Avène Dermo K

Avène is a brand that specializes in products for sensitive skin, yet not only people with this specific type of skin such as atopic skin, or very intolerant, the ones that can and should enjoy the products of this brand. While we can say that our skin is normal, oily or dry, there are days in which areas of our skin feel more sensitive and there are routines that traumatize our skin and in these cases we need a product that can calm down.

The product that I have been using is Avène Dermo K, that promisesskin care, while the avoids appearance of ingrown hair. This product is keratoreducing, emollient and prepares hair for the razor, facilitating its removal. At the same time, its constitution with copper and zinc reduces bacterial growth, reducing risk of infection and possible folliculitis. The thermal spring water helps soothe the skin reducing redness. Needless to say, is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

The indications for the product, says to apply it at night, checking up effect in the morning. So that makes it easy to shave and avoids the ingrowing hair.

Personally I use both at night, when I remember (sometimes I am a bit forgotten) but especially in the morning after shaving. I do this, because this way I reduce the redness caused by the trauma of shaving, and the antiseptic properties to prevent folliculitis that becomes quite unsightly.

At first the smell is not quite pleasant, as the other products tha i'm used to use from this brand, but still, is very soft. The texture is a little bit runny, which is a plus, making it easier to aplly on sore skin, and has a little hint of green. Supposedly that contrasts with the red, turning the color of your skin a shade of brownish, instead of red, but this is quite subtle, you can't almost see any difference.

Overall a good product that I recommend, if you have problems with ingrown and even redness after shaving. Although specific to this problem also exist other products. The price is quite handy, I do not know for sure how much it cost, but is around 14€.

Skin care routine

There are lots of websites, books and brochures on this subject, including sites of commercial products. Usually a line of cosmetics is already presented with all the products and steps necessary for a healthy and good care, but what I think is important is knowing how they work and if they really are relevant. Each one of us eventually adapt a routine that is effective in our particular case, then choosing to adopt certain procedures and products that fit better, not necessarily having to resort to a whole range of products from the same brand.

So in order for you to have the best skin you can have and looking healthy and polished you might have to follow a few steps twice a day, on the morning and right before going to bed.

Wash: You have to start by washing your face with a good product. Try to find a good one that doesn’t dry out your skin too much, and if you have sensitive skin you might look for a product that is soapless, which is going to reduce the chance of your skin getting irritated. You can choose from a washing gel, to a gentle soap, like a glycerin one or Dove.

Shaving: This step must be followed after washing, or ideally after scrubing. Use a gel or foam, as desired for sensitive skins, if it’s the case, and change the blade regularly. Always shave in the direction of the hair growth to avoid ingrow hair. If you prefer a close shave you can make it after the shower, since the pores are more open and the most exposed.

Tonic: The next step, after you wash your face, is the tonic. You can pass it on with a cotton ball. Some people like because it has a fresh feel to it, but personally I believe it’s just another product you put on, with not much of an effect. Unless you can find one that really has astringent properties and that works for you.

The purpose of this product is the removal of dead cells, the reduction of sebum and reduction the visible size of pores. I think it’s optional, sometimes I use it, sometimes I don’t.

Moisturizing: You may be the last step to replenish moisture lost during the washing process and during the day / night depending on when you wash the skin. The moisturizer should be chosen depending on the problems they want solved, such as acne, oily skin, dry skin, wrinkles, tired, etc.. In most cases, men tend to have oilier skin than women, which becomes a bit inconvenient at times but not all bad. This is one of the characteristics that avoid the appearance of wrinkles in men. If you usually have ingrown hair, you should also use a good lotion for that purpose.

Sunscreen: Along with moisturizer or even if you can find one that has it on it, you should use sunscreen every day. It will prevent skin damage and also to prevent the skin from producing even more sebum, since it is one of the effects of the sun. You may become paler, but it is worth.

Scrub: Once or twice a week you should exfoliate, to avoid the formation of imperfections. The scrub will allow removing dead cells and impurities that can clog pores. So it is possible to achieve a more uniform skin appearance and without pimples or ingrown hair after shaving. If you have an acne prone skin you may prefer a daily scrub that allows you to control more effectively the appearing of blackheads.

Blog

Hello!

Men's Grooming Prescription is a blog about men's care in general and about sharing information. Here you can read some reviews about products I use, reflections on topics of interest and even aspects of world culture.

My professional area is linked to the health field, therefore my interest in this area, particularly with regard to dermatologic care. I live in Portugal, so some of the products and features discussed may be more related to my home country, though these days, I think it will not be a problem.

I chose to write in English because I would probably share the information with a greater number of people. However as this is not my first language, I now apologize for some misspelling…


Hope you enjoy it.