“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns

MEN age much more slowly than women. They tend to get on the anti-ageing bandwagon later than women, and when they do, they are highly secretive.

They share their secrets with no one. Men are, however, more prone to skin cancer, acne, folliculitis in their beard areas, and with shaving, they can generally have a lot of inflammation. Men have thicker skin, more acidic skin environs, and testosterone causes more sweat production. So they require appreciation of those differences.

With this in mind, it is essential for men to be mindful of prevention when it comes to their skin. Daily use of sunscreen is imperative. To protect against both UVA and UVB radiation, the following ingedients should be in the product: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxie, cinnamates, salicylates, avobenzone, and ecamsule.

Acne and the folliculitis both blocking of the follicles and inflammation. Salicylic acid helps to release trapped bacteria, oil or hair shafts. The salicylic acid also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Men who have these issues should have this included in their daily facial regimen, and peels including these agents are also highly beneficial.

Retinoids accelerate skin turnover and therefore the build-up in the follicles is less. Acne and folliculitis both benefit in this regard. They also reduce the amount of sebum produced (the yellow stuff that comes out of bumps on the face). Retinoids are essential in every anti-ageing regimen whether male or female.

Liquorice also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and so a skin formulation containing this will also be highly beneficial.

Aloe vera is amazing for aftershave products. It accelerates wound healing, and decreases inflammation. Vitamins A, C and E are excellent antioxidants and further boosts the protection in a man’s skin.

Gel cleansers which are pH balanced for a man is key because their skin is a bit more acidic, and toners help to remove the build-up on the skin which men tend to have more of.

So, when you pass skin products made just for men – now you know the thought process behind the formulations.

And, of course, always have sun block.

So remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that beholder is you.

Dr Simone Van-Horne is a consultant in Internal Medicine. Currently, she is a hospitalist where she does inpatient-hospital medicine in Florida, and sees patients in a medical spa setting at Metamorphosis Medispa Wellness Center Inc in Hollywood, Florida, and at The Face Place JA at 3 Carvalho Rd, Kingston, and The Skin Bar, #16 Freeport Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. Contact info@spamorph.com and www.spamorph.com for questions.