GROOMING - Men's Health - Body maintenance

It's easy to take the skin for granted and not take care of it, and men are much more likely to do this than women. But the skin needs regular care and attention - particularly the areas that are exposed to the elements, such as the face. Late nights, stress, an unhealthy diet and too much sun all take their toll on the skin. It dries out, becomes flaky and cracked and looses its vitality. What's missing from most people's diet, that the skin needs in abundance, is water. A least two litres a day is essential, more in hot and humid weather. To remain healthy the skin also needs vitamin C and this is readily available from citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and fortified bread. Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C too and since the vitamin C is found just below the skin having a baked potato means the vitamin C doesn't end up in the waste bin lost in the peelings. Moisturise regularly too, using a cream that contains vitamin E and UV protection. Many men regularly have facials nowadays to help revitalise their skin.

How to boost your immunity:

• get enough rest
• don't smoke
• drink alcohol within safe levels
• eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
• drink at least eight glasses of water a day
• take time to relax and unwind

Cold sores

Something else that the skin needs to keep it healthy is zinc. This, and vitamin C, also helps to boost our immune system and keep it strong so that it can protect the body from infection. Stress, infection, being overtired, cold winds, and hot weather can all be responsible for waking up a cold sore when you would rather it remained asleep. It's possible to avoid cold sores by getting enough rest, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, not smoking, and keeping alcohol to a minimum. Be sure to also apply a UV protection lip-balm a few times each day to protect against the effects of cold winds and bright sunlight. Tea-tree oil cream or aciclovir cream both have anti-viral properties and can shorten the duration and the severity of cold sores. Keep a tube of one or the other at home should the telltale tingle come your way.

Spots

If it's not cold sores then it's spots that appear at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Once again these are more likely to occur if you've become run-down. Try to avoid them - the same rules apply. Don't pick them. This won't make them disappear and will only serve to make them look worse, and more obvious. Topical treatments from the pharmacist or tea-tree oil gel or cream will help to dry spots up. Now you may wish to sit down for this next bit of advice. To hide the spot that appears on the day use a blemish or cover-up stick - which looks like a pencil. These are available from the make-up counter in large department stores, for example. Make-up specifically designed for men is available.

Skin cancer

The number of cases of skin cancer is increasing.

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is:

• most common in younger people (age 20 to 35)

• caused by excess UV radiation exposure causing sunburn

• common among people who work indoors (because their skin is more easily damaged when they're exposed to the sun)

Everyone is at risk of skin cancer. Those most at risk are men with:

• fair skin
• freckles
• ginger hair
• lots of moles

If you notice any changes with your moles get them checked by your doctor. Look out for:

• increase in size
• change in shape
• change in color
• change in sensation - itchy, painful
• new redness or inflammation
• bleeding

Protect your skin

• stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• take care not to burn
• cover up with sleeves, caps, and shades
• apply sun protection cream regularly every two hours throughout the day using at least SPF 15
• don't use sunbeds
• if you need a tan then fake it