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For Father's Day, Give the Gift of Healthy Skin From Head to Toe

Every summer we're faced with the challenge of what to get the men in our lives for Father's Day. Instead of the usual collection of cliche items like silk ties, power tools, a barbecue set or accessories for his car, why not consider another alternative: natural grooming products.

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Most men don't like to think of themselves as "metrosexuals" (the popular term coined to describe men who like to go to spas or otherwise indulge in various forms of self-grooming). Nevertheless, men have skincare challenges that can be addressed and resolved with some guidance and a little push in the right direction. A nice collection of natural plant-based skin and body products along with a few natural grooming tools might be just the thing to put him on the path to smoother, softer, and healthier skin.

You can add your personal touch to it by typing or handwriting some of the simple instructions and tips below, and turning them into a small pamphlet or enclosure that you can include with the products you've selected.

Shaving: A Man's Biggest Challenge

A man's facial skin takes a lot of abuse due to the need for frequent shaving. It's been said that a man shaves his face and neck over 20,000 times during the course of a lifetime, and how he does this makes all the difference in the quality and appearance of his skin. Using a razor without proper preparation and lubrication can lead to razor burn and ingrown hairs --a common problem for many men.

Here are some tips for a cleaner closer shave and healthier skin:

1. Always shave during or after a hot shower, never before. Use hot water when you shave as it softens facial hair, opens pores, and cleanses the skin.

2. Use a moisturizing oil or blend of oils like coconut, jojoba, olive, high-oleic safflower or sunflower to protect and lubricate the skin prior to shaving. Rub a small amount in the palms of your hand and massage upwards into your beard to soften the hairs and ensure a protective coat is applied to the skin. The oil provides a thin layer of protection to the skin and allows the blade to glide more easily without removing or damaging too much of it --a leading cause of irritation and razor burn.

3. Use a razor with 3 blades and a swivel head and start by shaving with the grain (meaning the same direction that the whiskers grown in). This minimizes the risk of scratching the skin, which typically happens when shaving against the grain. Be aware of the pressure you're exerting and use a light stroke. Check to see if hair on your neck grows in the same direction as the hair on your face, otherwise change the direction of the blade to go with the grain.

4. Lather up with a shaving brush made from soft natural bristles and a shaving cream made with lubricants like glycerin, and essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender or clove whose antiseptic and healing properties can prevent irritation and speed up healing of nicks and cuts. You can also use a natural liquid soap or body wash in a foaming dispenser to create a nice lather.

5. Change your blade every 3-5 uses --more often if you have a coarse beard. For an extra-close shave, make sure you re-lather after your first pass, and then shave lightly against the grain. Doing this without lathering can irritate and damage your skin.

6. Use a moisturizer that's hydrating and rich in antioxidants. This can be a cream or lotion made from plant oils like extra virgin olive (EVOO), virgin coconut, grape seed, golden jojoba, or a combination of these oils. Products that contain herbal extracts or infusions like calendula, chamomile, mallow root, and comfrey can speed cell regeneration and healing in addition to protecting the skin.

7. Avoid products, especially aftershaves, made with alcohol, perfumes, synthetic fragrances or dyes as these can dry out the skin, or irritate it even more. Try a hydrosol, aromatherapy mister (especially one made with a hydrosol), or herbal toner made with witch hazel or cucumber extract.
Overexposed or Sun Damaged Skin

Some of the latest research in this area indicates that many of the antioxidants found in vitamins and botanicals when added to the skin AND taken orally - can significantly boost the skin's natural UV-filtering properties while enhancing its defenses against free radical formation.

1. To clean up skin that's already damaged use skin care products that are rich in antioxidants like Vitamins C & E and Green Tea extract. Jojoba, coconut, and olive oils are excellent ingredients to look for when seeking antioxidants and other deeply restorative properties.

2. For ongoing protection, increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants either through diet or supplementation. Be sure to consume carotenoids like Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, and Zeaxanthin, which are found naturally in green leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, corn, and eggs. Enhance your body's ability to properly utilize these nutrients by eliminating trans-fats and reducing consumption of saturated fats. Increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) through flaxseed or fish oil supplements, to help balance and regulate excessively oily skin.

3. Don't overdo it with the sunscreens because they impede your body's natural ability to synthesize Vitamin D --a vital nutrient that can protect you from common cancers like prostate or colon cancer. Because SPF ratings are notoriously unreliable don't depend on sunscreens as your only form of protection. Whenever possible choose sun blocks like zinc and titanium dioxide over chemical sunscreens.

Hard-to-Reach and Often Neglected Spots

Lips, cuticles, elbows, knees and feet are usually the most neglected parts of a man's body so don't forget to include some of these items in your gift set:

1. Petroleum-free lip balms to keep lips hydrated and soft --especially when exposed to the elements.

2. A protective and emollient balm for elbows, knees, and heels (and even cuticles). One made with herbal extracts, olive oil, and/or shea butter will work wonders. For cracked skin use Tea tree essential oil which can be applied directly to the skin and is an excellent first aid assistant.

3. Exfoliating salt or sugar scrubs can help slough off dead skin cells and soften skin on cuticles, elbows, knees, heels, and feet.

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Get a free iPad to gift your father this father's day. Click Here to know more.

will this zeikos monopod work with this manfrotto swivel head? Also, is Zeikos a good company or not?

i am looking a purchasing this zeikos 72 inch monopod

http://www.amazon.com/Zeikos-ZE-MP72-72-Inch-Monopod/dp/B001NX0YIQ

but i also need a quick release and swivel head. the best one for little money has been the manfrotto swivel head with quick release here:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-234RC-Monopod-Quick-Release/dp/B001A1POLS/ref=pd_cp_p_0

could you please tell me whether these two will work? i am working on a low budget and want something that is going to last but is also cheap. i am an amateur photographer (16 years old) but shoot A LOT!
def looking for a cheap option (under $90 for the two items (swivel head with quick release and a 72" or near there size monopod since i am 6 feet tall)) thanks!

10 POINTS!
GEAR: canon eos rebel 300d with a ?-300mm lens

Try finding more on google. Some aren't that good.

Case Logic 2.0MP Swivel Head USB Webcam - Red