For Any Man Who's Ever Loved a Car; Please Treat Your Face with the Same Respect!
Coming from a family that included three auto mechanics, and a father who raced at all the local tracks, it’s no wonder I’m a little obsessed with fast cars. One thing that I saw, over and over again, was the way that these ‘car guys’ took care of their sports cars. They took such pride in them; and for some, their sports cars were the ultimate symbol of success, freedom, and personal style. I mean, it could be 100 degrees outside, and I would still see many of the men - and boys- in the neighborhood washing, and buffing, and waxing their ‘babies’ for hours.
For the people who are with me so far…you meticulously maintain your prized vehicles to keep them running smoothly and looking bright, shiny and new. I wonder if you have ever considered that the same level of care you invest in your car should be applied to your skin? Especially as you cross into your 40’s, skincare becomes an essential part of maintaining your appearance and overall health. Here's where I make some parallels to drive the message home (total pun intended).
Regular Maintenance Prevents Major Issues
Remember that time you parked your shiny, just washed vehicle near a tree, only to come out and find it has been bombed by all the sweet, little birds in the area? Now, most of us know how damaging that can be to a car’s paint job; but, if you have been protecting your vehicle with the right protective coat, it will repel the effects. No harm no foul (ok, I’ll stop with the puns…may be). In this case, think of your skin as your car exterior; the skin is the largest multifunctional organ in the body and it functions as a protective physical barrier by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, preventing microorganism invasion and thwarting chemical penetration. Just as your car requires regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan, and regular cleaning and protection to continue to look good, your skin needs consistent care to stay healthy and resilient. Although men age differently than women (we’ll get to that in another blog), as we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes more prone to dryness and wrinkles. A regular skincare routine can help address these issues before they become more pronounced, and can protect your skin from further environmental damage.
Quality Products Make a Difference
When it comes to cars, we know that quality parts and products make a significant difference in performance and longevity. The same principle applies to skincare. Using high-quality, natural skincare products designed for mature skin can greatly enhance your skin's health and appearance. You don’t have to try my products, but look for truly ‘natural’ products, as synthetic chemicals can cause a reaction in aging skin.
Attention to Detail Shows
A well-maintained sports car turns heads and makes a statement about its owner. Similarly, taking care of your skin reflects your attention to detail and self-respect. This is not all about ‘looking younger’, it is about healthy radiance. People notice when you take care of yourself, and healthy, well-groomed skin can boost your confidence and how others perceive you. It's not just about vanity; it's about the total picture of health. Skincare is just one aspect.
Prevention is More Cost-Effective Than Repair
Remember when the ‘check engine’ light would come on in your car, and if you were like me in my 20’s, I would ignore it for as long as possible? Well, anyone who owns a car knows that preventative maintenance is far more cost-effective than major repairs. The same is true for skincare. It doesn’t matter if you are 40, 50, or over 60; investing in a good skincare routine now can save you from more expensive and invasive treatments later. As a side note, botox is not going to help skin texture - I see people all the time that don’t have movement in their face, yet their skin is papery and thin and still shows their age. Starting a skincare regime, at any age, is better than doing nothing...which brings me to…
It's Never Too Late to Start!
I love watching the Mecum and Barret Jackson auctions and seeing all of the amazing classics that have been revived! Just as you can restore a classic car to its former brilliance with the right care, it's never too late to start taking care of your skin. Whether you've neglected skincare in the past or are just now realizing its importance, now is the perfect time to develop a routine that works for you. Start with the basics: cleanse, moisturize, and protect - not only with SPF, but a high-quality shave balm, with anti-aging ingredients (ok, I did have to mention one of my products, Sovereign Skin Balm, because I am so happy with the reviews) can soothe and guard your skin after you shave. I promise that a skincare routine will not take longer than five minutes, and gradually, you can introduce specialized treatments tailored to your skin's needs (that might add a minute or two…kidding).
Final Lap
Embrace the journey of aging with the same passion and dedication you give to your sports car! Like your car, your skin deserves regular attention, high-quality products, and preventative care. It’s no secret that we can’t actually STOP the aging process; but we can invest a little time and effort into our skincare routine. So, gentlemen, rev up your skincare routine, drive in style, and take pride in every aspect of your life, including your skin!