Some people think skin care is for women only. They think it requires a lot of fuss, time, or money. We’re focusing on men in this post because caring for your skin is important for everyone. However, men’s skin care needs differ from those of women.
The Pros and Cons of Men’s Skin
All those hair follicles serve as a support structure for the face keeping men more wrinkle-free. Also winning the wrinkle war, is the extra hydration men get from all the oil produced by the hair follicles on the face. However, that extra oil also makes men more susceptible to acne and other skin issues. Removing the daily grit and grime with a good wash is essential. While all that face shaving can be a drag, it exfoliates men’s skin, but that can also remove the oils. Then there are the alcohol-laden aftershaves, which can add to dry skin woes. Men also tend to neglect their skin when weathering the elements. Sun, wind, and cold can take a toll if skin is left unprotected. As you can see, there are many conflicting concerns and perks that can even differ from man to man. How do you sort it all out?
Whether you’re focused on skin health, aesthetics, or both, SoCo Dermatology has something for every man. Whether you choose a minimal or a more involved approach, you can mix and match skin care regimens to suit your individual needs and goals. We offer some suggestions here to take the guesswork out of which products and treatments might be best for you. For your convenience, we’ve launched an online shop so all the best, most effective products are all in one place and just a click away. We also recommend a visit with Dr. Evans to get expert, individualized care.
Brotox: Botox for Brothers
My wife got it, Hollywood stars get it, but should I? More and more, men who want to stay on their game are using Botox to secure their positions in an ever more competitive workforce. Younger men are also using Botox to prevent the formation of wrinkles, which keeps them looking younger longer. Commonly injected into the face to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles, Botox works by paralyzing or weakening certain muscles in the body or by blocking nerves. The health benefits include the reduction of migraines. (Botox is also used in many specialties to treat a variety of nerve and muscle-related conditions).
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Injected into the armpit, Botox is also used to treat excessive underarm sweat—hyperhidrosis. We’re talking about the kind of sweating that drenches your shirt and creates embarrassment in social and work situations. A little Botox and no more packing that extra shirt in your briefcase! Your health insurance may even cover treatment for this condition. Excessive sweating on the palms and soles can be another embarrassing nuisance. Botox can help you shake hands with confidence! Schedule a consultation with our nurse practitioner, Ellie, to discuss what Botox can do for you.
Men can moisturize too!
HydraFacials are the newest form of microdermabrasion, but differ in that they hydrate the skin by infusing different anti-aging serums. Doing HydraFacials monthly should feel like going to the gym. They are like a wonderful workout for your skin because they maintain skin health, texture, and tone.
Fillers: Saving Face
With age, the face can loose volume and fullness. Sometimes people can even look gaunt or droopy, which definitely adds years to their appearance. Radiesse, Voluma, or Perlane are injectable fillers approved by the FDA for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This kind of treatment enhances shallow contours, softens facial creases and wrinkles, and improves the appearance of recessed scars.
One and Done: Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!!!
Ok, we said it three times, but if you’re short on time and can only do ONE thing to keep your skin in shape, apply sunscreen every day. It will protect you from getting wrinkles and deadly skin cancers caused by the sun’s ultraviolet light. Put some on in the morning and you’re good to go. You can even apply it on the go—toss a bottle in the car or your briefcase. And don’t forget the top of your head if you’re bald or balding!
Please also keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equally. We highly recommend finding one that’s at least SPF 15, chemical-free, with a physical block. Elta MD UV Shield has 9% transparent zinc oxide and full-spectrum—UVA and UVB—protection as well as antioxidants. UVA is so powerful that it penetrates glass so even if you think you’re safe inside a car or house, this particularly damaging radiation may reach you. We also love sunscreen because it serves double duty as a moisturizer.
Chapstick for Chaps
As we age, fine lines and wrinkles form around our lips because they lack sweat and oil glands. This skin also lacks both the protective layer (called the stratum corneum that we have on other areas of our bodies) and melanin, which protects us from sun radiation. Don’t miss out on a skin fix as simple as chapstick, preferably with a sunscreen. A great dual action option is EltaMD UV lip balm, which moisturizes the lips while providing UV protection at the same time.
Folliculitis—Enemy of the Beard
Beards are back and with them those annoying itchy, zit-like bumps. This is called folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles. Its causes include bacteria, yeast, fungus, irritation from shaving or clothing, blocked pores, and ingrown hairs. To keep sweat, dirt, and oils from causing or aggravating this condition, try washing regularly and avoid sharing towels. A terrific tool to keep the bumps at bay is Avène’s Dermo-K, a unique, hypoallergenic cream, which cleanses and reduces bacterial risks and softens ingrown hairs so they can release. Additionally, the new multiple-blade razors can be more irritating so if you have curly hair and are prone to shaving bumps, try switching to a single-blade or electric razor. We also suggest using shaving products formulated for sensitive skin. Folliculitis is often self-limiting, but if it persists past 2 weeks, you may need antibiotics. Check with Dr. Evans to make sure you don’t have some other condition, such as impetigo.
Hair Relocation Program
While the lumberjack look is back, the face is the only place hair is welcome. Hair everywhere else is out! Meanwhile, you’ve got some deep forestation that needs more than a trimming. Women have known where to go to get this done for decades, but where can you go if you’re a man and want some privacy? At the SoCo medical spa, we offer clean, safe waxing and laser hair removal in a discrete, comfortable, and professional environment. And did we mention how much time you’ll save with less shaving to do?
Pedicures: Don’t forget your feet!
Let’s face it, feet can get pretty gnarly. Even though they’re hidden away in shoes or boots most of the time, this is exactly why they need some attention. Also, you don’t want those talons scraping up against that special someone, do you? We pride ourselves on the safety of our pedicures (because you can't always be sure going to local salons). All of our instruments are fully sterilized at a medical-grade level and all non-sterilizable products (files, brushes, polish, etc.) are not transferable person-to-person. Our medical spa is also very private—you won’t be sitting in a shop window on a pedicure assembly line.
We hope we’ve given you some new ideas to explore!
We’re here to answer your questions: 203-323-5660