Men's Skin Care
Male Skin
OM4 is designed and formulated exclusively for the unique needs and gender specific issues associated with men’s skin. Male and female skin differs in several significant ways.
- Key Difference 1: Men’s skin is oiler than women’s skin due to the production of testosterone. As testosterone levels decrease over time, the difference in oil production between men and women lessens, as men naturally transition to drier/mature skin in the late 40’s and early 50’s.
- Key Difference 2: Despite male skin being oilier, men in fact have smaller sebaceous glands than women. Since absorption occurs primarily through the sebaceous glands, differing rates of permeation must be factored into product formulation and in which medium to precisely suspend each OM4 bionutrient.
- Key Difference 3: Men’s skin is 20%-30% thicker than women’s skin. Therefore, male skin, in general, tends to be more age-defiant than female skin. A key challenge is to ensure proper skin nutrition due to slower rates of absorption.
- Key Difference 4: Higher oil production gives rise to a series of male skin conditions which also must be addressed in product formulation. Blemishes, acne, large pores and ingrown hair require advanced formulation. Targeted ingredients are incorporated to build “preventive maintenance” for men’s skin into each product.
- Key Difference 5: Male skin is more sensitive than female skin for several reasons:
- Historically, men’s skin has been more exposed to the damaging effects of the environment.
- Daily shaving weakens the acid mantel, the hydrolipidic film, negatively impacting lubrication and skins natural protective system.
- Shaving can cause, cuts, nicks, razor burn and/or PFB (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae) or razor bumps.
- Key Difference 6: Men’s skin ages differently than women’s skin. Male skin becomes gradually thinner with age, about 1% per year as opposed to female skin changing texture and color due to decreasing amounts of estrogen.
- Key Difference 7: Numerous clinical studies triangulate the fact that men experience higher incidences of skin cancer as compared to women. Melanoma of the head, ears, face and neck are only second to melanoma of the upper back in men. Sun Screen is important.
Skin Conditioning Programs
Daily and Weekly Programs
The terms cardiovascular fitness, endurance, strength are more familiar than the concept of skin conditioning. Optimal skin health is a result of sound nutrition both in terms of what you eat and the amount of water you drink, as well as, the products you apply to, or massage into, your skin.
Daily Conditioning Program
Step 1: Wash. OM4’s cleansers are formulated, by skin type, to remove harmful pollutants and prepare the skin for nutrient absorption and care. Squeeze a quarter size amount into your palm and massage over face and neck. For best results use an Organic Male Micro Fiber Cleansing Cloth or Soft Bristle Brush to completely remove debris and prevent ingrown hairs. Thoroughly rinse after 60 seconds.
Cleansing may be done before or after shaving. Research indicates manual shaving is most effectively accomplished after showering and cleansing. This allows the cleanser and shower steam to soften the beard, thus minimizing shaving-related skin conditions. Cleanse additionally before retiring for optimal skin health.
Step 2: Balance. Squeeze a small amount of balancer into the palm of your hand, and gently splash/rub over the face and neck. Do this after shaving. For optimal results, and at least once per week, apply balancer to the corner of a wash or micro fiber face cloth and gently go over the skin to remove post cleansing and shaving residue. Women often use a cotton ball for this step, however, it is ineffective for men as the strands of cotton will stick to the face due to prevalence of hair/bear stubble.
Step 3: Bioactivate. Saturate your skin with an infusion of potent vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and food grade botanicals which deeply nourish and protect the largest organ of your body. Pump a pea size amount of serum into the palm of your hand and massage into face and neck. The skin may feel slightly tacky to the touch for 20 seconds until all bionutrients are fully absorbed. Remember, a little goes a long way with OM4’s potent bioactive serums.
Step 4: Defend. OM4’s moisturizers and hydration creams serve a dual purpose: (1) to provide a non-oily, shine free barrier which retains moisture, and (2) to protect against the penetration of harmful environmental toxins. Rub a small amount of moisture complex between your hands and apply evenly to the face and neck areas. Organic Male moisturizers are concentrated. For a lighter application, add a few drops of water to the moisturizer in your palm and rub between the hands. Apply evenly to face and neck for an imperceptible finish. For extra hydration, apply a thicker layer in dry areas.
Please contact your OM4 service professional with any application questions, or should you experience any difficulty achieving the results you desire with the product. Service and your satisfaction are our priorities.
Weekly Conditioning Program
Resurface: The only difference in the weekly conditioning program from your daily routine is the addition of your exfoliant. For men, it is particularly important to resurface the skin a minimum of once per week and preferably twice per week. Organic Male exfoliants contain 5% multifunction fruit acids to gently peel away dry, dead epidermal layers. Exfoliation also reduces the number of ingrown hairs.
After cleansing, massage in a thin layer of exfoliant in a circular motion and allow to sit while you shampoo and finish your shower. Gently rinse away or wipe with a wash or micro fiber cloth to remove the exfoliating material.
Weekly resurfacing also maximizes serum and moisturizer absorption and enhance the effectiveness of your finishing products. Dry, flaking dead skin cells prevent optimal penetration of products and minimizes the results of your routine.
Shaving Tips
There are many opinions on male shaving methods. At OM4 we have done considerable research to identify best practice in daily shaving techniques.
Steps
The following steps are a suggested guideline for superior shaving results. You may have developed alternative approaches to your shave and are always advised to do what works best for your specific needs.
Step 1: Hydrate Beard Growth
This is best done by showering and cleansing the face. The natural steam of the shower combined with the Organic Male cleanser for your skin type is a winning combination for softening the beard and preparing to shave. Remain in the shower at least three minutes to allow pores to fully open and beard to soften.
Step 2: Lubricate the Face
Apply Organic Male’s Soothing Herbal Shaving Emulsion, a calming organic, alcohol-free solution microblended specifically to further soften the beard and create a microscopic layer of protection against surface barrier damage. If you prefer to cleanse after shaving allow three minutes for shaving emulsion to prepare the skin. Shave in the shower when possible for optimal results.
Step 3: Go with Flow
Start with a sharp blade and gently stroke in the direction of your beard growth. For best results pull the skin taught before each stroke. Rinse your razor frequently for best results. If a closer shave is desired, stroke against the grain. If your skin is at all sensitive, apply a second layer of Soothing Herbal Shaving Emulsion before shaving against your natural hair growth. In general, it is important to be precise and use a few strokes as possible. Use particular caution while shaving within the vicinity of the chin and lips to avoid nicks and cuts.
Step 4: Rinse and Finish
Rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water to remove residual shaving products and debris. Finally, splash the face with cool water to close the pores before finishing your skin conditioning program – a splash pH Balance regulates the skin and calms post-shaving skin irritation, finish with the serum and moisturizer designed for your skin type to prevent premature aging and achieve healthy and great feeling skin.
Product Recommendations
Organic Male is designed to be easy. No hieroglyphs or secret decoder rings to figure it out. Simply select your skin type and select one of Organic Male’s color-coded four step skin care systems. When in doubt, sensitive skin is always a good choice, especially if you shave manually.
Sensitive Collection - for men prone to skin irritation, burning and redness. Effective for shaving-related skin conditions and rosacea.
Oily Collection - effective for men who develop oily skin and shine throughout the day. Also suggested for blemished skin and acne or other sebum-related skin conditions.
Normal Collection - suggested for men who have clear, non greasy skin. Also recommended for combination skin – oily T zone (nose and forehead).
Dry Collection - is appropriate for men who experience dry, patchy or flaking skin. Our dry collection is also effective for sun-damaged and mature skin needing extra hydration and brightening.
Check out our OM 4 Encore Collection products to round out your skin care experience. Encore products are designed for all skin types, and to solve specific skin conditions and issues.
Soothing Herbal Shaving Emulsion
- Protects against skin barrier damage
- Softens and soothes skin prior to shaving
- Heals, calms and reduces shaving-related sensitivity
Citrus Bamboo Resurfacing Scrub
- Exfoliates dry, dead and flaky skin.
- Refines fine lines
- Brightens the complexion
- Clears pores to prevent ingrown hairs and maximize serum and moisturizer penetration
- Cooling eye gel
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles
- Minimizes fine lines
Eyebright Age Defying Moisturize Complex
- Eye cream
- Night application or moisture rich day cream
- Deeply hydrates
- Reduces fine lines
- Natural, herbal hand sanitizer
- Clinically-proven effective against e. coli, pneumonia, and staph
- After work out protection
- Prevents spreading of germs
Healing Antifungal Herbal Foot Treatment
- Athlete's foot prevention
- Soften and Hydrated
- Antifungal protection
- Rejuvenate and refresh tired feet
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