Men are lapping it up. Market trends show that male grooming products are a hit. So if you aren't the smart one in this looking good race, then we feel sorry for you, since eveyday more and more working professionals are getting conscious of it.

Says Soma Ghosh, head-marketing of NIVEA India Pvt Ltd, "Many players in the market are now geared up to cater to this skin care need of men, which is more pronounced than ever before. Newer developments are enabling skin care brands to come out with tailor-made products containing specific ingredients that are more effective on a male skin."

 Though an unwritten rule, a looker always has an advantage. However, as the saying goes, there's no gain without effort (pain), a healthy skin too needs TLC and healthy nourishment. So those who think it's just not macho enough to care for your skin, follow this regime and see the difference in your skin and attitude !

Steps for daily skin care

1.Cleansing
It is the first step to care for your skin. But not every male has to wash his face often. It depends on your skin type: normal skin wash your face 2-3 times; oily skin at least 4-5 times and dry skin avoid washing it frequently, use a suitable oil-based cosmetic cleanser instead of soap.
Says Dinaz Jehani, brand manager, Shiseido, "Male skin gets dryer and thicker with age. That's why cleansing is very essential. Scrub once a week."
How to apply? While applying a cleanser, dab some of it on a cotton pad and rub on your face in an upward motion. You can also use your fingertips to apply. Leave it on for a couple of minutes to loosen the dirt. Now wipe it off with a cotton pad or tissue and then rinse it off with water

2.Toning
A toner is used after cleansing the skin to tone it up. Toners are known to soothe the skin, especially after shaving. "There are three kinds of toners in the market - one (with alcohol) for very oily skin; a hydrating toner for normal skin and one that is alcohol free for very sensitive and dry skin," explains Dinaz.
If your skin is a combination of oily-to-normal, the ideal toner is the one with an alcohol content in it.
How to apply? Dab a little on a cotton pad and rub it in upward and outward motion

3.Moisturising
For healthy skin, moisturising is a must. If not twice a day, you need to moisturise it at least once at night before you sleep, since that's the longest stretch of time when you don't consume water.
Use a water-based moisturiser for normal skin with very little oil content. "Men with normal-to-dry and sensitive skin should use a moisturising emulsion that has a slightly milky texture. It gives extreme comfort and revitalises the cell layers that get removed while shaving," advises Dinaz. Use oil-free moisturisers for oily skin.
How to apply? Like with cleanser and toner, a moisturiser needs an upward but circular motion. Rub some body lotion on your hands and legs too

4.Shielding
"Even if you are going early to work, apply a sunblock. Make sure you choose one that's oil-free and has moisturising ingredients," advises Dr Abhijit Desai, MD of Evolve MedSpa.
Many skin problems arise from the sun's rays. Pigmentation, sagging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity the culprit to all these problems is the sun. A sunscreen not only protects you from the harmful ultraviolet rays, but also acts as a shield to the dirt and pollutants in the atmosphere also.
Use a sunblock with SPF content 15. If you are going to stay out the whole day, apply sunscreen that has above SPF 30 content.
How to apply? Before you step out rub some onto your face, neck and hands. If you are out for more than three hours, re-apply.

Style Under the skin
Style statement: Style is very subjective and personal. Neither do I follow any trend or fashion, nor do I wear any designer clothes. In fact some of the clothes I'm wearing in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na are mine
Not a stickler: As you grow older you evolve in your style. And mine has been off the beaten path. I take more interest in putting together my attire based on where I'm going, what the occasion is. But I live in jeans literally
Strange ties: I have a varied and strange collection of neckties. I think ties give some life to your attire and so wherever I see a unique one, I pick it up
No skin worries: Taking care of your skin is important and I make sure that I wash it at least twice a day, drink lots of water and I avoid eating fried food

Macho problems
* Nicks and burns: If you have such a sensitive skin that nicks, burns and irritates easily, stay away from alcohol-based shaving cream. Use one that doesn't lather and has plant extracts to calm and soothe your skin after shaving
* Rashes: Rashes are a result of very sensitive skin and also stress. You should ideally see a dermatologist for a long-term solution, than turning to a cosmetic solution
* Sags and wrinkles: "Botox or fillers are treatments that take care of your ageing skin," explains Dr Abhijit
* Acne: Even the likes of Leonardo Dicaprio suffer from acne. Those who are prone to breakouts should wash their face twice a day with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Consult a dermat for an anti-acne cream
* Blackheads: Getting a facial once is a month is one good and easy option. You can also buy cleansing masks to suit your skin type
* Oil on face: If your face gets oily very quickly, wash it at least thrice a day. You can use products that have an oil-free moisturiser
* Pigmentation: There are many specialised whitening creams in the market for men with dark sin. But there are surgical methods too for a permanent solution
* Dark circles: If you have recently developed dark circles under your eye, stop your intake of drinks, cigarettes ad caffeine. Eat lots of vitamin-rich food and fruits