I have such fond memories of Father’s Day. It was a big deal in my house. Today, I miss my father dearly, but feel blessed that I get to honor him every day through Cinco Vidas!
Though I may not be able to give my father a gift this year, he’s certainly on my mind, and I’m sure many Cinco Vidas readers are looking for just the right thing to get Dad. Here’s an idea: skin care.
Think the father in your life doesn’t need to take care of his skin? Think again. Here are a few reasons why safe skin care products are the perfect gift for Dad:
- Men like to age gracefully. In today’s world, men, just like women, often feel the pressure to look youthful and vibrant as they go about their jobs. Smooth, healthy skin can go a long way to helping a man feel confident and self-assured.
- A man’s face often suffers even more abuse than a women’s. Shaving every day is a natural exfoliant, but it can also break down the skin’s outer layer, leaving it prone to dryness and cracking. Men who work outdoors often subject their skin to wind, dirt, harsh temperatures, and pollution, further damaging skin’s texture and appearance.
- Because of the hormone testosterone, men often have oilier skin than women, making them more prone to acne.
- Men use several products a day, potentially exposing themselves to harmful chemicals that are linked to health problems.
In addition to these four points, what do you want to bet the products your father uses are not the best for him? Men often don’t think about these things. They get the cheapest cleanser on the shelf and forget about it. Unfortunately, many skin care products are full of potentially harmful ingredients, some of which are particularly concerning for men:1
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP), found in products containing “fragrance” like aftershave, cologne, shaving cream, etc., has been linked to sperm damage in adult men.
- Lead acetate, found in men’s hair colorants, is considered toxic to human reproduction.
- Coal tar, found in dandruff shampoos, is considered a human carcinogen.
- Formaldehyde, a byproduct in many shampoos and body washes, can trigger skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
- 1,4-dioxane, another byproduct in shampoos and body washes, contaminates our water ways and is considered toxic to the kidneys and respiratory system.
The solution? Like I say to everyone-take more care in seeking quality skin care products. Read the ingredient lists, and take my Ingredients to Avoid card with you when you go shopping. Check out my post on where to find safe products for some great online stores, and consider the following tips:
- Take the bar soap away, and find a cleanser that draws out impurities with safe ingredients.
- Choose a toner that helps balance pH level and moisturize. Ingredients like eucalyptus, witch hazel, and tea tree are good here.
- The right moisturizer can be tricky-find a light one that won’t clog his pores, but that’s full of nourishing goodies like aloe, almond oil or jojoba oil.
- Try a vitamin serum-most quality brands are light and good for rejuvenating skin that has to stand up to the elements.
Did you get some quality skin care products for Father’s Day? Let us know!
Source
- Michelle Witherby, “Think Skin Care is Just for Women? Men, Think Again!”, Natural Triad Magazine, June 11, 2011.
Photo courtesy strotter13 via dignitana.com.
