In his new documentary, “Mansome,” Morgan Spurlock, director of “Super Size Me” turns his lens on the “manscape” of male grooming, now a booming industry. According to Mintel, the Chicago-based research firm, sales of men’s toiletries (including deodorant, haircare, skin care and shaving) is forecast to hit $2.56 billion in 2012, up more than 15 percent from 2006, and $3.19 billion by 2016. Who says we don’t care about how we look?
Your 20s
BIGGEST GROOMING ISSUE: ABUSE
Admit it, you feel invincible in your 20s. It’s as if there’s nothing you can do that your body can’t make right the next day. This includes late nights and long hours studying, working and partying, as well as not following through with a proper skin care routine. Honestly, this is the best time to establish a regimen that will carry through the rest of your life. Arm yourself with the right products now and your skin will thank you later.
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Soap
If you can afford to live by yourself, there’s no excuse not to upgrade your bathroom amenities. This tingly soap is a great waker-upper especially after a late night. $16.99, drbronner.com
OM4 Healing Herbal Antifungal Foot Treatment
If you’re an active guy, you probably have a gym membership. The one drawback? The bacteria that thrive in wet locker rooms can lead to athlete’s foot. The pau d’arco in this organic foot cream is an effective anti-fungal, and will send those nasties packing. $30, omformen.com
CTonics Tantra Cleansing Tonic
A muscular dandruff tonic made from bioactive, organic food-grade ingredients. Swedish pine tar oil, rosemary and chamomile calm an irritated scalp while exfoliating and removing bacteria and fungal growth. $34, ctonics.com
Your 30s
BIGGEST GROOMING ISSUE: OLD HABITS
You realize your body is not as tough as you thought. Acne scarring becomes more prevalent, sun damage from inadequate sunscreen appears and…is that a gray hair? The good news is that it’s not too late to reverse the damage. Super-charge your regimen and give yourself a fighting chance to continue looking good.
Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm
Quench thirsty, parched lips—from a long work night or a dry, cold environment— with a few swipes of this anti-oxidant-rich balm. $3, burtsbees.com
Badger Balm For Hardworking Hands Moisturizing Balm
Whether you spent the day tending your garden, mowing the lawn, or building your son’s tree house, give your hands some TLC with this USDA-certified organic moisturizing balm, $7.99, badgerbalm.com
Organic Fiji Lemongrass Tangerine Sugar Polish
Every now and then, treat yourself to a whole-body exfoliation. This not only results in smoother skin, it also allows body creams to penetrate—and moisturize—better. $30, organicfiji.com
Your 40s
BIGGEST GROOMING ISSUE: SIMPLIFICATION
A bit of irony: After twenty-something years of product use, streamlining now becomes the name of the game. Think of it this way: You devote less time towards skincare so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Totally understandable, but just because you use fewer products doesn’t mean you should forgo measurable results.
Bryce Organics Himalayan Goji Facial Peel
CoEnzyme Q10 is a naturallyproduced vitamin in your body, and it helps fight signs of free radical damage. As you age, however, the levels at which the vitamin is produced decreases. Give it a boost with this organic face peel. $58, bryceorganics.com
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk
This extra-mild cleanser contains bentonite clay that soothes and cools irritation—perfect for guys with very sensitive skin. It also doubles as a shaving cream—and lubricates your razor for an easy shave. $36.95, drhauschka.com
Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Toner
It’s difficult not to get behind a product that can do the job of four. This toner rids skin of daily dirt and grime, exfoliates and clears blocked pores, hydrates and soothes a freshly shaven skin. You’re done and out the door in less than a minute. $24, ursamajormen.com
Your 50s+
Dr. Alkaitis Eye Crème
This organic aloe vera-based eye cream refreshes tired eyes, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and even makes fine lines less apparent. $60, alkaitis.com
Derma E Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Gel
Retinyl palmitate, a retinol ester, has been shown to plump skin and improve your body’s ability to produce collagen, which is what you need to fight signs of aging. $13.75, dermae.com
Suki Targeted Bio-Brightening Face Serum
Serums are your moisturizers and toners with the volume turned up. This one brightens and evens out sullen and blotchy skin with arbutin, a safer alternative to hydroquinone. $82.95, sukiskincare.com