or "with time, even babies' butts wrinkle"
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 By James Whittall
MenEssentials President
Published March 2001
You're under 30. Which means you're probably not obsessed with grey hair, crow's feet, or the fact that your ass is starting to look like a badly-parked Volkswagen.
Skin care isn't one of your most pressing issues. Maybe you're host to a few unwelcome zits or a little oily buildup. But who cares? You're a young guy! Your skin's as smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom. Right?
Right! So it's best to start a skin care regimen while you're young enough to make a difference. Because when you hit your late twenties, the substance that helps skin maintain its elasticity (collagen) will start to decrease by about one percent a year — more, if you spend time in the sun.
Think of these as your maintenance and prevention years. The years in which you avert problems that could occur further down the road.
Manly, Yes. But Think Twice Before You Shower
Mass market bar soaps contain deodorants and antibacterial chemicals. These are okay for the furry parts of your body. But you should never use them on your face! (Does your face really need to be deodorized?)
Try glycerin-based soaps and aloe-infused shave gels that are nonabrasive and nonirritating. We recommend products that are allergy-tested. That means no smelly chemicals were added.
Acne, Anyone?
If you've got a problem with mild to moderate acne, shop around for alcohol-based topical antibiotics (Cleocin-T and Erycette) or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatments. Forget zit creams. Despite the marketing hype, popular pimple products can be fairly harsh on sensitive skin. Over time, your face will start to show the strain.
Instead, use a light astringent. This is a drying agent that removes surface debris and whose active ingredient is usually alcohol, witch hazel, or propenyl glycol.
For bad acne blemishes, talk to a dermatologist about prescription treatments.
Stick it Where the Sun Shines
To ward off the effects of the sun, get into the habit now of using a hydrating sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Otherwise, "weather-beaten" better be a phrase you like to hear. A lot.
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