Concerns about aging aren’t limited to the fairer sex
Odds are when you hear the term ‘anti-aging’ you’re associating it with women and women’s products. But, let’s face it boys, concerns about aging aren’t limited to the fairer sex. From Dorian Grey to the fountain of youth maybe even a few of your mates, there are plenty of examples of men who would sell their soul to look just a little bit younger.
For most men, anti-aging isn’t a question stopping the clock or trying to look 25 again but rather a gradual battle to look younger, healthier and if we’re being honest a little less like our dad’s. From fine lines to sunspots, grey hair and losing definition in your jaw there are plenty of signs of aging that we wish we could erase.
Luckily, you can! Here are 5 easy tips to look instantly younger:
1. Use an SPF daily moisturiser
The skin is the body’s largest organ but chances are you’re neglecting it. Tired looking skin is one of the most tell-tale signs of aging but luckily the effects of age on your skin can be easily combatted by the use of a daily moisturiser.
Now brace yourself boys, but there are actually many different ‘types’ of skin.
- Normal skin with no dry, oily or irritated patches can handle most products.
- Dry skin can be red, flaky and itchy and desperately in need of moisturiser and are best suited to creams with aloe vera or other soothing ingredients.
- Oily skin tends to look or feel greasy or shiny. If you have oily skin you’ll want to invest in an oil-free moisturiser and start exfoliating to help clear excess oil and dirt.
- Combination skin is – you guessed it – a mixture of the above two options. It is typically the most common skin type and can benefit from lightweight moisturisers.
- Sensitive skin can react badly to harsh chemical-based products so, if you have sensitive skin, you’ll need to use products free from fragrances and dyes.
All skin types can benefit from a moisturiser that includes SPF providing defence from harsh UV rays that only increase the skins of aging.
2. Go to sleep (on your back!)
If you’re tired your skin will look tired too. So hit the sheets earlier and make sure you get a good eight hours at least a few nights a week – but do it on your back!
Sleeping on your side with your face making contact with the creases of the pillow can seriously contribute to a different type of creases: wrinkles. Added bonus? Sleeping on your back might also stop you snoring, which might stop your partner from throwing elbows all night long.
3. Bin the booze, binge on blueberries!
As much as we love a cheeky beer (or three), we’ve got to admit – alcohol is terrible for your skin. Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin, dilates your blood vessels making blemishes appear more prominent and the liver damage which can result from overindulging in alcohol AND caffeine speeds up the aging process.
If ditching caffeine and alcohol means cutting out half your diet, never fear. There are some foods you can eat that actually improve your skin. You’ll want to stock up on antioxidant-rich foods. Which? Pick your poison: blueberries, mangoes, lean meats, whole grains and many more.
4. Wash your face after you work out
Even if you wash your face in the shower, you might be skipping out on washing your face at the gym. The most important time to wash your face is actually after you’ve worked up a sweat. If you’re not washing your face after you exercise you are essentially leaving huge amounts of sweat and bacteria sitting on your face leading to a major increase in breakouts, blemishes and signs of aging.
5. Don’t be afraid of Professional Treatment
By far the most effective way to combat existing signs of aging is minor cosmetic procedures like fillers or ‘brotox’. With age, your skin loses elasticity and becomes prone to wrinkles. Anti-aging injections freezes the muscles, reducing (or erasing) the appearance of wrinkles with minimal upkeep and great results lasting 3 to 6 months. Dermal fillers can also be used to ‘fill in’ deep lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin.
While you might think these cosmetic procedures are just for women, an increasing number of men are turning to injections and fillers after being won over by their stellar results. In fact, a number of well-known male celebrities including Steven Tyler, Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsey have admitted to using ‘brotox’ and fillers to maintain their youthful good looks.
To find out more about what anti-aging treatments may be right for you, visit our friendly skin technicians for professional advice at Sydney’s premier men’s grooming salon.
