The next time you're sitting in your couch flipping through the channels, pay close attention to the commercial. If you notice most of the ads are about skin care are aimed towards women, but what about men? Men have skin problems that plague them on a daily basis, but at times it seems that the skin care industry doesn't even mind.

What we have to keep in mind is that skin care isn't just about how pretty or attractive we look, but about how healthy our skin is. This is the root of all skin care products because without healthy skin our body becomes vulnerable and prey to infection and disease.

So, as you can tell, skin care is a vital part of our survival no matter if you are a man or a woman.

Skin Problems: What Plagues Men

Men have the same issues as women: aging skin and skin renewal, acne scars and dull skin. But one issue, ingrown hairs, is almost exclusively a male issue. This occurs because a large majority of men shave every day, and expose themselves to razor burn and razor bumps.

Improper shaving techniques and curly hair are the main causes of ingrown hairs. And even though you can't change the texture of your beard, you can implement proper shaving techniques and prepare your skin before shaving.

Proper Shaving Techniques Help Avoid Ingrown Hairs

It is crucial that you prepare your skin before you shave. Most men don't like to spend hours getting ready for work so they'll be quick to splash on some water, shave, shower, and leave, however this is nothing more than a surefire way of getting ingrown hairs and razor burn.

The Proper Technique

The first thing you must do is use a product (foam or gel) to soften your skin and hair. Second, use a new razor. Men aren't always in the habit of changing the razor blade with every shave, however, this simple practice would help them avoid razor burns and ingrown hairs.

Take your time shaving. Remember haste makes waste and, in this particular case, it can also make your face suffer unnecessarily. Once you've finished shaving don't forget to apply a soothing after shave product.

For most men, these tips are key in helping them avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, however, there is still the possibility of getting an occasional ingrown hair or razor bumps. For these cases, proceed with a gentle touch.

Although ingrown hairs aren't thought to be dangerous they can lead to minor infections and weaken the skin. The main form of treatment is some form of exfoliation to break the skin and release the hair shaft.

You can either use natural skin products or a scrub to exfoliate your skin. If you choose a scrub, be gentle. There is no need to be aggressive.

If you have sensitive skin then try using chemical exfoliants. These types of products promote the exfoliation process by breaking apart the bond between skin cells. Salicylic acid and AHAs are two of the most common chemical exfoliants known.