SMF

Just wondering, cause I honestly have no clue - but do true gentlemen incorporate "exfoliating" into their daily routines?

Are the exfoliating facial creams really necessary, or would a gentleman's routine consist of a good wash followed by a good shave?

The latter is enough, except for the t-zone. <bag over head> but it is true. For the part of the face you shave, shaving after washing your face should be enough exfoliation.

Option #2. 'Exfoliation' products, like 'toners' are just things cooked up by the cosmetics industry so that they can sell you more products. A classic shave is more than enough 'exfoliation' for that part of your face, thank you, and good soap and warm water will take care of your 'T zone' more than adequately in most cases. With skin care, often less is more. We've had more than one gent join this forum who had markedly messed up his skin by using a plethora of suppossed 'skin care' products, that clerks in dept. stores ( or magazines ) had convinced them that they just 'had' to use.
Regards,
Gordon

I agree with Gordon, another product created for no reason other than to separate men from their money.

If you are shaving everyday and using a brush with your lather I really doubt it necessary except for the "T" zone. But I really think a good gentle soap or cleaner is all you need to keep your face in good condition.

I am finding simple is better, even with the shaving.

This one does. I use an exfoliating cream in the shower, not so much for my skin but lifting my stubble. I only use a cheap (£1 it doesn't get much cheaper than that) cream and I find that it cleans my face, gets any oil off the stubble and helps to prepare my beard really well. I have dense stubble in places and it helps me. It definitely helps lift and soften my beard, I obviously can't speak for anyone else but I can use milder blades to good effect doing this whereas before only Swede's or Feathers
were sharp enough. (I still prefer sharp blades mind). I always suggest trying these things as you just never know what will work for you.
I can't use any highly perfumed soaps as I just get irritation but others can happily use, and recommend, anything.
The trying is all part of the experience IMHO.

I exfoliate from time to time -- especially after a period of exercise (like a good bike ride or a day on the ski hills). I use The Body Shop Men's Facial Scrub exclusively for this.

Every so often I will exfoliate with a facial scrub. The best I have come accross so far is Baxter of California Facial Scrub, it really does shift the grime. Don't 'force' it into your skin as it is rather abrasive, just a gentle rub will leave your face lovely and smooth, a nice part of the prep before shaving.


Phil.

a gentle scrub twice weekly is plenty. I find it too much if used daily.

A wash and a shave does it for me.

I went through a 'phase' where I'd use a face-wash, face-scrub, then shave followed by moisturiser.

Now I wash with normal soap, shave, aftershave and my skin has never been so good.

Hey sandie, simple soap and water work for me.

Hi Sandie, welcome to the forum.

To answer your question: no.

Chris

I exfoliate on days that I don't shave. I use Clean & Clear Daily Face Cleanser for this. On days that I shave (every two to three days), I just wash with Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash and shave.

I find that exfoliation before shaving often just makes the shave rougher because of how raw it can leave my face, since I like to really scrub it in.

Gentlemen scape/scrub off dead skin.Ladies exfoliate.

Hot water and a shave, rarely use soap.

I have very dry skin due to my Psoriasis, so I exfoliate my whole body generally once a week. Every couple of days I do my face to get rid of all the dead loose skin hanging around.

That said, I have never noticed a difference in shaves when I have exfoliated vs when I have not. So, if you don't have the dead skin problem like myself, I wouldn't worry about it.

Ladies exfoliate, gentlemen scrub

Every couple of days I need to 'scrub' the dead skin from my nose and forehead using one of those cheap Japanese washcloths. Otherwise, the dry skin becomes unsightly. I find the exfoliating creams to be completely unnecessary.

I use Vitabath Sugar scrub every second day. When this is gone, I am looking for a better priced, i.e. cheaper version. My wife uses some stuff and I am going to try hers.

rudy, Maybe just skip it entirely. Check out the above posts.
Regards,
Gordon