Grooming Boom: Are You Part Of The Male Skincare Revolution?

It’s official the male grooming boom is real! According to a survey performed by a predictive data company, Trendalytics, an increasing number of men are becoming interested in grooming and skincare – and in a big way. For example, the online search for moisturisers for men increased by a whopping 324% compared to last year. Nobody’s sure what’s caused the grooming boom, but it can only be for the best. After all, when you look good, you feel good.

If you’re one of those many men wanting to take good care of your skin, you’ll be glad to know there are many ways to do it. But yes, it begins with choosing the right products, so let’s start there.

Male skincare must-haves

Every male skincare regime should start with a good cleanser. The one that will suit you best will depend on your skin type. If you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, look out for foaming face washes formulated to deal with precisely that. We like NeoStrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash as it contains exfoliating glycolic acid that can help prevent ingrown hairs. On the other hand, if you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, you’ll want a low-foaming or soap-free cleanser. It won’t contain any potentially “strippy” ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent). A top pick would be Lamelle Serra Cleansing Gel.

As far as moisturisers go, get the most bang for your buck and choose a hydrator that contains anti-ageing ingredients like antioxidants and collagen-stimulating retinol. One of our favourites is NeoStrata Skin Active Retinol Repair Complex. Aside from retinol (an excellent antioxidant), it also contains NeoGlucosamine, a gentle exfoliant.

Just bear in mind that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so only wear it at night or pair it with a high-protection sunscreen. Speaking of which, sunscreen is still your most effective weapon when it comes to preventing premature ageing.

The grooming boom and facials

Another way you can take good care of your skin is via a series of medical-grade facials. These will be performed via a highly skilled therapist and involve the use of in-office treatments. For example, if your skin looks tired, stressed and dry, a HydraTouch facial could be just the ticket. It involves exfoliating your face with a jet stream of water that also hydrates as it buffs away dry skin. Your skin is then plumped and pampered even further via a transdermal mesotherapy machine. Finally, it uses gentle electrical pulses to push yet more moisture deep into your skin. Don’t worry, this feels relaxing and won’t hurt a bit! It’s precisely the kind of treatment you’d want just before an important meeting or a big date to ensure your skin looks refreshed.

 Popular injectables for men

Another way to look your very best is via injectable treatments like botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as Botox) and dermal filler. An increasing number of men have come to realise that Botox is the quickest way to soften, if not eradicate, crow’s feet – taking years off their face. It’s always a brilliant way to get rid of forehead wrinkles or frown lines that could be giving you a harsh, unapproachable look without you even realising it. The great thing about Botox is that the treatment is so quick you could do it during your lunch break. The results will become visible very gradually over a few days. Then, they’ll last for around four months and can be topped up at any time.

As far as dermal filler goes, having a little of this injected just under the eyes has become a very popular treatment for men in the current grooming boom. It’s a wonderful non-surgical solution to the dark under-eye circles that can give you a tired, overworked or even hungover appearance, regardless of how much sleep you’re getting. These unwanted rings worsen because the fatty pad that cushions that area begins to thin over time. This makes it easier to see the vascular network below that appears as a dark ring. Happily, dermal filler can replace this pad in a flash, and the results can last for up to a year.