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In case you haven’t noticed, men and women are different. Not only are our preferences different (when you go to a spa, for instance, you might not want a “girly” experience); there are also actual physical differences when it comes to your skin.
Besides having much more and thicker facial hair, the skin structure of men is different. Blame your levels of good old testosterone, which makes your skin about 25% thicker, tougher and coarser.
You also have more collagen than women, which keeps your skin firmer for longer and ensures it will age much more slowly, unless you are a regular sun bunny, that is… UV damage will destroy a lot of that natural advantage.
Once puberty is over, men’s oil production is also greater, which can lead to problems with an oily skin, and acne can last longer.
Spoilt for choice
So while you share concerns about wrinkles, sun damage, acne and pigmentation with women, your skin and general grooming concerns are slightly different, and there are a variety of treatments available to address men’s needs.
First up is skin care. Previously you had to put up with a neutral-smelling (no flowers!) “women’s” range, but due to strong demand there’s been a massive growth in skin care specifically formulated for men. While there may be some overlap in ingredients and formulas, the difference doesn’t just lie in the fragrance (ocean breeze, fresh citrus and pine forest) – the products are designed to act on more facial and body hair, tougher skin, and challenges like shaving and strong sweat production.
As the focus on good grooming and appearance is becoming the norm, it’s no surprise then that men are heading to medical spas, salons and aesthetic centres for professional treatments in order to take care of the things that bug them about their appearance – from facials to help eliminate acne and excess oiliness, taming body hair and love handles, to repairing long-term damage such as post-acne scarring and sun damage.
The aim of a good salon is not to try to completely change the way you look (unless that is your aim), but rather to help you maintain your youthful, masculine vigour.
At the salon
Not all skin conditions can be treated optimally at home, and this is where professional care comes in. Moderate to severe acne is a prime example. Skin Renewal recommend the following treatments at one of their branches:
Face and back acne
These treatments aim to unclog blocked pores and extract any whiteheads, blackheads and pimples on the skin. They also aim at smoothing skin tone and texture, decreasing the appearance of spots, and promoting speedy healing.
Acne treatment options and number of treatments required:
• Beta Peels (an average of four to six treatments)
• Azelan Peels (an average of four to six treatments)
• Extraction Peel Facials (an average of four initial treatments, and then every four to six weeks for maintenance)
• Gut restoration via Health Renewal looks at the health of your gut and gives you a programme to support its healthy functioning, which can have a marked effect on your skin.
At home
It’s important to follow up any professional treatment with good home care.
NeoStrata’s Resurface range is a good all-rounder for men. As the name suggests, the general Prepare, Protect and Repair range has a gentle chemical exfoliating action to keep pores clear of pimples, and looking fresh, even and smooth as it moisturises, keeps skin firm and protected against UV damage. There are also specialist AHA-enriched treatments to give your skin an intense exfoliation and rejuvenation benefit.
Lamelle’s Clarity range and Acnevelle oral supplement, used together, is also excellent for acne.
To find out more, visit Skin Renewal or purchase products on the Skin Renewal Online Skin Care Store.
