Essential Official Men's Hygiene Thread

[brandy]

Ok brehs:

give me your top recommendations for:
Anti aging skin care
A hair product (that isnt oil) that strengthens, moisturizes, increases sheen
Pore cleaners/exfoliators
fade creams for acne scars
any additional teeth care products not on the first page

Not a breh, but I can help with skincare.

I am in my early 20's, so most of my anti-aging stuff is prevention/moistures. I believe that if your skin is moisturized, you won't get wrinkles. So I use Laneige Water mask daily or a face mask. Depending on my mood. If you want something thicker, try First Aid Beauty Intense hydration.

Pore Cleanser/Exfoliator: You can do a manual or chemical. A manual exf. has like sugar, beads, or maybe a special tool. It is something harsh rubbing off the skin. A chemical exf. removes the top layer chemically. I have tons of suggestions based on different price points. Whatever you choose, YOU NEED AN SPF. Your spf should correlate with how often you are outside and lifestyle.

Fade Creams: Exf. can help with this. If it is bad, you may need a serum. I do not recommend bleaching creams.

anyone got recommendations to remove black head scars on the face? my skin is clear but i had stupid scars on my nose i would like to remove... any creams etc

lmaooo. It's gonna hurt like hell. Biore Nose Strips.

I've been hearing a lot about vitamin c serum. Is there such thing as using it too early age wise?

Nope. Just make sure you add a sunscreen to your routine.

 

[A Tribe Called Quest ™]

Anyone got good products for acne scar removals?

 

[Krazy]

Anyone got good products for acne scar removals?

What kind of scars do you have hyperpigmentation e.g. dark marks and/or textural pitted acne scars?

 

[Krazy]

Tossed out deodorant.

Glycolic Acid under your armpits and groin area is a game changer...Minimal smell even after a long day or a hard session in the gym.


Simple science...Body odour is caused by sweat reacting with bacteria on your skin. Glycolic acid creates an environment in which bacteria cannot thrive in where as previously they would be feeding off your sweat creating a pongy odour.

Give it a try honestly brehs.
Haven’t used deodorant for nearly a month and honestly don’t think I will be going back. Heard about this years ago but with lemons - which may be too acidic for some thought it was some hippy shyt but no it’s legit

I use Glycolic Acid 7% Toner from TheOrdinary, you can either use it on cotton pads or just splash some of your hands and rub under your pits etc in the morning and night if you wish.
You could also use presoaked glycolic nip and fab pads if you wish instead.

Gonna cop some empty travel spray bottles and prosper.

 

[ViShawn]

Anyone got good products for acne scar removals?

Retin-A

 

[NeilCartwright]

Tossed out deodorant.

Glycolic Acid under your armpits and groin area is a game changer...Minimal smell even after a long day or a hard session in the gym.


Simple science...Body odour is caused by sweat reacting with bacteria on your skin. Glycolic acid creates an environment in which bacteria cannot thrive in where as previously they would be feeding off your sweat creating a pongy odour.

Give it a try honestly brehs.
Haven’t used deodorant for nearly a month and honestly don’t think I will be going back. Heard about this years ago but with lemons - which may be too acidic for some thought it was some hippy shyt but no it’s legit

I use Glycolic Acid 7% Toner from TheOrdinary, you can either use it on cotton pads or just splash some of your hands and rub under your pits etc in the morning and night if you wish.
You could also use presoaked glycolic nip and fab pads if you wish instead.

Gonna cop some empty travel spray bottles and prosper.

You got a link?

 

[A Tribe Called Quest ™]

What kind of scars do you have hyperpigmentation e.g. dark marks and/or textural pitted acne scars?

Both dark marks, and pitted acne scars. They not bad or anything, but I just want clear ass skin

 

[Krazy]

You got a link?

What I use
The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | A DECIEM Brand

 

[Rev Leon Lonnie Love]

My face is significantly darker than the rest of my.body, shyt weird as.hell

It was the same skintone until late teens and shyt been getting darker since. I picked up skin care products as an adult and i was my face regularly, use a skin toner and sunscreen everyday, but the shyt wont go away.

Help me brehs

 

[Krazy]

Both dark marks, and pitted acne scars. They not bad or anything, but I just want clear ass skin

From my understanding pitted marks are hard to remove with OTC products, best to see a dermatologist If you can afford it as you may need micro needling, laser etc.

As far as hyperpigmentation, sunscreen first and most as everything you do will be pointless.
Im from the UK I've heard a lot of US Sunscreen is garbage due to lack of filters.

They say sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours - Please note this is referirng 2 hours of sun exposure.
So If you put on in the morning and you're inside most of the day e.g. at work, you shouldn't need to reapply compared to If you're spending hours in the sun.

Currently I use a Korean Sunscreen - Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery essence
Leaves no white cast on black skin like some sunscreens do and sinks in easily and its water resistant.
https://www.yesstyle.com/en/kao-bio...-pa-2019-edition-50g/info.html/pid.1071931173

I buy from Yesstyle as they're always running discounts and its definitely genuine, can also get from Amazon.

Combatting dark marks can be trial and error, I've used a a load of different products over the years lol, its hard to pinpoint exactly whats worked for me.

But I've used products that contain the ingredients this Esthetician has mentioned:


General consensus is chemical exfolation and combining melanin inhibitors.
If youre completely new to Chemical Exfoliation

Mandelic Acid Serum 10% from TheOrdinary.com
Gently exfoliates excellent If you still suffer from acne from time to time and is usually recommended for those with darker skin because of this, I've used Mandelic products for years on and off myself.
The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | A DECIEM Brand

Can be used once daily at night, but I'd gently introduce it 2-3x a week.

Hydroquinone
It inhibits melanin and fades dark marks.
Which can be controversial depending on who you ask...As it does have side effects when abused/used wrongly and has caused issue when tested on animals.
I've used Ambi Fade Cream, again on and off which contains Hydroquinone 2%, its very potent and will likely give you the quickest results.
Use for 2-3 months at time then take a break for 3 months then start again If you need another cycle.
Avoid cheap Hydroquinone products found in small beauty shops as they're often mixed with other ingredients that are harmful.
Ambi is relatively well known and affordable I've personally had no issues just follow the directions.

Alpha Arbutin
is a melanin inhibator so slows down the production of melanin, which helps dark spots.
Its sometimes promoted as "safer" version of Hydroquinone as it essentially breaks down into a similar compound in the skin but will yield slower results.
The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | A DECIEM Brand

I use this also but I use the version that also contains Ascorbic Acid (Vit C), which can help brighten your skin.

Also heard Retin-A is also excellent as it rapidly exfoliates the skin but I believe this can only got via prescription from a dermatologist officially.

 

[Krazy]

My face is significantly darker than the rest of my.body, shyt weird as.hell

It was the same skintone until late teens and shyt been getting darker since. I picked up skin care products as an adult and i was my face regularly, use a skin toner and sunscreen everyday, but the shyt wont go away.

Help me brehs

What sunscreen do you use?
Do you work out in the sun often?

I guess you could try Ambi Fade Cream for a few months which has Hydroquinone, which can help return your skin back to its natural skintone.

 

[Rev Leon Lonnie Love]

What sunscreen do you use?
Do you work out in the sun often?

I guess you could try Ambi Fade Cream for a few months which has Hydroquinone, which can help return your skin back to its natural skintone.

itsa nivea 50+ sph sunscreen. I work an office job so im rarely in the sun for long periods

Then what happens when I stop using said Ambi fade cream?

 

[Krazy]

itsa nivea 50+ sph sunscreen. I work an office job so im rarely in the sun for long periods

Then what happens when I stop using said Ambi fade cream?

I mean if it works to return your skin back to its original colour, then I guess the idea would be maintain it with daily use of sunscreen like you’re already doing.

/

I have persistent Melasma on my forehead which gets darker with sun exposure especially in the summer. Sunscreen and being conscious of sun exposure has helped keep it from going as dark as it used to be.

Especially when I look back at old photos in which it was so obvious now you can barely see it in photos I take where as before it was obvious dark patch across my head.

My next step is to hopefully get rid of this five o’clock shadow. Years of irritation from shaving has left a dark shadow on the sides of my face.

 

[Rev Leon Lonnie Love]

I mean if it works to return your skin back to its original colour, then I guess the idea would be maintain it with daily use of sunscreen like you’re already doing.

/

I have persistent Melasma on my forehead which gets darker with sun exposure especially in the summer. Sunscreen and being conscious of sun exposure has helped keep it from going as dark as it used to be.

Especially when I look back at old photos in which it was so obvious now you can barely see it in photos I take where as before it was obvious dark patch across my head.

My next step is to hopefully get rid of this five o’clock shadow. Years of irritation from shaving has left a dark shadow on the sides of my face.

"
The hydroquinone trap
In some countries, hydroquinone is available over the counter in skincare preparations in concentrations of up to two percent. Most prescription-strength hydroquinone formulations contain up to four percent. These creams initially make the skin lighter, but they bleach the skin by breaking down melanin, destroying the skin’s protective layer in the process.

This results in burning, itching or blistering and extreme sun sensitivity (so your skin turns darker than before!). Other side effects can include severe acne, stretchmarks, thinner skin which bruises easily, blood blisters, dark red, brown or white spots and even loss of vision. Moreover, heavy metals such as mercury have been found in some skin-lightening soaps, which can result in disorders of the kidney.

Prolonged use of these damaging creams can result in your skin being unable to produce any melanin, leaving it unable to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays, leaving you a high-risk candidate for skin cancer."
I think imma pass on that hydro stuff

 

[Krazy]

"
The hydroquinone trap
In some countries, hydroquinone is available over the counter in skincare preparations in concentrations of up to two percent. Most prescription-strength hydroquinone formulations contain up to four percent. These creams initially make the skin lighter, but they bleach the skin by breaking down melanin, destroying the skin’s protective layer in the process.

This results in burning, itching or blistering and extreme sun sensitivity (so your skin turns darker than before!). Other side effects can include severe acne, stretchmarks, thinner skin which bruises easily, blood blisters, dark red, brown or white spots and even loss of vision. Moreover, heavy metals such as mercury have been found in some skin-lightening soaps, which can result in disorders of the kidney.

Prolonged use of these damaging creams can result in your skin being unable to produce any melanin, leaving it unable to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays, leaving you a high-risk candidate for skin cancer."
I think imma pass on that hydro stuff

Fair.

Cop some Alpha Arbutin instead and Mandelic acid to exfoliate