You may be thinking about resolutions for the New Year right about now. For both men and women, these often include plans to lose weight, exercise regularly, manage money more responsibly, or maybe even learn a new skill. But when it comes to skincare for men and other issues with appearance… well these resolutions tend to be taken on by women more often. But we think our male readers can benefit just as much from a conscious effort to care for themselves in this way.
Develop a skincare routine. The most obvious step men should consider adding to their morning routine is the use of sunscreen. The sun is an Equal Opportunity Ager, and while we have ways to address the damage it does, nothing beats protection. Daily use of sunscreen requires a tiny investment of time and money but offers big results.
And even though men don’t have to remove makeup at night, there is still a layer of sweat and air pollution collecting on the face throughout the day. Cleansing the face and following up with a quality moisturizer before bed will help brighten the complexion and keep skin healthier.
Finally, be sure that you use a clean, high quality razor when you shave, and switch the blades out regularly to reduce irritation.
Consider doing something about previous skin damage. The years take their toll on us all, often resulting in fine lines, dark spots, uneven texture, and sagginess that leave the skin looking less than its best. Skincare for men may not do yield the results you are looking for. Venus Versa® is a pulsed light treatment that reverses the signs of aging due to sun exposure. Venus Viva® delivers energy to the deeper layers of skin to rebuild collagen and fibroblasts – the very structure of the skin – to help repair damage and rebuild healthy skin.
Address those lines and creases. Our facial expressions give us personality and help us convey our feelings and emotions – the hearty laugh and the furrowed brow are physical evidence of the joys and sorrows of a full life. But over the years, the use of facial muscles to create these expressions can leave behind lines and creases. This can result in an older appearance, or even an “always angry” expression.
Botox® injectables can address these issues, leaving smoother skin and a fresher appearance. Dr. Slack will work with you to create a plan for using Botox that addresses your specific concerns.
There are also a number of dermal fillers that can improve the appearance of deep folds and wrinkles. These simple injectables restore volume to these areas and reduce their appearance.
Think about your hairline. Most men experience hair loss as they age and often wish to restore the hairline of their younger days. With new technology, this is not only possible, but it offers natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Neograft® hair restoration uses Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), a process where individual hair follicles are harvested from thicker regions of hair growth and implanted in areas where hair has stopped growing. Because individual hair follicles are used, the new hairline can be meticulously crafted to look as natural as possible. Dr. Slack himself recently underwent the procedure, so look for a special article in early January outlining his experience.
As you make plans for the new year (and new decade!), we encourage you to think about improving the way you care for your skin and appearance. Even small tweaks to your daily routine of skincare for men can make a big difference in the way you look, provide health benefits, and even improve your self-image. Who knows – this resolution may help you achieve your other resolutions.
Whether you are considering adding a new moisturizer, giving Botox® a try, or taking the plunge with hair restoration, Dr. Slack would like to talk with you. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he is skilled at creating a plan that will help you achieve your resolutions for your appearance.
