In the past few years, there has been a huge rise in demand for male aesthetic treatments. More and more aesthetic companies are specifically focussing on men’s aesthetic treatments to run alongside their traditional female clientele base.
Where has this demand come from and why are men being specifically targeted. Well, traditionally men’s aesthetics has been the realm of the metrosexual‘?
Personally, I hate the word. The dictionary defines metrosexual as a heterosexual urban man who enjoys shopping, fashion, and similar interests traditionally associated with women or homosexual men. This implies men who care about how they look are somewhat less masculine.
Well times are changing, and men no longer need to hide in the shadow of their female counterparts when it comes to looking after their skin and appearance. We are beginning to appreciate the benefits of not just looking good, but of portraying a certain persona, when it comes to being successful in business, relationships and improving our feelings of self-worth.
The ever-competitive workplace means it is essential that men don’t neglect their appearance. The risk that younger colleagues may be more influential and appealing at the board table or at the next promotion, is a pervasive factor in maintaining a more youthful impression.
The ageing process itself is able to transform a kind, gentle, and empathetic man, into a mean, untrustworthy, and harsh man visually. This applies to both men and women and can, to some degree, affect their social interaction in society.
How To Approach Male Aesthetic Treatments
Well there are several steps to a quick and successful skincare regime.
1. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections.
These tiny relatively painless injections help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and over time prevent that \’93Gordon Ramsay\’94 forehead, sorry Gordon! They are extremely safe, low risk and can be used around the eyes, frown area and other areas of the face to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help with lifting effect in the lower face.
2. Dermal Fillers
Men always worry about dermal fillers. Yes, we see so many bad fillers outcomes out there and it literally is a minefield trying to find a practitioner that will produce natural, harmonious results that are barely detectable. But find the right one and you can benefit from treatments that enhance your features to be more masculine, feminine, gender neutral, or whatever you feel is right for you. From strengthening jawlines, cheekbones, balancing the profile with non-surgical rhinoplasty and chin reshaping, the options are limitless.
3. Wear SPF Daily
Men are much less likely to wear SPF than women, and the cumulative effect of damage from free radicals in the skin as a result of UV penetration, results in a more rapid ageing process.
TOP TIP: A personal favourite is Heliocare Oil-Free Gel SPF 50
4. Optimise your skincare routine
Regular shaving can dry out the skin, making it more porous and vulnerable to the effects of atmosphere pollution, which in turn can result in increased sensitivity and inflammation. Moisturising with the right products can help restore and retain your skin’s moisture levels.
TOP TIP: Obagi’s Hydrate contains Hydromanil, which helps retain water and gradually deliver moisture to the skin without blocking the pores.
Alongside this you could add Vitamin-C, which acts as an anti-oxidant to repair the damage caused by free-radicals in the skin. It can also help to stimulate collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and promoting a more even-skin tone due to its mild inhibition of melanin production in the skin.
Vitamin A in the form of Retinol or Tretinoin penetrates deeper in the skin. It has the effect of reducing sebum production, especially good for blemish-prone skin, as well as stimulating fibroblasts, responsible to promoting collagen and elastin synthesis, resulting in improved fine lines and wrinkles.
It is essential when choosing products that we ensure a good formulation that has been proven to be effective and well-tolerated. Most over the counter products contain these ingredients in an unstable or very weak concentrations, reducing their effectiveness.
Yes, it’s a minefield but it doesn’t have to be confusing.
Contact us for more information or for a consultation about how we can help develop an easy, straightforward skin regime. We can advise on other non-surgical treatments that will help you look fresher and more youthful, as well as preventing the irreversible effects of sun damage.