if it doesn’t, unless you are spending time in a cave (or unless it is a night moisturiser, which we will talk about soon). Contrary to myths, black skin also needs protection against UV rays. Look for a moisturiser with at least SPF-15. ‘SPF’ stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and it typically varies from 5 to 45. An SPF-15 moisturiser is typically said to provide an adequate filter.
Click here for more articles in the skincare issue
By Kristofferson Oluoch
Only a man stuck in a time warp still thinks that cooking is for girls. Get over it, chaps! If you live alone you’ve probably already revised your mentality – out of circumstances, rather than choice. Either way.... More
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"Monotony of Life"
"...So you end up somewhere in adulthood and realize that life is but a series of monotony."
Read the Full article
By Milonare
ATM screen response: Plethora of menu options like a busy PowerPoint slide; Index finger begins moving indecisively between options, mimicking one conducting a choir
(v) Thought to self: "Look at me guys, look at me – Dontcha wish your balance was hot like mine x2, Dontcha x2". Inadvertently start dancing the “the running man” and suddenly stop, realising where you are. Gently swipe tip of nose with right thumb and compose yourself.
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B&TC FASHION
G O V I N T A G E
"Accessorise my dear boy, accessorise"
What is it with African dudes and hip hop fashion? It's of how? It's getting very tired indeed. My good men, you need to seek inspiration from the past. Vintage Chic (also known as Retro Chic) is the way forward. Whereas you need cash-money to keep up with Jones-es of hip hop fashion (those branded baggy jeans and baseball caps don't come cheap), less cash will do for Vintage. Don't let go of those handmedowns just yet..
With Vintage Chic, you can literally go second-hand and yet make a massive fashion statement. Furthermore, you can express yourself more, and look more unique, by going Vintage (heck Gikomba offers good Vintage, so go find those gems).
Picture this: team the sturdy burgundy shoes on the right (item 4) with an all-black outfit (black polo neck, black trousers) and put on the aviator glasses on the right (last item). Simple or what? And you'll colour co-ordinate. If you're going for the contemporary version of aviator sunglasses (above, right), keep your outfit simple and in neutral colours - all black would be okey, all-beige/tan even better.
One snazzy item, a good vintage accessory, can define your look. Wear the shoes on the right with loud suit and you'll get arrested by the cast of 'who shot JR?' Even a brown leather jacket would be too much with those shoes. The aviator glasses on the right (below) would go well with those shoes, but keep the outfit one colour. All-black would go well, but be careful of wearing all-black everyday, or you'll be a one-hit-wonder.
Now, aren't aviator glasses cool? So what if you get mistaken for a Garissa mercenary, what the heck.
Bet you'll put these in your pocket before crossing Globe Cinema.
Some might ask you who shot JR
