The Fall Guide to Men's Skincare

The summer has come and gone and that means time for dropping temperatures and changing seasons. While the fall might be beautiful with the changing leaves and first hints of winter, your skin might not enjoy the change as much as your eyes. The changing temperatures can suck all of the moisture out of your skin so make sure you take these steps to combat any damage that may come your way. 

1. Shower in Warm Water

Hot water actually strips the skin of moisture. Due to this, change your shower situation for fall a bit. Everyone loves to bathe in a hot bath on a cold fall day, but try to limit your time in the shower to less then 10 minutes. Bring the temperature down to warm and with a limited shower time you will be taking crucial steps to helping your body retain moisture.  

2. Daily Moisturizer

You still need to keep using that daily moisturizer from summer. Just because the temperatures have dipped a bit does not mean that the harmful UV rays have gone anywhere... Make sure the moisturizer you use is formulated to hydrate and restore moisture to the skin. Also make sure you choose one with an SPF30 boost to protect against aging and skin damage due to the sun. Game Day's uses Pear Cactus Extract to deliver moisture to the skin and lock in in. Buy Now. 

3. Dealing with Chapped Lips

As the temperature drops, your lips will start to show signs of drying again. Chapped lips are uncomfortable and can have a drastic negative effect on your appearance if they start pealing. Additionally no one wants to be kissed by someone with chapped lips. Choose a natural lip balm with flavor and boosted with SPF. The flavor will make if "fun" to use and the SPF boost will protect some of the thinnest exposed skin on your body. Game Day's is made with natural beeswax and natural mint flavoring then boosted with SPF15. Buy Now.    

4. Drink more Water

Because the cold dehydrates you faster, skip the caffeinated drinks such as soda and coffee which can have a diuretic effect on the body and rob it of its moisture. Drink more water and juice to maintain fluids in your body. 

Game Day featured on BirchboxMan's The Guide

Game Day was recently featured on BirchboxMan's The Guide e-mag with a Blogger Round-Up of the Charging Spray. Influencers gave the Charging Spray a try and posted their review, and Birchbox rounded up their opinions for you here:

https://www.birchbox.com/guide/slideshow/influencers-weigh-in-game-day-charging-spray

Pin-To-Win X Dermstore Giveaway

Do you love the Game Day Active Living Set + Dopp Kit? Our friends over at Dermstore are giving you two chances to win on Pinterest. All you have to do is follow both @Dermstore and @GameDayMens on Pinterest, Repin the photo above + a Game Day product to the "Game Day Pin to Win" contest and use #GameDayPinWin. Good luck and don't miss out!

Game Day in the LuxuryBarber Box

Want to take the risk out of trying new shaving and skincare products? The Luxury Barber Box is a great way to try new products without a large investment. Each month for $29.95 you will receive a set of shave creams, aftershaves, haircare, skincare, razors and anything else you may need during your daily routine. Each month there will be a surprise as to what you will be getting in the box, but here at Game Day we are proud to announce that our popular, advanced anti-aging formulas will be a major player in this great new subscription service!  #LuxuryBarberBox

Alcohol in Your Skincare?

Have you ever picked up any skincare or daily care product and read the ingredients. Almost everything today contains alcohol, and for years contains alcohol. Since daily care became a thing, men have sworn by brand name products that are loaded with alcohol. While many companies claim that alcohol helps the active ingredients penetrate the skin to help, they in fact mostly use them to change the consistency and feel of their formulas to make them appeal to the consumer. Alcohol is an old world ingredient that should never be applied to the skin for any reason, including as an antiseptic (which even today medical professionals are steering away from using alcohol in this way).

In reality, alcohol strips the skin of its moisture and protective barrier. This is part of the reason why it eliminates acne. Do you really want to get rid of your acne at the expense of your skin health? There are so many natural ingredients that promote skin health that can defeat acne just as well. Additionally alcohol kills skin cells and your skin's ability to defend against free radicals. With UV exposure gaining so much negative press for the rigors they take on your skin, why on earth would you choose to use something with an ingredient that completely defeats the purpose of skincare? 

The worst you can use alcohol for though is as an aftershave. Why so many men choose to use, and swear by alcohol as a aftershave is purely due to the industry's history and no reason to change it based on the dollars. As long as it is cheap to make and people buy it, why change it.  After shaving, you need to HYDRATE this skin. Alcohol strips the skin of its moisture, causing the complete opposite effect of what you ideally want. There are so many natural antiseptics on the market there is just simply no reason to choose one with alcohol. Game Day's is alcohol free and a skin hydrating serum. 

There really is not much to debate or argue. Go to your bathroom right now and check if you are using product that contains alcohol. If you are, you should seriously consider switching to something a little more modern.        

Keeping Your Skin Clear after Workout

Did you know that the best way yo keep your skin clear, breakout and acne free starts before you even get a swear going? Proper skincare for active men is essential to clear, healthy, better looking skin. The sweat and dirt will clog your pores and leave your skin irritated. Not only is rinsing after activity essential, but knowing how to properly clear the skin is key to not only maintaining a clear, healthy complexion, but improving your skins overall health and appearance. When starting Game Day our goal was to provide skincare for men who want to look good. If you are in the gym, and eating right, you want to look good. Make sure you take careof yhe proper steps before and after to be looking good when your date arrives.

Step 1: Pre-Workout cleanse

The most important part of keeping your skin clear in the gym is cleansing before you workout. It clears off all the dirt and grime that has built up as well as hair product and other pore clogging elements. 

Step 2: Open the pores

The first step when you leave the gym is to sit in a steam room for a short period, rinse with hot water or use a hot towel to open the pores. Heat opens the pores, which will allow you to achieve a deeper rinse and clean. The heat will also help to purify your face will prepare the skin for the cleansing process. You simply cannot skip this step because when your body heated up as you were working out, tons of dirt, sweat and grime got into the pores. After your workout, they started closing, trapping in all of the grime. This wreaks havoc on your skin and leads to breakouts. Reopening the pores allows you to relieve your skin of this mess. Something to think about is washing your face before you workout as well. This removes a lot of the grime that you picked up over the course of the day, and keeps if off your skin and away from your pores as you begin to workout.

Game Day Step 3: Exfoliate

The next step is to grab an exfoliator. Exfoliators work deep into the pores to not only open them a bit more, but also scrub away dirt, dead skin and other pore clogging grit. Do not use an overly abrasive face scrub. Tons of people like the apricot scrubs and others with large beads in the exfoliator. While they feel like they are working, you are actually doing more damage to your skin as it roughs up the facial skin and can lead to far more abrasion then your face should be exposed too. Chose an exfoliator that is still gritty, but is not cheap and made to feel like it is working as opposed to actually working.

Game Day Step 4: Cleanse

Next, follow up with a cleanser. Now that your pores are open, the cleanser will be that much more effective cleaning the pores. Some guys reach for bar soap, completely disregarding a cleanser. DO NOT DO THIS! EVER! Your face and bar soap have different pH levels. Using a bar soap will actually increase your risk of acne and will attract bacteria. Bar soap also removes the natural oils from the skin and clogs the pores. Choosing a cleanser is crucial to your post-workout skincare routine. Look for cleansers that have Alpine Willowherb Extract is crucial as it controls the sebum production from your skin; thus, regulating oil levels and your pores. Game Day exclusively uses this hyper-ingredient in our Shower-Gel Cleanser.

Game Day Step 5: Hydrate & Moisturize

The final step is to rinse with cold water and moisturize. This rinses everything away one last time while also closing the pores, completely finishing your post-workout cleansing process. You do not want to go walking around with open pores and undo all of the hard work making sure everything was clean. Plus, a blast of cool water feels good. Finish with a moisturizerthat has Argireline, which is also known as the “topical Botox” as it will relax the skin and protect it throughout the day. Without taking the proper steps to clean and protect your skin after you workout, you are just not doing your skin justice. Why spend hours in the gym to look good if you will just breakout. Proper skincare is the last step of the self-care process. Any guy who goes to the gym wants to look good, and taking care of your skin, just like pumping iron, will only benefit the cause.

Game Day X BirchboxMan Tweetaway

Want to win a FREE Active Living Set courtesy of BirchboxMan? Head over to the @birchboxman Twitter page and let them know what you love about NFL football and follow our @gamedaymens Twitter as well. Today only so make sure you take advantage of this great opportunity to score free Game Day!

What is Razor Burn and How to Deal with It

Everyone gets it at one point. You have a nice hot shave, only to feel a burning and see red everywhere on your neck or face. Razor burn makes shaving no fun, and a chore. What is razor burn exactly though?

Razor burn is technically known as Folliculitis, which describes when the hair follicles become infected by a bacteria or fungus. This results in the irritated bumps and pimples that appear around the shaving area. The infections are caused by friction that comes from shaving, damaging the hair follicles. An unclean razor pulling over an area is also a way to cause Folliculitis as all of the tug and pull will irritate the hair follicles. Folliculitis can also be caused and made worse through clothing rubbing along an area that has hair and can be exposed to the burn. This is especially prevalent along the neckline in the fall and winter when jackets come into play. Keep an eye out for suspected infection before it starts and you should be in the clear.

Ways to prevent Razor burn come from having a well thought-out, clean, hygienic shaving regiment. First, start by opening the pores with some warm water on the face. Next, use a pre-shave to prepare and stand the hairs for shaving. After rinsing with warm water, apply your shaving cream. Shave with a clean blade with the grain so as to cause any tug and pull, which can damage the hairs and infect the shaving area. Be sure to rinse the blade with hot water every few strokes. Follow by rinsing and applying a soothing aftershave that will firm and tighten the skin without burning. Making sure that everything is clean and that you stick to your routine is a key in preventing razor burn from ruining your day.

If you already have razor burn, don’t fret, many people go through the same ordeal and there are a few steps that you can take to soothe the pain. Cortisone is a great ointment that you can put on to help heal the skin and relieve the itch. Apply a small amount to the infected areas twice per day and your razor burn should be gone in no time. Be sure to keep the area well moisturized as well with a high-quality moisturizer. If you do not want to go the cortisone route, the more traditional method is to take a warm, damp cloth and hold it over the infected area.

This will open the pores and help clean out the infected area. Try to avoid shaving for a short period of time to let the rash subside if possible. A way around that may be to use an electric razor if necessary. Making sure that the rash heals properly and quickly is your best bet if you want to eliminate your Folliculitis.

Introducing Game Day X 3FLOZ

Game Day is very excited to welcome our newest brand partner, 3FLOZ. 3FLOZ is the perfect place to stock up on the hottest TSA approved skincare & grooming products while you travel. You may have seen their brand new skincare vending machines in major airport hubs such as multiple locations in New York's JFK Intl. Airport, Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson Intl. Airport and Las Vegas Intl. Airport and many other terminals across the country. Everything they sell is perfect & approved for travel so whether you need a Charging Spray for after a long flight or a moisturizer as a gift, make sure to keep an eye out for Game Day in all 3FLOZ locations starting October 27, 2014. 

4 Ways to Protect From UV Exposure While Driving

Just because the AC is on and your not feeling like your melting doesn't mean that your aren't! UV Exposure from the sun is an absolute menace to drivers, and many do not even know. No matter what season it is, you simply need to take steps to protect yourself. Dermatologists say that the reason taxi drivers age so fast is because they are in their car all day. Additionally, countries that drive on the left side of the car have higher skin-cancer rates on the left while it is a mirror opposite for countries that drive on the right. The facts are there and are hard to argue.

1. Driving Gloves

It might sound a bit weird, but your hands are right there front and center. Even if you have SPF on them, there is simply nothing better then completely covering up with some gloves. In the winter they will double to keep you warm, in the summer you will look like a boss, plain and simple. Make sure that they are leather and will allow you to grip the wheel. You are sure to turn heads and protect yourself. Check out these from Kent and Curwen. ($245)

 

2. High-Performance SPF Moisturizer

You simply cannot ignore it. Cover up with an SPF boosted moisturizer that you keep in your car. It will greatly hydrate your skin and increase your skin health, but you will also get the crucial UV protection that you need. Choose a minimum of SPF15 with a "chalky finish" and cover up from hands to ears, neck and face. Game Day's goes on non-greasy and is boosted with SPF30+. ($32) 

3. Sunglasses 

You'll have trouble driving without them at times so there should be a pair in your car for glare safety. That same glare though is also focusing straight into your eyes. You should have a pair of polarized sunglasses in your car and you need to use them. Just like skincare, if you try to be cheap the product will actually do more harm then good. The Tom Ford Franklin Aviators are the perfect sunglasses for Fall 2014. ($360)

4. Wear a Hat

This is especially important if you have thinning hair or have a sunroof or convertible. Your head will be exposed to the sun and you know that that can only mean one thing. Cover up with a hat and don't risk sunburn or skin cancer. This Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Petronas F1 Cap is the perfect play. ($40) 

The Difference Between High-Performance Skincare and Drugstore Skincare

One of the biggest question that men always come to us with is quite simple:

What makes your skincare so special? Why should I use yours over what I buy in the drugstore?

If you are not sure why, don't feel left behind or in the dark. Just think of it this way, do you really want to put a low quality, chemically formulated product on your skin? Just because the damage is not necessarily "visible" does not mean that the product in harmless. Drugstore products will make your skin "feel clean" or "feel moisturized," but in reality all that many do is strip the moisture straight from the skin, accelerating aging when used long term. They are loaded with toxins and chemicals as opposed to natural ingredients which may lead to breakouts. While they may "get the job done," they are merely just covering up for not doing the job right. A proper high-performance cleanser will hydrate the skin as it cleans. A drugstore "Shower Gel" will strip your skin of its essential oils and moisture as it cleans. Even if it says hydrating, with all of the chemicals packed into these products it is just pure misleading marketing. A natural serum aftershave will act as a natural anti-septic to heal skin after the shaving process while hydrating and restoring moisture. A drugstore alcohol based aftershave will RUIN and DRY your skin. Many men on the older side or 40 swear by these Aftershave's, but it's time to catch up with the times. You only have one set of skin and damage can be hard/ impossible to reverse, or very expensive. You just simply cannot use product that damages your skin while you are supposed to be, or think you are, caring for your skin. Taking proper care will not only slow the effects of aging, but also allow you to present a healthier, clearer complexion. This will benefit you at work and at play. Trust us. 

In many cases one of the hardest things for men to get over when updating their skincare routine is price. If you want natural ingredients and high-quality formulations, you will have to pay a bit more and usually for a smaller quantity. But at the same time, as these products are such high-performance, you will merely only have to use a dime sized or so amount of product to achieve the benefit. Additionally, spending a bit more now may help prevent expensive surgery's in the future. If you feel that none of this is important, just realize that the choice you make can lead to irreversible damage and the facts are facts. It is time for men to realize that it is time to stop stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture and start taking the steps to get results from the care we put in. 

Game Day on Birchbox Man Influencer Aldi Waldi

Want to win your own Game Day Charging Spray? Tweet me @agamos telling me why you want one. I'll pick someone at random on Friday, September 12, 2014! Good luck! Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/agamos Thanks for watching and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more videos!

Nutrition: Superfoods

We have touched on this subject before, but it's always nice to explore the benefits of constantly evolving "superfoods."  The healthy, powerful and delicious foods will increase metabolism and aid a healthy lifestyle.  Check it out!

1. ACAI

A fruit harvested in the rainforest of Brazil, hones a 10 to 30% more antioxidants than your normal antioxidant go tos (such as, berries, grapes, red wine).  Additionally, Acai boasts valuable minerals for anti aging and vibrant skin.  Talk about a super fruit! 

Acai is available in several health food and gourmet stores.

2. OATS

Extremely rich in fiber, so a healthy portion can help you feel full through the day.  Don't be fooled by the high carb content, this particular carb is great for boosting metabolism and burning fat.  Just make sure to pick up the unsweetened kind and dress it up with your favorite berries or a couple spoonfuls of yogurt for flavor!

3. ALMONDS

This superfood is rich in healthy fats to help you stay slim.  A handful of raw almonds can be a great snack on the go, both satiating and guilt free.  Almonds are packed with Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Dietary Fiber and Essential minerals. They also have polyunsaturated fats which are known to potentially lower cholesterol levels. Check local supermarkets for carefully portioned 100 calorie packed almond baggies, oh so perfect and convenient.

4. ORANGES 

Low calorie, and packed with flavor and vitamins  Yes, they are a great source of vitamin C, but did you know they are also a fabulous source of fiber?  Great for the digestive system and keeping you full!  In fact, according to Australian researchers, oranges make it to the list of their 38 most filling foods which can help you avoid overeating while absorbing vital nutrients. 

5. KEFIR

We're seeing it more and more in the yogurt and milk section of supermarkets, and that is because it is a wholesome mixture of both!  Kefir, tracing all the way back to historic Russia, is a tangy, yogurty drink made from a unique mixture of fermented milk and specific bacteria.  Kefir is one of the best natural probiotics on the market, improving digestion and natural immunity.  Now sold in a variety of flavors, give it a chance see the wonders it can work for you!

Incorporate these "superfoods" into your diet and lifestyle and experience the positive effects.  Share your experiences with us! And, don't forget to check back with us soon for more superfoods and lifestyle tips!

Why Men Need a Moisturizer + How to Choose one X Dermstore

Game Day Co-Founder Demetri Demascus has teamed up with skincare superstore Dermstore to help teach men why they need to use a daily moisturizer and how to choose one for them. Check it out by following the link below:

http://blog.dermstore.com/index.php/why-men-need-to-use-a-moisturizer-how-to-choose-one-for-you/

Game Day X GILT

Game Day is helping shopping icon GILT break into the exciting world of men's skincare! GILT is a flash sale industry leader bringing only the highest curated fashion, travel and lifestyle deals to their members with exclusive pricing and availability. Check out Game Day's event on GILT for exclusive GILT curated Game Day sets including GILT's exclusive Sun Protection Pack. Sale goes live Wednesday August 27 @ Noon.

Do Sit-Ups = 6 Pack?

Every time you go to the gym you see tons of people doing crunches and sit-ups in high volume. Everyone is in search of a six pack! So the question, do crunches and sit-ups really lead to a rock-hard six pack?

The truth! Not necessarily. You can do a ton of crunches and still have a weak core. These workouts only really work your lower spine and they muscles that allow it to round. While you may see more definition when you flex, due to the increase muscle when rounding your spine. While these exercises definitely fit into a complete core workout, they do not lead to a six pack.

In order to achieve one, focus on a complete core exercise. To get a full core workout implement sets of one minute planks, side planks, mountain climbers and push-ups. Working for balance with a swiss ball and rotations with a medicine ball are also key. These workouts address the muscles that stabilize the spine and lead to a completely built core. Not only will you love the visual results, but if you experience back pain you will find some natural relief as well.

Game Day @ David Barton Gym's 5th Annual Block Party

Game Day is very excited to team up with David Barton Gym in support of their 5th Annual Block Party. Stop by David Barton Gym's Christopher Street location in Manhattan every Thursday in August to take advantage of a FREE WORKOUT as well as free samples from the hottest local brands including Game Day Skincare, Juice Press and Chefs Cut Jerky. 

Game Day X Dermstore

Game Day is extremely excited to team up with new brand partner, Dermstore! Dermstore is a Target Corp. owned prestige, high-end skincare retailer with an emphasis on carrying only the finest skincare and anti-aging products on the market. Take advantage of Dermstore's Gift with Purchase opportunities when you shop their webstore. Get a free Game Day Pre-Shave: Invigorating Scrub when you spend $100 on anything in their store or a free Game Day Dopp Kit when you spend $50 on Game Day product. Stay tuned for giveaways as well on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc! 

3 Tips to Daily UV Protection

The Surgeon General's newest warning is directed straight at skin-cancer, particularly from UV exposure. Unlike cigarettes where you can't just kick the habit, the sun poses a threat every day. How can you take the necessary steps to protect your skin from the sun? Just follow these 5 tips below and you will be well on your way. 

1. Start the Day with an SPF Boosted Moisturizer

Before you leave the house every day, you must make it a part of your morning routine to cover up with a high-performance, SPF boosted moisturizer.  Pay special attention to your face, ears and back of the neck as these will be exposed all day. If you are wearing short sleeves throw some on your arms too. The moisturizer will help to restore skin health and make it appear rejuvenated while the SPF boost will provide critical protection. Try the Moisturizer: Hydrator + SPF30+ from Game Day ($32).  

2. Sunglasses are ESSENTIAL

They look cool and protect you from the sun. Why would you leave the house in the morning without them? The sun can be just as harmful to your eyes as your skin so choosing a polarized pair and wearing them when the sun is out will be greatly beneficial to your long term eyesight. Damage can be expensive to fix or even irreversible, so why risk it. The Baron by Dita is a great looking pair of sunglasses that provide critical protection ($550). 

3. Don't forget your lips

Your lips have some of the thinnest skin on your body and no clothes to cover them, so they can pose a major health risk in terms of sun damage. You should apply an SPF boosted Lip Balm as needed daily to ensure protection from sun damage. Anything over SPF 15 should be good but make sure if you are outside for long periods to reapply. Game Day's Mint Lip Balm + SPF15 is a great way to protect your lips and enjoy a nice minty burst ($5).