Bob Mah is the grooming guru behind men’s skincare line, Urth. Winner of a 2007 grooming award from Men’s Health magazine, Urth offers skin solutions  formulated for the specific needs of men: think product that’ll make you glow as rosy as your girlfriend’s baby nephew’s ass, without the pink packaging or pansy smells. Made from grade-A, ancient Asian herbs, pure essential oils, vitamins and phyto-nutrients, Urth products pack more natural goods than your local Wholefoods. Michael Wood, editor in chief of Instinct magazine, says, “Without reservation… the Urth line is one of the best I’ve ever tried.” And Details magazine gives these details: “Urth brand delivers on the promise to to satisfy man’s quest for great-looking, healthy skin.”  Now you get why we had to play Q&A with Mr. Mah?

TN: What are some of the biggest mistakes dudes making about grooming?
BM: The biggest mistakes are as follow:

1.  Not taking the time to research and find products that are suitable for their skin type.

2.  Not taking the time to adopt an effective grooming regimen that works for their skin. (i.e. Washing face twice daily; morning & night.  removing dirt and grim at the end of the day is important for the skin to be able to breathe and repair while you are asleep.)

3.  Not moisturizing or applying an SPF.  Men tend to feel that moisturizing is for women and they don’t need it.  WRONG!!!  Proper skin hydration with an antioxidant rich moisturizer is important in keeping the skin well nourished and healthy looking.

4.  Not exfoliating!  Lets face it, real men exfoliate.  Exfoliation is important in ridding the skin of the dull & lifeless top layer of the skin so the skin can breathe and moisturizers can penetrate the skin effectively.  Exfoliating 2-3 times a week (depending on skin type)  will drastically improve the appearance of your skin.  Exfoliating before shaving will improve the quality of the shave and yield a much closer and smoother shave.

5. Not taking the time to shave properly.  Most men rush through their morning shaves and the result can sometimes be very VISIBLE (cuts, nicks, razor burns and bumps).  The best thing to do is to shave after a nice shower.

6. Shampooing your hair too frequently.  Some men will shampoo their hair daily or sometimes more than once a day and can lead to dry itch scalp.
 
TN: What’s the one thing every guy should have in his medicine cabinet?
BM: Definitely a good moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants.

TN: Any sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
BM: We are in the process of finalizing Urth’s body wash.  This will be available in two scents that are derived from pure essential oils.  We’re also near completion on a hydrating mask as well.
 
TN: Biggest response a product of yours has received from consumers?
BM: There have been many many great responses to our products.  However, the biggest one has to be the consumer’s response to Urth’s Face Wash.  The Face Wash has won 2 grooming awards: Instinct Magazine, and Men’s Health Magazine.  Consumers love the fact that our Face Wash is very effective in ridding the dirt and grim without being too harsh or drying. Its definitely developed a “cultish” following.
 
TN: The product that’s had the biggest influence on your design?
BM: I would have to say Aveda. I like the look and feel and the simplicity of their product design.

TN: If you were a product, you’d be an  ______.
BM: iPod.  I love music, movies and television… Everything entertainment.

TN:Your favorite product discovery in the last six months… Or something that inspired you?
BM: Flat screen HDTV LCD.
 
TN: Most prized possession?
BM: Necklace my grandmother gave me.
 
TN: A product love secret you’re too embarrassed to share?
BM: Rose water hydrosol
 
TN: Name an item under your bed?
BM: At the moment, it’s a wireless router.
 
TN: Something in your closet that is not apparel, shoes, bags, etc.?
BM: Watches, ring, and cufflinks.

TN: Fav trend for fall?  
BM: Honestly, have been too busy this year to note the upcoming trends.

TN: Least fav trend for fall?
BM: See above.
 
TN: Can’t leave home without?
BM: My cell phone.

TN: City or suburbs?
BM: City all the way!
 
TN: Loft or the perfect house with the white picket fence?
BM: Moderate size house with a nice yard and pool

TN: Flip-flops or sneakers?  
BM: Flip-flops whenever possible!
 
TN: Coffee or tea?
BM: Tea daily, iced or hot and most likely slightly sweetened.