When it comes to guys and their personal appearance, no detail is too small. There was a time when manly men poked fun at those who had a few extra skincare products in their medicine cabinet. Today, the men’s grooming industry is a $21 billion global business.
Numerous research studies have confirmed that poor personal appearance can have a negative impact on various aspects of your life from professional success to finding a life partner. If you feel like your look is falling a little flat, don’t head to the mall to spend all your money on new clothes. There’s a lot more to enhancing personal appearance than what’s on your back.
1. Change your skincare routine
A lot of guys think a bar of soap and some water is all they need for their skincare regime but they’re actually putting their skin in danger. In addition to stripping their skin of its natural moisture, they aren’t thoroughly removing dirt and dead skin cells. They also aren’t taking steps to protect their skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, as well as other free radicals.
The first thing guys need to do is determine their skin type. Likely, you’ll have either normal, oily, dry/sensitive, or combination skin. Once you know this, you need to select a cleanser that’s designed for your specific skin type. This is important because you’ll avoid removing too much moisture. Your skin’s natural oil, or sebum, is what helps fight off the effects of aging and stimulate new skin cell growth. You’ll also need a moisturizer with an SPF 15 for the daytime and a rehydrating cream for the night time. Your skin does its most aggressive repair work overnight.
If you’re really into mastering your routine, pick up some toning pads. These pads are best used after cleansing your face as they help to ensure that you’ve removed every speck of dirt. Clean pores mean you’ll avoid the buildup that causes acne. For those rare pimples keep a mild spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide handy and at least twice a week use a gentle exfoliating wash for a deeper clean. Focusing on your skincare ensures you have healthy, glowing skin - a must to achieve your best look.
2. Invest in teeth whitening
The foods and liquids you consume on a daily basis might be good for your body but they can cause damage to your teeth. Let’s face it - you use your teeth every single day and, like anything you use on a daily basis, they suffer from normal wear and tear. Especially for those guys who are heavy coffee, tea, or wine drinkers, yellowing or browning of the teeth can become problematic. Teeth whitening is a safe and effective method to reverse the darkening effects and restore your original pearly white smile.
3. Lift weights on a regular basis
Lifting weights at least three times a week has been scientifically proven to make you look better and improve the quality of your life. On the surface, you’ll burn excess fat and pack on lean muscle. Of course, this will help you look great in your clothes no matter what you’re wearing, but regular exercise also releases endorphins which improve your mood, and your lifting sessions help you get better shuteye every night. Not only will you look better, you’ll also be a happier, more well rested person.
4. Keep your beard in check
Beard culture has permeated popular culture for good. Many fashion critics refer to this period as “peak beard”. It’s likely that you currently have a beard or plan on testing the waters at some point in the near future. If you do, don’t just let your beard grow wild without intervention. To keep the hair soft and healthy, invest in a great beard oil. It’ll help keep your beard and the skin underneath moisturized. You’ll need to use a beard wash or shampoo every other day to get rid of the crumbs and grime and you’ll still need to visit the barber every couple weeks to make sure you’re trimming off unhealthy growth and keeping everything in order.
If you aren’t planning on growing a beard, think about this: a study from the Journal of Evolutionary Biology revealed that women found men with facial hair more attractive, masculine, and capable of protecting them. It’s worth your consideration.
Read more: Biggest Men's Grooming Trends
5. Change your diet
Your body reflects the quality of the fuel you put in it. If you have a daily trip to McDonald’s on your schedule, you might want to reconsider. Lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water will help improve the condition of your skin, fight off unwanted weight gain, and give you more energy to conquer the day. For extra effect, invest in a probiotic supplement or natural drink like kefir to make sure your gut bacteria stays in fighting shape.
Improving your appearance isn’t just some frivolous experiment. With these five tips, you can make long-lasting adjustments that will change your life for the better - for good.