The days when men’s idea of skincare was restricted to a quick shower in the morning are a thing of the past. Nowadays, the men’s sector of the skincare market is one of the fastest growing areas. More and more men are investing in daily skincare such as moisturisers, serums and facial wash.
Yet the professional market is also seeing growth.
Statistics from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) demonstrate that the number of men undergoing procedures in the UK increased by 17% from 2012-2013 and non-surgical face and body treatments are said to account for 75 per cent of the total spent.
This boom is said to be fuelled by a number of factors, including an increase in men aged 35-45 still single or newly single and wanting to improve their appearance. Meanwhile, the whole concept of cosmetic surgery and treatments is more generally accepted by society.
Men’s Skin Conditions
First and foremost, it is essential to recognise that men’s skin differs to that of females.
1. The Effects of Shaving
Men’s facial skin is exposed to daily shaving.
On the one hand irritates the skin, causing problems such as redness and sensitivity. However, on the other hand, the process does include some positive aspects in terms of exfoliating the skin and stripping off the outer layers.
Men’s skincare products offer the same basic functions as those formulated for women – cleansing and moisturising – but the formulations are adapted to suit men’s skincare needs, calming the skin after shaving and moisturising it. However, the desire to appear good for one’s age works irrespective of gender.
Lines and wrinkles are a common complaint for men over the age of 35, especially for those who have indulged in an active outdoor life. Skin care also needs to include prevention and treatment of ingrown hair of the face and neck.
2. Hair Loss
Elsewhere, one of the major hurdles faced by men is that of hair loss.
40% of men have noticeable hair loss by the age of 35 and half by the age of 50. Premature hair loss can start as early as the late teens, leaving some men with very little hair by the mid-twenties.
This is an issue which affects self-esteem as well as physical appearance.
3. Excessive Sweating
A third issue where men differ is that of excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. The website embarrassingproblems.com explains:
“Men are sweatier than women, even when you take body size into account. Scientists tested volunteers in a laboratory mock-up of a sweltering car. Men lost 250 g of sweat per hour, which was 70 g more than the women (New Scientist 1 June 2002)”.
4. Fat Accumulation and Distribution
The accumulation of fat cells works differently for men too. We all tend to fatten up with age, but the nature of that does differ with gender.
Women experience fatty deposits on the hips and thighs and can be inclined to build up cellulite, whereas for men it tends to be more focused on the abdominal area.
This is of course unhealthy and action should be taken for medical as well as appearance enhancing reasons. Even more embarrassing can be the development of ‘man boobs’ or accumulation in the form of a double chin.
Treatments for Men
Many of the skin treatments favoured by female clients are also quite suitable for men. However, the way in which they are used should be considered according to the individual’s needs.
Check back for our next article, which will cover in more detail the top treatments for male patients.
Integrated Skin & Healthcare
Dr Kubicka always emphasises that the first step is to have a thorough individual skin and health consultation to fully understand the nature of the problem and any underlying causes. Once the conditions of concern are properly diagnosed and understood a range of highly effective treatments are available. She believes that it is vital to take an integrated approach to the care. This means ensuring that any lifestyle or dietary factors are also identified and appropriate advice will be given. This might include supplements or IV drip treatment to improve health and wellbeing as well as skincare and nutritional changes.
Working with clients from the inside out is key to Dr Kubicka’s policy of integrated skin and healthcare.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please contact Clinicbe on 0207 125 0521 or email info@clinicbe.com
