Treating Male Skin
The male grooming industry has never been bigger. The rise in non surgical treatments over the past few years has been well documented. Research shows that 52% of men worldwide feel their appearance is ‘very important.’ Finally, males have started to take an interest in looking after their skin, all be it many centuries later. It would have been a rare occurrence to see a male browse the skincare counters in boots but now when you enter your regular Beauty clinic, you are guaranteed to see a male in the reception, waiting to have a treatment.
Due to testosterone, men tend to have an oily skin, which in the long run is beneficial as research shows a drier skin ages much quicker. Although this may be the case, a male skin can often be environmentally sensitised from daily shaving, leaving it inflamed and irritated, which eventually weakens the protective barrier function.
On average a man may have up to 30,000 hairs on his face, making it practically impossible for product absorption and achieving a smooth, clean finish for any longer that a few hours. We are all aware of the ‘5 o’clock shadow’ which may appear within a few hours of a clean shave. Male skin is up to 25% thicker than a woman’s, its’s fair to say a male skin needs a bit of TLC every now and again.
Market research tells us that moisturiser is one of the most commonly used products with males, which aids hydration, especially after shaving. Active Moist from Dermalogica RRP £44, is a male favourite as it is oil free and lightweight. Advertising has influenced many clients to over-moisturise which can increase problems such as acne and also create a sensitivity to products. Professional advice is key to ensuring you are using the correct products.
Acne scarring is a common problem we encounter in both men and woman: Woman however, are fortunate in that they can use concealer to cover blemished skin. Clients often admit to concern more over the redness of acne scarring rather than the indentations on the skin itself and this can have a profound effect on confidence. Our approach with acne clients is to begin with a good homecare routine. There are a number of professional salon treatments that are suitable for acne, as our first approach we recommend 3-4 laser treatments, however a professional peel prior to commencing laser treatments will optimise the results. The laser treatments are carried out at 4 weekly intervals and the results for acne clients have had a significant impact on confidence and quality of life. Treatments can be a bit tingly so not for the faint hearted. As they say ‘no pain no gain.’
A patch test and consultation is required prior to the first laser treatment to ensure the client is suitable for treatment. There is very little downtime with these treatments and the results are visible very quickly.
Another approach to a healthier, clearer complexion is Microdermabrasion. A deeply exfoliating treatment which helps the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring and enlarged pores. Once the laser treatment has cleared most of the redness from blemishes, the microdermabrasion is a great treatment improve the texture of the skin. A minimum of 4 sessions is advisable and results are instant!
With hectic work schedules and busy lives we are all looking for that quick fix these days, minimal sessions and treatments with short downtime to achieve the desired result. A simple three step homecare routine is vital, in helping prolong the benefits of treatment. This would consist of a cleanser to remove oil/dirt, an exfoliant to aid removal of dead skin cells and a moisturiser containing an SPF of 30 or higher. Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster RRP £38.90, can be mixed with your day moisturiser. A skin consultation would be beneficial, to ensure the products are best suited and used appropriately.
Dermalogica has a wide range of products suitable for all skin types and concerns. Top selling male products at Beauty Haven are Special cleansing gel which is a foaming face wash, skin prep scrub, a skin polishing exfoliant and Active Moist, an oil free fast absorbing moisturiser. There is also a shave range, great for those clients who shave daily, as the ingredients are soothing and invigorating.
If you are interested in a treatment plan or need advice on a homecare regime, please do not hesitate to contact Beauty Haven and we will be happy to help.