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Grooming Journals: Inside NASCAR Driver Landon Cassill’s Self-Care Routine

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Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week, we sit down with NASCAR driver Landon Cassill. He began driving for NASCAR 10 years ago, and 324 races and three kids later, Cassill is still the most stylish driver in the game. From the Goop scalp scrub that beats helmet hair to the cleanser he trusts to wipe built-up track grime, we take a look at what goes into Cassill’s routine to keep him feeling and looking his best, both on and off of the track.

Occupation: NASCAR Driver and Dad

Age: 31

Location: Davidson, NC

Hobbies: Long Distance Triathlon, Fitness, Golf

Skin Type: Normal

Hair Type: Normal

Morning and Evening Routines

I travel a lot to and from the racetrack and with 3 kids under 6 years old in the house, I try to keep my grooming as simple as possible with my products organized in my bathroom so I don’t have to look for things or spend too much time getting ready. I wash my face in the shower and at night before bed, and I don’t shave more than a couple times a week because my facial hair does not grow very fast. For me, this seems to keep irritation to a minimum on my face. I’m not one of those guys blessed (or cursed?) with a grizzly beard!

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

I’ve stayed with the same hair stylist in Charlotte since I was a teenager, Kelley Brewer. I’ve watched her grow from a stylist with a chair in a men’s salon to an entrepreneur with her own shop, Caliber Men’s Grooming. She’s the best in Charlotte and it’s hard to get on her book.

Here are a few products that I use regularly and like.

Salt Spray: REF Ocean Mist No 303

REF Ocean Mist No 303
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I like the natural feel in my hair with this product. The salt gives you that “just came in from the beach” look.

Hair Product: American Crew Boost Powder

American Crew Boost Powder
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Sometimes I’ll use some Boost Powder from American Crew for a little more hold. I don’t use the products in my hair every day though, only as needed so as to not wash products in and out of my hair too often.

Shampoo: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
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My scalp gets pretty dry from sweating with a racing helmet for so many hours a week, so this shampoo from Pureology is great for keeping it healthy and hydrated.

Conditioner: Pureology Hydrate Conditioner

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
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I follow it with their conditioner as well, which is an absolute must if I’m swimming 3-4 days a week and have a lot of chlorine in my hair.

Shampoo Scrub: Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo

Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo
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This is kind of like my once-a-week deep cleanse, especially after a race. Sometimes after races, even after washing my hair, my hair and scalp will still smell like the fumes of a race car. The Goop Scrub helps me dig a little deeper into my scalp and clean up. My wife likes it, too, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it wasn’t her product to begin with.

Face Scrub: Lancer The Method: Polish Normal-Combination

Lancer The Method: Polish Normal-Combination
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I use this in the shower; the grittiness of the exfoliation helps me knock all the oil and debris off my face from a long weekend at the track.

Cleanser: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
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Love this face wash that I can use to refresh my face after the shower or anytime of the day if the kids have gotten to me!

Pain Relief: Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief Cream

Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief Cream
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Blue-Emu Max is a sponsor of mine and their pain relief cream is really great. I put it on tired legs after long training days and it’s great for back and shoulder pain after races. It also has no odor whatsoever so it’s not going to clash with anything else I might be using, or bother my wife in bed if I’m applying it right before sleep.

Supplement: Kalm Micronized Kava in Fiji Vula Waka

Kalm Micronized Kava in Fiji Vula Waka
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I like to make a cup of kava tea a few times a week, especially when I get home from the race on Sunday nights. It can be hard to sleep after a 500mile race, so kava helps relax my muscles and bring me down from the adrenaline rush of the track. I’ll add a small scoop of powdered Kalm micronized kava to some Chamomile tea, or warm Apple Cider if I want a better flavor. It’s not good to mix it with alcohol, so I don’t drink Kava on evenings that I’ve had a glass of wine or a beer.

Massage Gun: Theragun PRO

Theragun PRO
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It’s extremely important to open everything up before I get into the racecar in order to prevent cramping or injury in the event of a bad crash. I take my Theragun on the road with me with a hard foam roller and a small resistance band to get everything moving before and after every race, and all of my workouts.

Grooming Journals: Leo Chan’s No-Frills, Full-Proof Personal Care Routine
Leo Chan

Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week, Leo Chan takes us inside his efficient personal care regimen with our Style and Grooming Editor, Christian Gollayan. While the travel and menswear influencer is usually trekking across the world, Chan still manages to keep a hectic schedule in our new shelter-in-place reality, thanks to his menswear blog, Levitate Style, and his philanthropic fashion line, Wear for Humanity, which is directing all of its proceeds to nonprofits who are leading the fight against COVID-19. In the middle of all these projects, Chan will also lend his expertise as a panelist in our annual Grooming Awards, which will launch on July 8. Read on to learn more about his grooming routine.

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Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: Which one should you actually use?
mens skincare routine changes to make man in sunscreen

Even on cloudy days or days spent indoors, wearing sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable part of a healthy skincare routine. Not only can excess sunlight cause premature aging of the skin, but it's also critical to wear sunscreen to protect against various types of skin cancer. When choosing sunscreen, you'll find two main types -- chemical and mineral sunscreen. The mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate has been an ongoing one, as both forms of sunscreens have their pros and cons. Below, we'll dive into the pros and cons of each type of sunscreen to help you choose the best option.

Pros and cons of chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens, often made of chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, or other similar chemicals, are absorbed into the skin when applied. This type of sunscreen is generally easy to apply to the face and body and absorbs UV rays that touch the skin.
Pro: hydrating for the skin
Due to the thin and blendable nature of chemical sunscreens, they are generally hydrating for the skin and can be added to cosmetics such as moisturizers, skin tints, or foundation products.
Pro: sweat and water resistant
Many cosmetics that market "SPF included" contain chemical sunscreens. People also like chemical sunscreens because they are quite sweat and water-resistant.
Pro: no white residue
Chemical sunscreens also blend well into the skin and do not leave any white residue. If you think back to the sunscreen you used as a kid, chances are it was a chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens have become more popular in recent years as consumers are paying more attention to the ingredients in their skincare and health products.
Con: not the best for sensitive skin
Although chemical sunscreens are easy to use, they are not always a great choice for those with skin conditions or sensitive skin. The chemicals found in this type of sunscreen can cause allergic reactions or worsen conditions such as melasma.
Con: chemical ingredients and environmental impact
In addition, some of the chemicals used in these products may be linked to cancer, as trace amounts get absorbed into the bloodstream. Another con to consider is the environmental impact of chemical sunscreen, which may damage reefs and other marine environments.

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Why everyone is saying bakuchiol is the new (natural) alternative to retinol for your skin
skin

Expected to reach USD 1.79 billion by 2030, the global retinol market has been on the rise recently -- offering an easy and accessible way to achieve brighter, more youthful skin at home. Retinol works by helping to increase your skin's proliferation (creating new skin cells) and helps increase your skin's collagen production to help target acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and other common skin concerns.

Although many people find they have great success with retinol, it's not for everyone. Not only can retinol be harsh on certain skin types, but it's not always the best choice for those who prefer a more natural skincare routine or one that is plant-based. That's why many people opt for Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative. Below, we'll break down the hype about Bakuchiol and its potential benefits for your skin.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol comes from a plant grown in India known as Psoralea corylifolia. Also known as the "babchi" plant, this botanical extract has been used in ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Recently, Bakuchiol has gained popularity in the skincare world, offering properties similar to those of the well-known retinol. Bakuchol extract is offered in many forms to add to your skincare routine, such as in serums or moisturizers. Sometimes, Bakuchiol is also combined with other botanicals, such as jojoba or rose hip, to help improve effectiveness.
What are the benefits of bakuchiol?

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