Typically the cosmetic industry has been a market fueled by women. Or at least that is the way it seems since women are usually more vocal about suggesting products to friends or discussing the procedures they have had done. Hiding in the background, however, is the growing number of men who have begun to ask their physicians for ways to enhance their appearances. While they may try to claim that the bags under their eyes disappeared because their football team finally won a game last weekend, men are now taking aging in to their own hands by scheduling an appointment with their local dermatologist.
It used to be enough for a man to have an established career, to look a little rough around the edges and accept gray hairs and fine lines as they popped up. Within recent years, however, society has become a bit more critical. Men are more aware then ever about how much they sweat, the patches of rough skin on their hands, unwanted hair and sagging skin.
Gene Rubinstein M.D of the Dermatology and Laser Centre of Studio City says the point that most men stress before having any type of work done is that the results must look natural. For them going to the dermatologist is more about discovering new ways to look well rested as opposed to achieving a whole new look. The last thing they want is to look frozen or fake.
Surprisingly when it comes to getting the results they want, it is men who are willing spend the most money. Dr. Rubinstein attributes this to the fact that men don’t seem to second guess themselves. Once they have their minds made up on what will help them, they stick to their guns and don’t shop around for the best prices or alternatives the way a woman might.
While some may still be a bit apprehensive about going straight for Botox, Dr. Rubinstein suggests more subtle ways to rejuvenate a man’s look.
Photofacials: By using a combination of topical medications and lasers, a Photofacial is a great way to treat multiple symptoms of aging skin on your entire face. In just one treatment, you can expect to start eliminating fine lines, red blemishes, broken blood vessels, pigment discoloration such as freckles and age spots, enlarged pores, coarse or rough skin, loss of skin tone and elasticity, and general sun damage. While most people opt to treat their faces, Photofacials are also great at treating damage to the hands, neck and chest as well.
Laser Hair Removal: Because about 40% of laser hair removal clients are men, dermatologists are more than capable of catering directly to the areas of the body that are most troublesome. What may appeal to you most about this type of treatment is that the lasers are powerful and can treat large spots at once, meaning more results in a short amount of time. Additionally, laser treatments eliminate the hassles of shaving, especially in hard to reach areas like the back.
For the more daring types who are still not too keen on the idea of opting for surgery, treatments specifically pinpoint areas of aging on the face:
Botox: Most men experience lines forming between the eyes, making them look relentlessly stressed or stern. By injecting Botox into the muscles in that area, not only do the lines disappear but the muscle group that creates the lines is paralyzed, resulting in a smoother complexion. Another popular use for Botox is to stop excessive sweating. Even if prescription deodorant has not helped relieve sweating issues in the past, injecting Botox twice a year will reduce the sweating of underarms, palms and soles.
Fillers: By adding volume into wrinkles and folds, fillers instantly add a natural, youthful look to the face without the downtime of surgery. As men age, it is more common to start to see lines forming from the nose downward to the outside of the mouth and bags under the eyes. Fillers are a great and effective way to reduce both, giving a fuller, more youthful look while rejuvenating your whole appearance.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
