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New Ways to Spring Clean Your Face, Body and Beard

By Katie Dickens April 25, 2017

spring grooming — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Spring cleaning usually means purging all the crap (or in the spirit of earth month, donating, up-cycling and recycling it) you’ve accumulated through the year or if you are really on a bender, your life. It’s an annual practice that often proves stressful and an exercise in futility. We have an easier way to clean up without the inevitable fights that come with culling your belongings–clean yourself. That’s right. Just wash up. Easy, see? Here are some new cleansers to help you get it done on the daily.

Anthony Conditioning Beard Wash
$26

anthony-conditioning-beard-wash-feature — Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is one of those handy shampoo and conditioners in one but formulated for the hair on your face. It takes care of pesky beard problems like itchy skin and snarls and excessive crispiness with natural extracts and coconut oil.

Brickell All in One Wash
$34

Brickwell-v2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

To the minimalist or anyone who appreciates the beauty of an uncluttered bathroom, this head-to-toe cleanser eliminates the need for 99% of what’s currently in your shower. Unless you feel the need to scoop up all three scents: masculine evergreen, refreshing spicy citrus and invigorating fresh mint.

Every Man Jack Speed Shower Wipes $6

Every-Man-Jack-Wipes — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Okay, these full body-cleansing wipes are a bit of a cheat as they require no actual washing. But sometimes you stink, don’t have time to shower and have to go out in public, and then that’s where these come in handy.

Fatboy Daily Shampoo
$26

Fatboy-daily-hydrating-shampoo — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you tend to load up on gels, pomades and/or waxes, you’ll need to give your scalp a deep cleaning every day. This shampoo is gentle enough to be used frequently while also doing a thorough job relieving your scalp of product build-up.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Katie Dickens is a Manhattan-based beauty and grooming writer. She has held staff positions at Glamour, In Style, People…

Grooming

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.

Grooming

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?

Grooming

My 5 favorite (discounted) Tom Ford colognes in April 2024

Someone spraying a Tom Ford cologne on themselves.

When you buy a Tom Ford cologne, you get one of the best men’s colognes around. However, understandably, such fragrances come at a premium. If you’re keen to save money while also scoring some great new fragrances this month, we’ve got all the best cologne deals on all things Tom Ford. Once you’ve chosen the right cologne for you, dive into our highlights below to see the best Tom Ford cologne deals that are available this month.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver -- $122, was $235

Launched in 2009, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver aims to encapsulate the modern man’s spirit with timeless elegance. It has top notes of grapefruit which blends with the aromatic freshness of sage. There are also notes of orange flower, orris, and a hint of spicy nutmeg and pimento. Base notes of amber woods and oak moss add earthy depth which last throughout the day in a manly yet sophisticated way. For a more traditional and classic scent, you can’t go wrong with Tom Ford Grey Vetiver.