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Men, it’s time to achieve balance and give attention to all aspects of your lives. Balance in our personal lives is the cornerstone of any lasting success professionally, interpersonally, spiritually, or otherwise. I understand that traditionally men were not supposed to concern themselves too much with art, emotion, and beauty. But, it’s a new day. In 2007 it’s time for you to demand more for yourself and the only way to do that is to demand more of yourself.

So let’s begin the first in the series “Real Men Love . . .” with:

Real Men Love Grooming!

Why do real mean love grooming? Because it is a testament to their commitment to all-around excellence. Not because they are epicene or dainty, but because they recognize that if they are to serve as examples and models of behavior they must give ample consideration to how they appear to others. Not because they are sell-outs or mold themselves to convention, but because they know, especially as black men in a professional world, that image is everything and reputation is as critical to business acumen as a credit score is to finance and acquisition. A few ideas, then:

True, you may be a master of the universe, but you are not immune to the laws of dryness . . .

Men, moisture is your friend. And, the darker your skin, the more obvious your relationship with it will be to others. Moisturizing does not have to be laborious. Oil of Olay has an all-over moisturizer for the shower called Olay Moisturinse, which, as its name implies, you rinse off immediately. However, it leaves your skin hydrated and refreshed with a minimum of effort from you. For the more devoted among you, most drugstore lotions and moisturizers are fine, from Aveeno, to more advanced boutique products like the original Body Butter from The Body Shop.

Moisture, men, includes your lips. The last thing your significant other wants is rough, chapped lips pressed against theirs. And unless it’s Halloween, you might not be giving a command performance in the boardroom either if your listeners are focused on lips that are dry and cracked with a pale, white outline around them. That’s not manliness, it’s laziness and Chapstick offers a wide variety of inexpensive solutions. And, even the fairer-skinned among you can’t get past this one.

Studies show that one of the first three things women notice are a man’s hands. These, too, gentlemen should be well manicured and moisturized. If your fingernails looks like you have been playing in dirt know that someone out there is going to treat you like the child they expect that from. You do not have to spend money on a manicure and risk being photographed by the paparazzi doing it. However, if you have a friend or loved one who can do it for you I suggest you employ their skills or ask someone what basics you can do on your own. Start by pushing back your cuticles after a shower.

The Body Shop has the best hand moisturizer ever called Hemp Hand Protector. It is water-resistant and non-greasy so after several washes your hands will remain in excellent condition for the numerous handshakes you give all day to close those business deals. And if you intend on touching anyone romantically, this advice needs no further justification.

Skin is in . . .

So your skin must be ON! Pay close attention to your skin issues. Typically, we have oilier, combination skin which gives rise to hosts of problems from acne, to razor bumps and discoloration. The incredible thing is that there is usually a process or treatment that can handle all of it.

If you have oily skin (meaning after you wash your face it tends to be oily a short time after without applying moisture) stick to a gel or foam moisturizer. Whatever your skin type, always – I repeat – ALWAYS use sunscreen. Whether you anticipate prolonged sun exposure or not, UVA and UVB rays cause lasting damage to the skin that can exacerbate skin problems you already have. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable.

For razor bumps, I suggest a razor specially designed to address the issue. Try Bump Fighter, available at Amazon.com and most drugstores. Also, cleanse your face thoroughly before shaving. Try Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Use a true shaving cream for extra moisture (try For Men Shaving Cream from The Body Shop) and begin shaving by going with the grain of the hair then against the grain. End by washing again with a gentle cleanser.

For acne, if you would prefer an over-the-counter treatment to a dermatologist there is only one choice: Proactiv. If you have health insurance, most dermatologists are covered and I strongly recommend visiting one. They can prescribe medications (Retin-A Micro, Benzaclin, Accutane) specifically tailored to your needs that will leave you with the smooth, healthy skin you deserve at a price you’ll be surprised you can afford. I am here to tell you they work and trust me, you ARE worth it.

Smile and the whole world smiles with you . . .

Everybody likes a pretty smile and those expensive trays and laser treatments from the dentist work best. But, Crest Whitestrips and the myriad whitening toothpastes out there mean that even the most frugal, chain-smoking, red wine-sipping guy out there has no excuse for smiling any less than his brightest.

Jury’s always out . . .

In my brief time in front of juries I learned that the shinier my shoes, the cleaner my fingernails, the whiter my teeth, and the neater my hair the better my chances they would focus on the law and not me to decide on a case. You may not have to deal with juries in the courtroom, but do not think you are outside the dictates of the jury of public opinion. Take a few more minutes every day to take care of you. Then watch how you stand taller, shine brighter and excel as the people in your life look proudly at you, a man of distinction.