Ladies, Get Cleaned Up With Miss Fiffi

Here at Adam, His Answer to Grooming we live by the words 'Get Cleaned Up'. Whether it be tidying up your scruff, keeping your attire neat and clean, we embrace it all. Even down to 'shaving private ryan' (or whatever you choose to call it), however, a majority of women have been doing this for years and with the launch of RFSU's entertaining and imaginative site, it seems its taken a new creative twist.

RFSU is a Swedish sex education association that produces "premium quality products for a safer and more satisfying sex life". The site was created to sell their newest personal shaving line for woman's privates or as they call it, fiffi. It offers shaving tips, a gallery of creative shaving designs, and get this, it has animated pubic hair that allows you to show off your pubic artistic styling, save it and post it to the gallery to win.....something. (Sorry, I haven't fully learned how to read Swedish.)

The North American site has since been shut down and I wonder if the name had anything to do with it, but check it out the Swedish site here.

Puffy Doesn't Like to Be......Puffy.

The rap superstar, who decided to change his name back to Puff Daddy after 10 years of name changing, says that he has a very strict grooming procedure.

“While I'm getting ready I like to relax with a drink – vodka and lemonade – and listen to some James Brown,” he explains. “Then I'll have a manicure and pedicure – and yes, I wax as well. Men owe it to women to make sure they are well-groomed.” The star, 38, then splashes his cologne on his newly waxed testicles. Ouch!

Well, we're all for getting cleaned up, and applaud Mr Puff Daddy aka P Diddy aka Puffy or whatever moniker he chooses to use, but skip the cologne splashing. Instead, stop by www.adamgrooming.com and get yourself some Balla Powder to sprinkle on the boys!

Hey Kojack, This is For You

Whether you choose to go bald or you have no other choice, you still have to take care of your head especially now that it is a bald head.

Some people think that a bald head is easier to take care of than a full head of hair but sometimes, it requires more attention. Despite not having hair, you still need to shampoo.

Your head is still producing oil, and sweating so it needs to be cleaned. You should look for a all in one moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help the scalp from drying out.

Now that you got a clean a dome, you're ready? Not quite. A bald head needs protection. Exposure to heat and direct sun can cause severe sunburn, and heat strokes in some. Our heads have plenty of capillaries and nerve endings which serve to make the skin very sensitive. With that being said, you should incorporate a sun block and use it daily to avoid being susceptible to sun damage.

Check out our MISSION: CONTROL BALD HEAD BALM SPF15 from SHARPS.

2008 GQ Magazine Recommended Product

The past few days have been very HOT, but very welcoming. It is important that while you are out in this hot weather, you protect your skin.

GQ recently gave kudos to MenScience TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30. This sunblock combines advanced ingredients for the ultimate sunscreen. This ultralight, non-greasy waterproof and sweatproof formula provides maximum protection while moisturizing, nurturing and helping to repair the damaging effects of the sun. For everyday use or for extreme environmental conditions.

Visit our SUN CARE section for your summer protection!

eSHAVE, Where Form Meets Functionality

With an influx of men’s spas, you’d think fussy guys are all outsourcing their upkeep. For some, however, half of the joy of shaving is accumulating the right tools for the job. The freshly minted ê Shave, the concept of former sculptor Danielle Malka, elevates shaving accoutrements to art forms. A tapered, Brancusi-like razor handle is sold in seven colors with three metal finish options (gunmetal, nickel-plated, and eighteen-karat-gold-plated) available for the razor’s upper carriage. There are also shaving creams in scents like Almond, White Tea, and Cucumber and elegant silver-tipped badger-hair brushes with twirled nickel-plated handles. With this boutique’s sculptural wares and white, gallerylike confines, it’s a shame the name the Art of Shaving was already taken.

Click here to visit our eShave page.

REAL MEN WET SHAVE!

This is a great video of Corey Greenborg's segment on NBC's Today Show explaining the important key points about the lost art of wetshaving, and how double-edge (DE) razors, badger hair shaving brushes, and high-end shaving creams not only deliver the greatest shave you can possibly imagine, but bring back the pleasant, gentlemanly ritual that's been missing since Gilette's 1971 introduction of the double-blade razor......or a Stanley Cup victory from the beloved Toronto Maple Leafs!

Enjoy and pay close attention to the first thing you want to do.

SHAVING CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE?

Men who don't shave every day enjoy less sex and are 70 percent more likely to suffer a stroke that daily shavers, a new study shows.

A team at Bristol University who examined the link between shaving, coronary heart disease and stroke in 2,438 middle-aged Welsh men, said that men who did not shave every day were more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

Over the course of the 20-year study, there were 835 deaths, they reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology. In all, 45% of the men who shaved less than daily died, compared with 31% of those who shaved at least daily.

Many of the excess deaths were due to higher rates of smoking and the poorer lifestyles of men who did not shave daily but the scientists said this did not explain their substantially raised risk of strokes.

The findings show that men who don't shave every day are less likely to be married and are more likely to be blue-collar workers. They also have fewer orgasms, tend to be shorter, and to suffer from angina.

"The association between infrequent shaving and death is probably due to underlying smoking and social factors, but a small hormonal effect may also exist," Professor Shah Ebrahim, of the department of social medicine, said in a statement.

He said the low frequency of orgasm in men who did not shave regularly might be because they had low levels of testosterone or might simply reflect the fact that they were unmarried and had less opportunity for sex.

Well, I'm not sure if I really believe this, except that it is an interesting read. However, if you shave more than once a day, stick with it. If it doesn't save your life, atleast you know you'll die looking good!

WHAT ARE THOSE RIDGES IN YOUR NAILS?

This is a common question and a common condition. Nail ridging is almost always normal and is a sign of maturity.

Vertical ridges come with aging and are in some ways analogous to wrinkles on your skin. They occur as straight lines from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. They usually start in one or two nails and eventually develop in all of your nails as you get older. They can appear as early as your 30’s but become more noticeable by the time you cash your first social security check.

What can you do to prevent nail ridging? Not much. But Dr. Benabio, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology advises you can ensure that you have the healthiest nails possible by doing the following:

• Take biotin 2.5 mg each day. Either through supplements or foods high in biotin: green leafy vegetables, brown rice, wheat, peas, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds, walnuts, liver, egg yolks, cheese, and sweet potatoes.

• File your nails with a coarse nail file to smooth the ridges, then continue to file and smooth with a progressively finer grit file; last, use a buffer to get a polished look. NOTE: shinny buffed nails certainly do not work on all men but, smoothing out ridges is probably a good idea, a bit like highlighting your grays.

• Soak your nails in olive oil to keep them protected from drying out

• After washing your hands, apply moisturizer and rub it into your nails.

• Don’t push back your cuticles.

• Should men get manicures? Smoothing out ridges is probably a good idea, a bit like “highlighting your grays.” But shiny buffed nails certainly do not work on some men. Best bet: ask your wife/girlfriend/partner.

LOOK WHO GOT CLEANED UP

After getting released from federal prison on Monday, TMZ reported Joe Francis had an important stop to make before facing a judge.

Before heading to the Sunshine State, Joe paid a visit to the Mind & Body Day Spa in on Tuesday. It is reported he got a brow wax and a quick tan, telling the staff he needed to "clean up."

Hey, we can’t be mad at anyone for trying to get cleaned up!

DON'T SHAVE AND DRIVE PT. DOS

Authorities in Northern Mexico warns motorists that anyone who is caught putting on lipstick, shaving or holding a pet while behind the wheel, will be charged hefty fines in an attempt to lower the chances of traffic accidents.

Applying makeup or shaving while driving will cost the drivers 346 pesos ($32) in Torreon in Northern Mexico City

Along with other common traffic offenses, that charge higher fines, such as driving under intoxication, speeding and talking on a cell phone without a hands free device, the city hall included littering and driving with an animal or even another person on the motorist’s lap.

DON'T SHAVE AND DRIVE

A health and safety expert has been banned from driving after he was caught shaving as he overtook a line of rush hour traffic at 70mph.

Edward Hutcheson, 39, was seen leaning forward to look in his rear view mirror as he used an electric shaver.

Hutcheson, who had previously worked on accident investigations with the police, claimed he was late for a first aid course he was to deliver and had been leaning across the car at an awkward angle so he could see past a dozen mannequins he had stored in the back of his car.

The court heard how police officers saw him drive past their patrol vehicle as he used an electric shaver on his face and crane his head to look in the rear view mirror.

They turned around and chased Hutcheson, before catching up with him a mile further on.

He had one hand on the wheel and police said he appeared to be checking if he was "getting a good shave".

He was banned for six months and fined 300£ after being found guilty of careless driving.

OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL....

Cold weather is no stranger to us in Canada and if you’re like me, you can’t stand it. Although it can be great for a lot of things: snowboarding, skiing, hockey of course, or just relaxing by a fireplace. (if you’re lucky enough to have one) But unfortunately it can also seriously damage your skin. Your skin seriously is affected during these cold months, as it being the largest organ on the human body is exposed to the chillness of Ol’ Man Winter. Falling temperatures, chilling winds, and overheating in your home can all work to dry out and crack your lips, face and body’s surface. With the long winter months ahead of us, you need to maintain your skin’s health, so here are some tips to help keep Jack Frost from nipping at you!

The key to keeping skin healthy in cold weather is to keep it hydrated. Cold air causes skin to dry and chap easily, as it has less moisture in it. To make up for this lack of hydration, you should moisturize twice as much as you do, during warmer months. Consider purchasing a humidifier to replace moisture in your home’s air.

Now like most, I enjoy taking relaxing hot showers. It’s even more tempting on a cold winter’s day and seems like the greatest idea, but it’s not. You should keep your shower lukewarm. Very hot water evaporates quickly and can dehydrate skin. Moisturize your skin within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower to lock in moisture.

When cleansing your face, use a gentle face wash, rather than soap, which can dry out your skin. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like aloe and glycerin, which can help replenish skin’s moisture.

You want to keep your skin protected from outside elements such as cold and wind, so cover up your face and body well, and use lip protection regularly to avoid chapping. Even though it’s cold, don’t forget to use sunscreen that is no less than SPF15. Most people are unaware of how much sun damage they can sustain during the winter. Ultraviolet rays are still strong during the winter, and glare from snow can cause skin damage. It is therefore just as vital to protect skin from the sun during the winter, as it is in the summer.

If you suffer from very dry feet (that can really cut a rug), before hitting the sack, try lubing them up with moisturizer, then throw on some light cotton socks. Instead of allowing the moisture to evaporate into the air, when covered, your skin’s pores will absorb the moisturizer better.

While it’s tempting to take extra precautions against the season’s colds and illnesses, reduce your use of antibacterial gels and wipes. They contain alcohol, which robs skin of moisture.

And lastly, if you’re fortunate during winter to either be on vacation from “THE MAN”, or on a permanent vacation, take advantage of the power of our Canadian dollar by heading south with the geese!

Stay warm and protected!

KNOWING YOUR SKIN

The first step to finding the right products for you is deciding what type of skin type you have. Most products target several individual skin types: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and combination skin.

Oily skin: Feels slightly greasy or slick to the touch, with larger pores. It is usually more prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Look for products that are ultralight and oil-free, and exfoliating items that will remove oil and dirt.

Dry skin: Often feels tight and itchy and is more prone to irritations. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Urea and Allantoin, and pay special attention to moisturizers. Keep in mind that moisture is not the same thing as oil, so you don’t need heavy, oily products to achieve good levels of hydration for your skin.

Sensitive skin: Easily irritated by skincare or shaving products or extreme weather conditions. Look for products that do not contain dyes, fragrances or irritants and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Normal skin: If haven’t had any reoccurring skin problems such as shininess, acne or irritated skin, you probably have normal skin. Unless a product states otherwise, most skincare items can be used by men with normal skin.

Combination skin: Most men fall into this category, having dry patches and oily patches on their face at the same time (oily patches often fall in the “T-Zone”: your forehead and down your nose to your chin). Look for products that gently clean skin without harsh abrasives and moisturizers that are ultralight.

Acne-prone skin: Can partner with oily skin, but is also a factor with people with dry skin. This type tends to break out frequently with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Look for products that are noncomedgenic (not pore-clogging) and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

Once you’ve zeroed in on what type of skin you have, concentrate on finding products that appeal to that type, or products recommended for all skin types.

A good idea is to start with a very basic skin care routine that involves four steps: Cleaning, Exfoliating, Shaving, and Moisturizing. That means you should look for a gentle liquid cleanser for your face, an exfoliating scrub, a shaving product, an aftershave product and a moisturizer with a SPF of atleast 15. If you start with these basic items, you can’t really go wrong.

Take a look at our Basic Skin Care for Men post to get a good idea of the kind of routine you should establish. Consider including items that target other specific problems as well. For example, every guy should own a reliable, broad-spectrum protection sunscreen. If you are interested in products targeted towards reducing wrinkles and diminishing lines on the face and around eyes, look for specific items that do just that.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try new products or alter your skincare routine. After all, you are the best judge of what makes your skin feel good and look great. Keep in mind that most products need at the very least a week to begin working, so don’t be too quick to switch products if you’re not getting results right away.

AVOID UNSIGHTLY AND PAINFUL INGROWN HAIRS

Ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps) are generally not a serious skin care problem, but it can be unsightly, painful and very bothersome for men. They result when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. It can cause scarring, redness and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB).

Following all four of the steps in this regimen for several weeks will help combat and solve the most stubborn conditions or occasional ingrown hairs.

1. Treat with active ingredients

The first step is to use active ingredients. There are tons of men skin care products that claim to alleviate ingrown hairs and razor bumps, but don't rush to conclusions. The truth is that the active ingredient that eliminates razor bumps is Salicylic Acid. It is a dermatological-grade ingredient that exfoliates, moisturizes and clears your pores, thus avoiding any further infections. Use a post-shave product that contains salicylic acid and that way it will stay on your skin during the day. Also, do not use foam shaving creams because these can dry and irritate the skin. Instead use non-acnegenic shaving creams which are specially made for men with sensitive skin. You should NEVER use products that contain alcohol. Alcohol, will seriously worsen ingrown hairs by drying the skin and closing the pores.

2. Improve your skin's surface

The second step focuses on how to improve the surface of your skin. Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) is indispensable to manage ingrown hairs. Daily use of a gentle face scrub with glycolic and salicylic acid is particularly effective.

TIP: Using a soft-bristle face brush and liquid cleanser in a circular motion on your beard will help further to dislodge the tips of ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface unimpeded.

3. Adjust your shaving technique

By now you should know that shaving too closely is one of the main triggers for razor bumps. If you didn't know, well you know now. Hair stubs cut too closely will get trapped inside the hair follicle, dig inward or sideways and…tada! An ingrown hair is born. Some helpful advice to avoid shaving too close is to not pull the skin when you shave; don't put too much pressure on the blades; shave with the grain using a single-blade razor and avoid repeated strokes in the same.

IMPORTANT: You will need to maintain this approach over time, because one shave too close, will be enough to cause a recurrence of ingrown hairs that will take weeks to heal.

4. Treat already ingrown hairs

So what do you do about the ingrown hairs you currently have? Well, to rid yourself of the little pesky suckers, simply but carefully lift the ingrown end out with tweezers. DO NOT PLUCK THEM OUT! Just lift them out of the skin otherwise the ingrown hair will only re-grow deeper. Using products that contain azulene, allantoin and witch hazel will help reduce the redness and swelling. These ingredients will keep you comfortable.

Visit the post-shave section of our website at www.adamgrooming.com to view products that combat ingrown hairs

SHAVING 101

Ok, well you’re probably thinking you’ve been shaving since that first sprout of peach fuzz, so who are we to tell you how to shave now, right? We might as well be telling you how to wipe your bottom! (Front to back seem to be the census.) But believe it or not, many men do not know how to shave properly and this can lead to a great deal of problems such as razor burns and ingrown hairs.

Wet shaving (shaving with a manual razor vs. an electric shaver) is the best way to achieve a close, effective shave and better looking skin. Shaving not only makes a man look well groomed, but younger too, as it exfoliates the skin getting rid of dead cells. So while you may know everything there is to shaving, we’re sure taking the time to read this can only correct and improve your shaving routine, thus making it more enjoyable or confirm you’re doing things right…..and of course, know it all!

Step 1 - Prep

Wash your face using a facial cleanser to clean and remove any excess oil from your skin. Shaving after a hot (not scolding!) shower is ideal because it allows time for the hairs to become softened and opens up your pores. Dampening the face has the effect of swelling the shafts of your facial hair, making it soft and easier to cut.

TIP: The wetter, the better!

Step 2 – Lather

Apply a thin layer of pre-shave oil to face and neck. This will act as a lubricated base and provide an extra barrier between the skin and razor, reducing friction. Now, that cheap shave-in-a-can foamy stuff available at your local drugstore or supermarket, get rid of it. They usually contain numbing agents that will close your pores and stiffen the hair. Instead, you want a glycerin-based shaving cream or gel that will give you a rich, creamy lather. In a circular motion, apply shaving cream or gel over the pre-shave oil. Although it’s fine to use your fingers when applying your shaving cream or gel, we strongly recommend using a badger hair shave brush that has been soaked in hot water. This combination delivers a thicker, richer, more emollient lather that’s impossible to get with your fingers alone. The shave brush also gently exfoliates and lifts the hairs preparing your skin for a close, comfortable and smooth shave.

TIP: It’s a good idea to let the shaving cream or gel sit on your face for 1-2 minutes before beginning to shave to further soften the hair.

Step 3 – Shave

Get yourself a high-quality, non-disposable razor that you feel most comfortable with. We’re not trying to break your pockets, but your skin is well worth the investment. Always use a clean and sharp blade, as this will require less pressure and less pressure means less nicks and cuts. When you shave you’re not only removing hair, but also removing about two layers of skin. Shaving with a dull blade is more likely to make your skin feel scratched and look blotchy, so change your blade after every 3 or 4 shaves. Begin by shaving in the same direction as your hair growth, first. This is known as going with the grain. Shaving against the grain can certainly run the risk of causing an ingrown hair, which is what causes those unsightly razor bumps. Using short, light strokes, shave the easy areas around the cheeks first. This will leave more time for the tougher hairs to absorb the moisture and soften up. Take your time and rinse your razor in hot water between strokes to remove clogged hair and cream. Once you’re done shaving, rinse your face thoroughly with cold water to remove any leftover traces of shaving cream and close your pores. Pat, do not rub your face dry.

TIP: It’s important to note that you should shave only as much as your razor will allow. Over shaving can cause ingrown hairs.

Step 4 - Soothe

Your skin is very sensitive at this point, so you definitely want to avoid using alcohol-based aftershaves. These will irritate and dry the skin out. You just shaved off two layers of skin, remember? So you want to soothe and moisturize that skin. Apply a post-shave moisturizer that is for men. Women’s products tend to be too greasy and they also aren’t as quickly absorbed.

If you can follow these simple tips, you'll be on your way to the best shave of your life.

BASIC SKIN CARE FOR MEN

Most men just aren’t uncomfortable talking about skincare. Really, think about it. When was the last time you were at a bar or business meeting and the man next to you wanted to debate the merits of one skincare product over another instead of comparing the Steelers and Eagles or Kobe (youse dirty rat) and Shaq? It just isn’t done. But while it may not be a talked about subject, more and more men are actively taking care of their skin and using a lot of skincare products.

Menscience has put together a simple and no-nonsense regime that is certain to provide visible results.

Cleanse

• Cleanse once a day to remove impurities, sweat and oily deposits. Repeat at night for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Avoid soaps and harsh cleansers with added fragrance or color.
• Choose a cleanser with glycolic and salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and organic debris that cannot be removed by regular cleansers.

Exfoliate

• This step should become part of your basic routine. It is the fastest way to revitalize your appearance and deep-cleanse your skin.
• It is an excellent way to prepare for shaving, as it raises stubs and opens pores for a closer shave. It can help treat and prevent ingrown hairs and other problems.
• Don't overdo the intensity of the scrubbing. Avoid exfoliating after exposure to the sun.
• Exfoliating your entire body will give your skin and muscles a healthy, buffed appearance.

Shave

• Be very picky about your shaving products-most products are just foam and don't provide sufficient lubrication.
• For best results, shave while in the shower or immediately thereafter.
• Don't skip using a serious post-shave treatment with anti-inflammatory ingredients. It accelerates healing, softens, and prevents infection, ingrown hairs and acne.

Moisturize

• An oil-free or light moisturizer is best. Apply after showering to lock in moisture.
• It is a good idea to reapply moisturizer at bedtime, especially in winter ordrier climates.
• Look for "true" moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These substances absorb water from the atmosphere and transfer it to the skin.
• The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate and requires special attention. Use a product specially designed for this area.

Repair

• Be realistic. Resolving skin problems requires patience and discipline.
• Make sure you use products with proven efficacy.
• It is easier to prevent than to repair. Avoid irritating ingredients, as these will debilitate your skin and its ability to renew itself.

Visit www.adamgrooming.com and pick up your grooming arsenal today.

Get Cleaned Up!