There are a plenty of jobs out there but not just anyone can do them. While many of us find ourselves sitting snuggly in a cubicle/office environment or wading through throngs of customers in shopping malls and department stores, there are a huge percentage of employees that make it their business to be outdoors - namely blue collar workers. Spending day in and day out exposed to the elements can wreak havoc on the skin and complexion, making skincare crucial.

Mechanics, construction workers, carpenters, and other outdoor employees usually don’t give their skincare or the status of their skin a second thought during the workweek but if this type of neglect continues, it can pave the way for unsightly skin conditions later on down the line. Additionally, not taking proper care of your skin over the years can guarantee that you’ll suffer from premature aging later on. Men in general don’t see the importance of this topic but there’s no time like the present to learn how to take better care of yourself.

Outdoor workers tend to have one thing in common: they work with their hands religiously. This means exposing them to a number of harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, dirt, grease, dust, oil, and a score of other factors that can be irritating to the skin. You don’t have to go to the salon and get a manicure to keep your hands in good shape - all it takes are the right products and a little diligence each day. Maintaining a daily skincare routine is a surefire way to seeing the best results in your skin. When it comes to your hands, you’ll want to make it a habit to keep your hands well moisturized. Exposing your hands to harmful environments can result in dry, cracked, and even bleeding skin, not to mention burns, cuts and abrasions. To preserve your hands, wear gloves at all times. Make sure you have a sturdy pair that is durable, thick and comfortable. If you aren’t able to wear gloves for your particular occupation, you’ll want to look into carrying around a small bottle of hand cream. Look for formulations that are thick emollients that will seal in the moisture throughout your workday. Shielding lotions are ideal for keeping your hands moisturized as well as healing damaged skin that suffers from excessive dryness.

Speaking of hands, many men feel the solution to keeping their hands clean is to wash them vigorously with a lot of soap and hot water. This only serves to irritate the skin, leaving it red and raw. Instead, opt for an exfoliating product that contains natural ingredients and will smooth out rough hands without causing more harm.

Being outdoors for hours a day also brings your skin into direct contact with the sun. Just as too much sun exposure at the beach can be bad for your skin and complexion, the same goes for working outdoors without sun protection. If you don’t already, make it a habit to apply a layer of sunscreen onto your face, neck, and any other body part that will be exposed. Remember, reapplication is key. Generally every two hours should be good enough to keep you properly protected against harmful UV rays. Choose an SPF that is suitable for your skin. Usually SPF 15 is good enough but for those that burn easily or are fair skinned, SPF 30 or higher is best.

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