8 anti-ageing tricks & products for men
Do you like what you see in the mirror? Any niggling issues? Are you looking after yourself or crossing your fingers that you’ll age well? The good news is, there are a lot of male grooming products on the market these days which make a difference but require minimal time and effort.
The term ‘metrosexual’ was thought up to describe men who cared about their appearance (maybe a little too much, some thought!) – worrying about how you looked was something that only a certain type of guy was in to. Now the world has moved on and it’s taken for graned that men take care of themselves, with more men than ever having skin-care regimes as disciplined and tailored to their skin type as women and buying their own products (no longer secretly using their partners’). A whole industry therefore sprung up around men’s specific skin, hair and body needs.
Dr Saira says, “A bit of grooming can really change your appearance. Managing your body hair, taking good care of your skin or even changing your hairstyle will breathe new life into your look and give you a confidence boost.”
So what are the secrets of the well-groomed? To ensure you have the right tools to put your best, most-stylish and well-groomed foot forward, we’ve put together our top male grooming tips:
1. Remove excess body hair
Hair is great. It has an important function. But you don’t necessarily welcome it everywhere it chooses to spring up! Lots of men and women aren’t keen on excessive body hair, and even less like back, ear or nose hair. There are many ways to remove it, from trimmers to waxing. A pain-less and effective option is Soprano ICE laser hair removal. (In just four to six treatments you could be hair-free, permanently).
2. Clean up your act
To keep skin looking healthy, establish a twice-daily cleansing routine to remove deal skin cells, oils and impurities. Water is not enough; you need to degrease the skin with a facial wash, formulated with substances that do not dry or irritate the skin. If you have facial hair, try a sonic cleansing brush that will ensure you get to the skin beneath. Cleansing is also important for the optimal penetration of sunscreen and anti-ageing products. Men with particularly oily skin should also use products that regulate sebum production. Gels or foaming cleansers with glycolic and salicylic acids are the best options. These also really help if you are prone to ingrown hairs and help to reduce any redness.
3. Scrub up
Remember to exfoliate. Exfoliating lightly will brighten your skin and allow your moisturiser to penetrate more effectively and hydrate properly. You should exfoliate once a week if you have oily skin, twice if you have dry skin. Choose a gentle formula: we recommend SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age cleansing face wash – it actually exfoliates as it contains lactic acid (great for shaving rash as mentioned above).
4. Moisturise
The golden rule regarding moisturiser is finding the right one for your skin type. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 is a great all-rounder and suitable for all skin types. If you are prone to spots and oiliness, chose an oil-free product. It will still hydrate your skin and also prevent future breakouts.
5. Eye Eye
Don’t ignore your under-eye area – add an eye cream or serum to your daily routine. The under-eye area is four times thinner than the skin on your cheeks and it’s very quick to wrinkle, showing the first signs of ageing. Try SkinCeuticals AOX Gel.
6. Always wear sunscreen
Daily application of sunscreen all year round is vital to avoid premature ageing, skin cancer and to prevent sunburn. 90% of premature ageing is caused by solar radiation – prevent it rather than treat it later! SPF should be applied on sun-exposed areas every day before you leave the house (and yes, even on cloudy London days… UVA is always present, waiting to destroy your collagen). Heliocare is a great advanced range which ensures that you can wear year-round protection but without the ghostly appearance which used to be associated with sun cream. They have a great product range, both anti-ageing and moisturising.
7. Keep hydrated
Decreased elasticity of the skin and dehydrated skin occur due to loss of water in the top layer of skin. The ageing process, smoking and pollution also cause further loss of water. Dry and dehydrated skin is dull, rough, saggy and prone to flaking. That’s the reason why it’s important to use a specific moisturiser for every skin type. Even oily skin needs hydration to maintain its normal function. For extra hydration and to improve texture and pores, try a professional facial to restore skin radiance and tackle tired-looking skin. Consider a HydraFacial as an all-in-one option to deep cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, nourish and – its super feature – stimulate collagen production.
8. Sleep well
Switch off your phone, iPad, TV and get a good night’s sleep. The best doctors always highlight the importance of sleep. Sleeping well plays a vital role in health and well-being throughout your life: when you get enough sleep, it protects your mental and physical health, quality of life and productivity. Theway you feel when you’re awake depends in part on what happens while you are sleeping. Damage caused by sleep deficiency can occur in an instant, or can harm you over time. Sleep can also affect how you think, react, work, learn and live with other people.
Male grooming products are hugely popular these days so push aside any lingering doubts about using them. Begin these steps and start to enjoy the benefits of great skin (and a few more admiring glances!).
If there is something bothering you about your appearance or skin in general, call or email us and we’ll be happy to help.
