Thank you for writing in. Even I forget sometimes that we have a large group of men now who thankfully want to prevent and correct sun damage and signs of aging! So here’s a start for you below regarding mens’ skin care and treatments. You can also find more answers I’ve given on the topic here.

Mens’ Skin Care Products

• Generally the same products that work for women also work for men. The one exception is the beard area where sometimes men need products that help keep the hairs from getting ingrown or irritated with shaving.
• Think for starters – cleanser, antioxidant, moisturizer if needed sunscreen in the morning and cleanser, moisturizer, vitamin A cream at night. Something similar to my regimen here is great for most skin types and needs.

Mens’ Injectables like Botox and Fillers

• Almost exactly the same but more Botox/Dysport amounts per treatment is needed due to larger facial muscles.
• Also, with fillers try to find a doctor/nurse who injects men frequently to avoid getting a feminine look.  Fillers should be done differently in men to keep a masculine facial shape and contour, unless feminization is desired. Here’s an article where I talk more on that.

Mens’ Laser Treatments

• This varies by the laser because you don’t want the laser to affect your beard growth, usually.   Be sure to ask about this because different lasers affect hair growth differently.
• For example, CO2 or the Fraxel laser can be safely done right over hair without a problem other than temporary singeing.
• Clearly a hair removal laser is out, unless that is the goal.
• IPLs will affect hair growth and should not be done over hair bearing areas.

Mens’ Skin Tightening Treatments

• So far there is no evidence that these work any differently in men.
• So far there is no evidence that these affect hair growth.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I