Posted on 25/02/11, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor | Written by: Lee - Mankind Grooming Editor
Wednesday 9th March is No Smoking Day and many of the 66% of smokers who say they’re desperate to quit will be having a go at kicking the habit. As an ex-smoker myself I know how hard it can be but also how rewarding giving up is too, so I wish everyone intending to make that particular Wednesday the last day they smoke the very best of luck.
Smoking, as we know, carries huge health risks (I saw in the inside of a lung ward this summer due to a relative being ill and it was pretty terrifying) but it also has a hugely detrimental affect on your appearance too. As well the smell and nicotene fingers - never a good look! – it can play havoc with your skin.
Not only does drawing on cigarettes create wrinkles around the mouth, studies have shown that smokers have a higher concentration of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 1 in their blood. This enzyme destroys the skin’s collagen and that means – you guessed it – more wrinkles!
It’s bad for your bonce too. In fact, according to a study by Harvard School of Public Health in America, smoking not only increases levels of the hormones that trigger hair loss, it also constricts the tiny blood vessels that supply the scalp, quite literally starving your hair of nutrients.
So if you want to live longer – and look younger – it might be time to say goodbye to the smokes. For more advice go to www.nosmokingday.org.uk
Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed
Posted on 22/12/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor | Written by: Lee - Mankind Grooming Editor
Ah, ‘tis the season to by jolly. But if, like me you have a nasty habit of being a little too jolly once the port is opened I thought I’d offer a few festive-themed remedies as my parting post for 2010…
Skin looking as exhausted as you feel? Then try… Elemis S.O.S Survival Cream. One of my favourite skin saviours, this specially formulated moisturiser is brilliant for revitalizing tired, dull skin and also contains festive Myrrh for its healing properties.
In need of an antioxidant boost? The try… Perricone MD Super Berry Powder with Acai – 30 day supplement.
Cranberries might taste fantastic with your Christmas turkey but they also happen to have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for your skin too. This daily supplement is packed with antioxidant berries (as well as the festive favourite it also has blueberries, raspberries and blackberries) and is the perfect tonic for boosting skin and giving your body a sense of well-being after all the over-indulgence associated with this time of your.
Fancy a nighttime recovery solution? Then slap on…Ren Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream. I mean, really, what could be more appropriate at this time of year than this award-winning night cream, infused with Frankincense to improve the appearance of wrinkles and help repair the skin while you kip/pass out.
So there you have my three festive-themed skin savers. Hope they help to keep you looking vaguely normal!
Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and Holiday season.
Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed
Posted on 07/12/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor | Written by: Lee - Mankind Grooming Editor
Every year Men’s Health magazine asks its readers to vote for their favourite grooming products. Thousands of ordinary blokes vote and so I always think of the winners and ‘highly commendeds’ as being a good gauge of what’s hot out there at the moment, grooming-wise. And this year, a raft of products stocked here on Mankind received prestigious gongs or were esteemed runners up so if you’re looking for award-winning grooming how about including some of these in your daily routine?
Winner, Best Anti-Ageing Product: Lab Series MAX-LS Age-Less Face Cream (Highly Commended: Clinique Age Defense Hydrator SPF15)
Winner, Best Bodycare Product: Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash (Highly Commended: Biotherm Homme Aqua-Fitness All-in-One Shower Gel)
Highly Commended, Best Classic Fragrance: Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau De Cologne Spray
Winner, Best Contemporary Fragrance: Armani Code
Highly Commended, Best Eyecare Product: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense for Eyes SPF15
Highly Commended, Best Facial Wash/scrub: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Face Scrub & Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Winner, Best Grooming Gadget: Gillette Fusion Razor
Winner, Best Haircare Product: American Crew Fiber
Winner, Best Moisturiser: Clinique Skin Supplies For Men M Lotion
Highly Commended, Best Specialist Product: Zirh Deep Cleansing Clay Mask & Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 SPF4
Highly Commended, Best Post-Shave Product: Lab Series for Men Triple Benefit Post-Shave Remedy
Winner: Best Shave Cream/Gel: Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel (Highly Commended: Geo F Trumper Shave Cream – Sandalwood)
Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed
