In partnership with SA’s top medical aesthetic companies

Business trip, a boys’ weekend or jet-setting… a man needs some skin care essentials to keep him looking good.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what you need to pack (and we promise it’s a short list) consider these questions:

1. Are you taking a long haul flight? You’ll need to do some moisture prep before, during and after.
2. Are you changing season – going from summer to winter or vice versa? Is it a dry climate or humid? You’ll want to change to lighter textures for summer, oil-control for humidity, and richer textures for winter and dry climates.
3. Will you be doing extreme sport like diving or skiing? Moisture and sunscreen are musts.
4. Is it a stressful business trip and you will need to bring your A-game?

The answers will help you determine what to pack

These are the essentials

We know no guy is going to want to pack a big toiletry bag, so we’re focusing on multi-purpose products as much as possible.

Double-duty cleansing: Choose a cleanser that will keep skin clean, pores clear (with gentle daily exfoliation) and matte, and prevent breakouts.

Multipurpose treatment: a treatment against oiliness and acne, stops shine and moisturises all in one.

Sunscreen: this is a daily must, no matter where you are travelling to.

If you have dry skin or are going to a dry climate you will need skincare that keeps your skin moisturised and protects it against water loss, drying and flaking.

Anti-ageing focus

Environmental ageing happens, no matter what your skin condition. Use anti-ageing treatments at night if you have problem or dry skin.

Flying in the face

• Remember not to pack any liquid over 100ml in your hand luggage. You could always look for travel-sized kits to make life simple.
• Aeroplanes suck the moisture out of your skin. So hydrate both inside and out with lots of water and using a moisturiser before during and after you travel, so you look fresh at the board meeting. Skip the dehydrating booze and coffee.
• Long trip and short sleep can leave you looking ragged. Depuff those undereye bags with a good eye cream.

Toiletries

·       This is the time when you can get away with a 2in1 Shampoo and Conditioner. Look for travel sizes.

·       If you don’t have skin problems, you could find a gentle foaming cleanser that doubles up as a shaving foam.

Next week we tackle male acne, the scars they can leave and how it can be treated. 

To find out more about men’s skin care regimes, visit Skin Renewal on www.skinrenewal.co.za or contact 0861 SKIN SA (754 672).