While men are not beating down spa doors trying to get facial appointments, it is the lack of education and understanding of the many treatments available to them and the benefits of embracing a healthy skin care regimen that keep men away. The modern man is concerned with his appearance and is becoming increasingly more aware of the benefits of having a healthy skin care routine.
The spa environment can be an intimidating one to the modern man. Creating an atmosphere which is not entirely feminine is a good start. While you don’t necessarily need to have NFL on a wide-screen or the smell of bacon in the air, using warm, rich colors in your facility and diffusing cedarwood or patchouli essential oils can create a welcoming environment.
It is important to understand the structural differences between a man’s skin and a women’s skin. These are largely based on hormonal differences. Androgen, or testosterone, stimulation causes skin thickening. This is why men’s skin is 22% thicker than women’s skin. Men’s skin contains more collagen. Sebum production is much greater post-puberty, which can lengthen the amount of time men suffer from acne.
These differences necessitate a different approach to addressing skin issues among male clients.
Addressing fine lines and wrinkles tends to be a concern most women adopt earlier in life. This is largely due to the fact that women tend to be more sun savvy earlier in life and seek out antioxidants and sun blocks to minimize structural damage. Men, on the other hand, tend to not wear sun block nor do they seek out preventative measures to minimize and repair environmental damage. Encouraging male clients to moisturize daily and get in to the practice of wearing a sun block to help prevent more damage from occuring as well as keep the skin hydrated and supple. Treatment options might include deep hydration and an application of an antioxidant serum to treat aging skin.
Acne and oily skin conditions are a direct result of the male hormones. Couple the tendency for more sebum production, stress, humidity and excessive perspiration together and the result can be adult on-set acne. Scheduling more frequent visits, about every two weeks to start, to extract comedones (blackheads) and suggesting a structured routine that includes gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation and moisturizing would create conditions necessary for the skin to start healing. The tendency for male clients with acne to be more aggressive with their skin by using soap or harsh cleansers should be discouraged. This creates a vicious cycle of sebum overproduction and stripping of the skin which will create a breading ground for more acne.
Treating sensitive skin, rosacea and razor bumps are also frequent concerns of the modern male client. As with any of these inflamed skin conditions, investigating client habits, routines and products they might be using with a thorough client in-take form, would be the first place to start. Inflammation might be exacerbated as a direct result of an ingredient that might be too aggressive for the client’s skin, a trigger such as sun exposure or a food sensitivity, or an improper technique of shaving that might be to blame. When treating sensitive skin one can never be too gentle. Encouraging a cream cleanser in lieu of a foaming one, once a week gentle non-abrasive exfoliation as opposed to more frequent exfoliation would treat skin more gently and show immediate improvement. When treating razor burn and bumps, shaving should be suspended for several days to allow the hair to grow. Exfoliating regularly to prevent hyperkeratosis thus allowing the hair to be trapped between layers and shaving in the direction of hair growth with a sharp razor each time will also prevent razor bumps. Also encouraging a calming soothing treatment product to calm skin post-shaving will also result in immediate improvements.
As the modern male becomes more comfortable seeking treatments, it is important to offer services and options that address their concerns and do so in a results-oriented way. The modern male will be loyal and more frequent client when they trust the knowledgeable advice and guidance they are given and feel comfortable with the care they receive.
