Skin Care for Men: Basics to Know

It may be a bit of a stereotype, but it’s pretty clear that many women are more attentive to the needs of their skin than are many men. Men don’t want to look aged and older any more than women, but many simply don’t do enough to care for their skin to avoid showing the signs of aging. Men do not have to spend a lot or have a complicated regimen to look their best. In fact, a good cleanser, a quality anti-aging cream, and periodic exfoliation will go a long way to maintain a healthy, youthful look.

CLEANSING THE SKIN

Something men are tempted to do — but definitely should not! — is reach for the soap in the shower for cleansing the face. Soap has additives in it that can dry out the skin, robbing it of valuable moisture needed to prevent formation of wrinkles. Choosing a cleanser does not mean an expensive trip to the mall — in fact, there are many quality brands to be found at affordable prices at the drugstore or grocer. For those who want something more, there are some great brands available online, as well.

First, a man should decide if his skin is dry, oily, normal, combination, or sensitive. After a lifetime of having a face, this shouldn’t be too hard to determine! Purchasing a cleanser formulated for one’s own skin type is a good idea. Dry skin can use extra moisture, sensitive skin needs a simple cleanser that isn’t irritating, oily skin needs a cleanser to absorb excess oil, and normal skin just needs a cleanser that is neither too drying or too oily.

EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE!

Exfoliation is important to having healthy skin. Two to three times a week, apply an exfoliating cleanser to the skin, and start scrubbing away. This will get rid of any impurities that your regular cleanser can’t touch, and will also smoothen the skin. This makes shaving easier and quicker! Exfoliation is an important component of male skin care.

MOISTURIZE YOUR FACE

Using a quality anti-wrinkle cream to moisturize the face is important. As men grow older, they need extra moisture for the skin. This extra moisture can slow down the emerging signs of aging, as well as help the skin feel supple and smooth. Purchasing a quality cream, such as Lifecell, will meet all of your facial moisturizing needs, while also decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin Care Tips: Choosing the Best Cleanser

We’ve written in the past about the importance of choosing a great anti aging cream to keep skin looking young and fresh. Before you can apply anti aging cream, though, you must start with clean skin. This is where choosing the right skin cleanser is important.

BEST CLEANSERS FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Skin types vary, but fall into several categories including: oily, dry, combo, sensitive, and blemished. You probably have a good idea what your skin type is, so determine the best match for your skin.

NORMAL SKIN

If you have middle-of-the-road, “normal” skin, a basic cleanser by Neutrogena or Purpose will do the trick. These cleansers run anywhere from $7-$15 each, so they’re easy on the budget. There is no need to spend a lot of money on skin cleansers if you have normal skin! Oil-free, soap-free cleansers will wash away the impurities without leaving the skin too dry.

DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN

If you have dry skin, consider Cetaphil cleanser, available at any drugstore, or in bargain 2-for-1 packages at Costco. One bottle of Cetaphil goes a long way, and at $10-$12 per bottle, it’s truly a bargain at twice the price. Cetaphil is formulated without dyes, perfumes, or other additives that can irritate the skin. It is a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SUPER MOISTURE

Cold cream brings up mental images of your grandma, but her beauty regime isn’t necessarily out of date. Consider Pond’s Cold Cream if you’re looking for super-soft skin with lots of moisture. The trick is not to wash it off by splashing water. Use a warm wash cloth or a tissue to remove the cold cream, and enjoy a cleanliness without that “tight” feeling you get with many typical cleansers.

OILY SKIN AND ACNE PRONE

If you have an oily complexion, consider using a gel cleanser such as Clinique Gel Cleanser. Gels are very good at sopping up excess oil, so try this cleanser at the counter first, to be sure that it isn’t too drying.

If you have acne prone skin, you might consider trying Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne products. Formulated with salicylic acid, this cleanser goes a long way toward promoting acne free skin. It isn’t a cure-all, but it surely can help keeping the face free of impurities.

Deanol (DMAE) Basics You Need To Know

For those who follow anti-wrinkle cream technology, you’ve surely heard of Deanol, also known as DMAE. This active ingredient is used in some cutting-edge anti-wrinkle creams, including Lifecell, and the more you learn about it, the more you may want to give it a try.

WHAT IS DMAE?

It’s not something you can easily spell, but dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is an effective and worthwhile ingredient for diminishing the visible signs of aging. Among the benefits touted are improvement in the muscle tone beneath treated skin, improvement in blood circulation and tone around the lip area, as well as a reduction in sagging skin.

Deanol (DMAE) is actually a naturally occurring substance in the brain, and is connected with the chemical acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is active in helping muscles function correctly.

MEDICINAL USE TO COSMETIC USE

Doctors originally recognized the potential use for Deanol (DMAE) in treating neuromuscular disorders. In the published journals detailing these therapies, Deanol (DMAE) was actually ingested orally, not topically applied as in a skin cream.

Early cosmetic use of Deanol (DMAE) consisted of applying a 3% Deanol (DMAE) solution to the forehead and around the eyes for 4 months. There was a statistically significant improvement in the appearance of forehead lines and eye wrinkles, with an improvement as well in sagging skin, under-eye circles, and other facial imperfections. These results were long-lasting, as well.

DEANOL INSTEAD OF BOTOX?

Clinical results from the application of Deanol (DMAE) are promising enough to warrant the inclusion in a quality anti-wrinkle cream such as Lifecell. While quick fixes like Botox are certainly effective, it is an expensive and ongoing process of maintenance. Trying an effective anti-wrinkle cream might be your first choice, before resorting to more invasive procedures like Botox. The possibility of great results within just a few months paired with the probability of long-term improvement makes for a compelling reason to try just such an anti-wrinkle product.

All About Chemical Peels: Part II

In our last post, we talked a little bit about chemical peels; what they are and what they treat. Chemical peels are a great choice for those who wish to see an improvement in the overall look of skin due to sun damage, and need a little more “juice” than you can get from a quality anti-wrinkle cream. Chemical peels also treat a variety of other conditions — be sure to read part I of this series for all the details.

In this post, we’re going to get more into the “nitty gritty” of chemical peels. The information that is of most concern to those who already have decided the chemical peel is the right choice.

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL

If you have a chemical peel procedure coming up, then it is important to be as prepared as possible. Your doctor should give you a list of instructions to follow pre-procedure, but we’ll go over a few basics if you do not yet have this list. If you are on any prescription or over the counter medications, your doctor may have you stop taking certain ones prior to the procedure. Of course, if any of these medications are vital to your health, you will not be asked to stop them. However, there are some medications that can be contraindicated with chemical peels.

You may be asked to precondition the skin with Retin-A, glycolic acid, or Renova. Additionally, get a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a good SPF (at least 30) for sensitive skin. You may find that for some time post-procedure that your skin is more sensitive than normal.

If you’ve been instructed to begin a course of antibiotics, be sure to do so. This is very important, as some chemical peels can expose you to infections.

DURING YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL

It is not unusual to feel a burning sensation on your skin during the chemical peel, since the chemical peel is designed to strip off layers of unwanted skin. If this pain is more severe, the doctor can prescribe a pain medication for you to use. Cold compresses are useful for alleviating discomfort as well.

AFTER YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL

If you’ve ever had a sunburn, the process of healing from that is similar to healing from a chemical peel. The affected skin may start to peel off, with some redness and scaling. This can last up to 7 days, but often not quite that long. Avoiding sun exposure during this process is important, so don’t schedule any beach vacations!

SIDE EFFECTS OF A CHEMICAL PEEL

Those with certain darker skin tones may run the risk of skin discoloration from a chemical peel. There is also a slight risk of scarring when you have a chemical peel. Those with a history of herpes outbreaks may find that cold sores are reactivated by chemical peels (this is treated the way any herpes outbreak is treated). Be sure to inform your dermatologist of any history of keloids or unusual scarring patterns that you have, as this may affect how your treatment proceeds.

All About Chemical Peels: Part I

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard about chemical peels. Saddled with a somewhat unfortunate name — is it just us, or does the name sound painful? — they’re actually a process of chemexfoliation or derma-peeling meant to improve the appearance of the skin. The process is pretty simple: a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which then peels off (as the name implies). The regenerated skin usually looks fresher, smoother, and with fewer wrinkles. For those who need treatment beyond a quality anti-wrinkle cream, chemical peels may be an option.

WHAT DO CHEMICALS PEELS TREAT?

If you’re considering a chemical peel, you may want to be sure it will effectively treat your problem area. Chemical peels are most often used to treat several skin problems, including: fine lines under the eyes and surrounding the mouth area; wrinkles caused by exposure to the sun, aging, and heredity; improving the appearance of light scarring; acne; reducing freckles, skin discoloration, age spots, and melasma.

In addition to these cosmetic uses for chemical peels, they can also be used to treat pre-cancerous keratoses. Dermatologists find that pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to reappear after a chemical peel treatment.

DO YOU HAVE DEEP SET WRINKLES? BULGES OR SAGS?

For those who have deep-set wrinkles, bulges, or sags in your skin, then it is possible that the chemical peel is not the right option for you. Consult with your dermatologist, but it is possible that instead laser resurfacing, soft tissue filler, or a face or brow lift would be in order.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR CHEMICAL PEEL?
The best candidates for chemical peels have fair or light skin tones, and tend to experience optimal results. Moderate to darker skin tones can also achieve good results, but it is often dependent on the type of problem being treated.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CHEMICAL PEEL?

Chemical peels are typically performed in a dermatologist’s office or outpatient center. Patients can expect to have their skin cleaned, and eyes and hair covered. Prescribed chemical peel solutions, including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, lactic acid, carbolic acid, and salicylic acid are appled to the skin.

There is more to learn about chemical peels, including how you can prepare, recovering from your chemical peel, and possible side effects. Come back and check out PART II of our series on chemical peels.

STAY TUNED…

What Are Typical Treatments for Sun Damage?

We’ve talked a little bit about sun damage and protecting your skin against the aging effects of UVA and UVB rays.  For those who’ve already experienced some degeneration due to skin exposure to the sun, there are a variety of treatments available to lessen the appearance of damage.  While it is impossible to completely restore the skin to its earlier state, it is possible to reduce the visible damage to the skin.

ELECTRICAL SCALPEL

In this procedure, the dermatologist uses a high-frequency current via a needle, and applies it to skin.  This process essentially burns the skin, resulting in precancerous cells being destroyed, and skin regenerating at a lower layer of skin cells.

CHEMICAL PEELS

Some chemical peels are formulated to rid the skin of solar damage, including senile stains, yellowish skin discoloration, and wrinkles).  The active ingredient for this process is generally trichloroacetic acid, which not only treats the specific skin damage, but also has a rejuvenating affect on the skin.

CRYOSURGERY

It sounds futuristic, but cryosurgery is not so exciting as it may seem.  Liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin to freeze stains and discoloration.  The patient will feel a burning sensation, and the effect is not unlike the burning of the electrical scalpel.  The cells are killed, causing skin to regenerate at a deeper layer of skin.

The skin after the procedure will look a bit rough, as it has been effectively burned.  This is normal, and should not be of concern unless it appears infected in some way.

ALPHAHYDROXYACIDS AND TRETINOIN CREAMS

This is one topical solution for sun damage.  You apply them in much the same way you would anti-wrinkle creams.  The typical way of application is a glycolic acid solution in the morning hours, and a tretinoin cream in the evenings.  Over time, patients generally see an improvement in the overall look and feel of sun damaged skin.

40 With Fabulous Skin: What’s The Secret?

Whether you’re looking at celebrities in a magazine, or a stunning fellow shopper at the grocery store:  you have to wonder, “How do they do it?”  Maintaining great skin well into middle age can be a challenge, especially for those not blessed with good genes.  After all, heredity plays a big role in how your skin looks and reacts to the environment.  However, just as those with overweight relatives are not consigned to a lifetime of obesity with the right diet and exercise, “bad” skin in the family doesn’t necessarily mean one should give up on looking his or her best.

QUALITY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

A suite of great skin care products, including an anti aging cream, is necessary to help skin get that extra help it needs to stay pliant, moisturized, and vibrant.  There are a variety of quality products on the market, including those manufactured by LifeCell and Dermagist, for example.  Which product you choose can depend on a variety of factors, including cost and active ingredients.  Each product is individually formulated with a different combination of active ingredients intended to make skin look its best.

The best way to determine which product may work best for you is to get educated on the different products and their active ingredients.  Take advantage of money back guarantees, as well as special discounts, if possible!

BE VIGILANT ABOUT SUNSCREEN

There is really no substitute for using an anti aging cream with at least SPF 15.  Even in the winter months, the skin is susceptible to harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause skin degeneration.  Men and women who look fantastic well into middle age all seem to be thoughtful about applying sunscreen as much as possible.  There is no better way to provide consistent, daily skin protection than by regularly applying sunscreen.

DON’T FORGET TO EXFOLIATE

Regular exfoliation is a terrific way to keep that young and fresh look so many covet.  Occasional facials are one way to do this, as are at-home masks and peels.  Microdermabrasion is another option, with some at-home options there as well.  Regularly sloughing off those old, dead skin cells is important for looking youthful.  Exfoliation isn’t just an option for better skin, it should be a regular part of your skin regimen.

Great Skin Guide: Sun Protection Basics Part II

Last time we talked about some basics of sun protection as it relates to having great skin.  The most important takeaways from that post were that you should select an appropriate SPF for your skin, and that you should be sure that you are getting some exposure to the sun regularly to be certain your body is getting enough vital Vitamin D.  Finding a great anti-aging cream with SPF is one easy way to get started.

For those who are wondering what kind of sun damage is possible — what “photoaging” actually does to the skin — you’ve come to the right place.  Today we’re going to take a look at the various ways that sun damage manifests itself on the skin, and what you should be on the lookout for if you’re regularly in the sun.

SUN SPOTS:  NOT JUST A FRECKLE

Sun spots are perhaps the most common evidence of overexposure to the sun.  They are most often found on the face, arms, and hands, owing to the fact that these are the body parts most regularly exposed to the sun.  Sun spots are brown in color, and resemble large freckles.  The term “sun spot” is a popular term, but they are known medically as hepatic stains or sun lentigines.  In and of themselves, they’re not particularly dangerous — they’re not premalignant or malignant.  However, they are somewhat unattractive to many eyes, and those who have them sometimes opt for a bleaching process, chemical peel, or liquid nitrogen to get rid of the spots.

BOWEN DISEASE

Typically found on female legs, the evidence of Bowen’s Disease are reddish stains.  They actually can be found on any part of the body, but the legs seem to be the top spot for symptoms to manifest.  Malignant cells cause the appearance of the red stains, and the disease symptoms are treated like a cancer.  However, it is not an invasive cancer that can threaten to spread elsewhere in the body.  The cells stay confined to the epidermal layer, but they are ideally treated as soon as possible.

SOLAR KERATOSES

This malady manifests itself as reddish or brown stains with a scaly surface.  Solar keratoses is most often found on older people who’ve spent many years exposed to the sun.  The lighter the skin tone, the more likely one is to develop these symptoms, given enough time in the sun.  The lesions that form are premalignant, so they need to be treated as swiftly as possible.  The process is not reversible, persay, as new lesions can form even after previous ones are excised.  Patients who experience these symptoms must be vigilant about protecting their skin and keeping an eye out for the formation of new lesions.

SUN PROTECTION MATTERS

The general knowledge about the importance of protecting the skin seems to have permeated the popular imagination.  Be sure you’re “on board” with adequately protecting your skin so as to avoid developing any of the conditions we’ve written about today.

Great Skin Guide: Sun Protection Basics Part I

There are some things you simply must  do in order to ensure great-looking skin.  Good nutrition and adequate hydration are important, but it is especially vital to be sure that you are always protecting your skin against exposure to the sun.  The sun is one of the most potentially damaging influences on your skin, so being aware of how to protect yourself against sun damage is vital to great-looking skin for years to come.

Obviously, sunburns are one way that skin can be damaged by the sun, and this is an immediate consequence of too much sun exposure.  But over time, sustained exposure to the sun without protection leads to premature aging, and in some cases, diseases like skin cancer.  The term that dermatologists use for skin damage caused by the sun is “photoaging.”  It is manifest in the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, brown stains, creases, and thinning of the skin.

So, what is the answer?  Stay out of the sun all together?

KEEP OUT OF THE SUN?

It’s important to understand that the sun, in and of itself, is a wonderful thing.  Not only is exposure to sunlight uplifting to the soul and important for a general sense of well-being, it is also the body’s best source of Vitamin D.  Vitamin D is having its “moment in the sun” so-to-speak, with scientists and researchers finding health benefits galore for those who get plenty of it.  In addition, there is evidence that those without adequate Vitamin D in the system suffer significant health setbacks in connection with the deficiency.  For this reason, spending time in the sun without being slathered head-to-toe in SPF 55 is OK.  15 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun under the right circumstances can be great for your health.  Everything, as they say, in moderation.  Be thoughtful about your choices.

UVB RADIATION:  SKIN’S ENEMY

UVB radiation from the sun is the most damaging aspect of the sun’s rays, causing skin cancer, burns, and degradation of the skin.  When you apply sunscreen, you should be applying a sunscreen that blocks the harmful UVB radiation.

Each day between 10am and 2pm is when the UVB rays are the strongest, and the amount you get depends on your area’s altitude, cloud cover, and surface reflection.  High altitudes have a 20% greater incidence of UVB rays, so bear this in mind if you live in mountainous, sunny regions.  Skiers, for example, should be aware because snow is highly reflective, and already they’re at high altitudes.  This is why sunscreen is an essential part of any skier’s travel bag.

WHAT SPF SHOULD YOU USE?

If you are hoping to block the maximum amount of UVB radiation, then you should use at least SPF 30, which blocks about 95% of the UVB rays.  You can go even higher if you wish, but going lower, you do start sacrificing protection.  Always apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow for the lotion to fully protect you.

We’ll have more on this subject in Part II of our Sun Protection Basics story.  STAY TUNED…

JUVÉDERM® XC: The Hyaluronic Acid Filler For You?

If you’ve heard of the various “fillers” on the market today, you’re bound to be a little curious as to how they work, and whether or not you should consider trying one. “Fillers” are exactly what they sound like: injectable gels that fill in the deep wrinkles that form on the face over time. Most commonly fillers are used to fill in deep facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds around the face.

These fillers use hyaluronic acid as their active ingredient, a naturally occurring substance that works to absorb water, creating additional volume in the face. As we age, our skin has less and less natural hyaluronic acid, and hence less natural moisture. Fillers like Juvederm XC restore hyaluronic acid in the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the face.

WHY JUVÉDERM® XC?

Juvederm XC is not the only Juvederm that has been available on the market. Additionally, there are other fillers out there available. The advantages that Juvederm XC offers the consumer is that it has a smoother consistency than previous formulations. The manufacturer of Juvederm XC also added lidocaine to the formulation, which is intended to make the treatment itself be more comfortable and pleasant for the patient. Results from a treatment with Juvederm XC last up to a full year, which is longer than many other filler treatments available.

WHAT DOES A JUVÉDERM® TREATMENT COST? WHAT KINDS OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

The costs of a Juvederm treatment are not minimal. Treatments range pretty significantly from region to region. Some report costs around $500 on the low-end, and some report costs topping $1000. Researching different patients’ experiences reveals that results vary from person to person. Some are enthusiastic about their treatment, and others report dissatisfaction. The most important factor seems to be finding a clinician or doctor who is skilled and experienced at injecting fillers.

For this reason, if you’re planning getting a Juvederm treatment, carefully select your clinician. Don’t just go to the day spa or doctor closest to you, or choose your treatment provider on price alone. Most places should have a good collection of “before and after” photos, allowing you to see the skills and experience of your treatment provider. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about a location, don’t hesitate to select another treatment provider. Juvederm is an investment, and you deserve great results.

IS JUVÉDERM® XC RIGHT FOR ME?

It’s clear that Juvederm XC is one of the leading fillers on the market today, with many people satisfied with the results. Not all users report great experiences, though, and for various reasons. When making your choice, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or skilled clinician as to whether you are likely to see good results — results you expect — with Juvederm.