7 Skincare Treatments Men Are Asking for in 2017
There's a lot a dermatologist can do for you other than pump your face full of Botox. A good skin doc can help you reduce the occurrence of painful ingrown hairs or treat deep acne scars you've been carrying around since high school. There are loads of treatments offered you've probably never heard of, like the magical pen that shrinks your pores or the peel that gets rid of your back zits. In the name of looking your best this spring, or at least knowing what your options are when it comes to this kind of thing, here's a simple rundown of all the stuff you could ask for from a dermatologist—and roughly what it will cost you. Just, you know, don't do at all at once.
Dr. Jeremy Brauer, Director of Clinical Research at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New YorkClear Up AcneFor acne, I first start by addressing the underlying issue. There are a number of great options, including Differin Gel (approximately $15). This is the first and only OTC acne product containing a full prescription-strength retinoid, which is clinically proven to treat current and future breakouts. Unless otherwise contraindicated, I believe everyone should be on a retinoid. If there is resultant scarring from acne, laser resurfacing treatments like PicoSure (apx $1000 per treatment), which is FDA cleared for acne scars, can make a big difference. Certain fillers may also be used for isolated depressed scars.
Lighten Dark CirclesThere are a number of factors that can lead to dark circles under the eyes in addition to the aging face, including heredity, lack of sleep, stress and allergies. So, the first step is to make sure you’re minimizing stress, and getting enough rest. Volume loss related to aging can be addressed with fillers. Less invasive options include cold compresses combined with an eye cream. Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Eye Gel (approximately $85) is a light gel formulated with a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, and peptides that may help moisturize and improve the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, Board Certified DermatologistClear Up Redness and RosaceaRosacea may occur up more frequently in women than in men, but it’s problem that is left undiagnosed in many men who have it. Also, men face a unique skincare challenge that women don’t have to consider—shaving. Dulled razor blades can aggravate sensitive skin, adding an extra trigger to rosacea flare-ups. Ask your dermatologist for a prescription treatment to tackle redness. Rhofade is a new drug with FDA-approval. It targets completely different receptors. Rhofade is the only topical rosacea treatment that targets the alpha1A adrenoceptor and works to treat persistent facial erythema (redness). Soolantra can also help, especially with bumps!
Dr. Haleh Bakshandeh, Board Certified DermatologistGet Rid of Ingrown HairsMany men have to shave daily, and that can lead to a lot of irritation and ingrown hairs, especially on the anterior neck over the Adam's apple. Even my male patients who like to sport some scruff don't mind doing away with the hairs on the neck. A permanent solution to ingrown hairs is hair laser removal. At the Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts Clinic where I serve as Medical Director we offer the Cutera Laser for hair removal. The cost is $155 for the neck area and we recommend 6 treatments for optimal results. There is no downtime.
Shrink Your PoresAs you age and loose collagen your pores can appear larger, which can leave your face looking spongy and dull. Microneedling is one of my favorite procedures to do for men. I use the MDPen in my office. It's a handheld device that creates tiny channels of injury to the treated area. These small fractional wounds are then pushed into healing mode, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. These micro-channels also enhance the ability for absorption of topical serums that can be applied during the treatment. It’s a great way to resurface the skin and remodel pore size and even acne scars. A full face treatment typically costs $450 and may be more depending on if plasma or serums are applied during the treatment.
Eliminate BacneActive men who frequent the gym often struggle with back acne or what we like to call "bacne." For working men who are on the go, or men who may not shower right away after a rigorous work out and stay in a sweaty T-shirt, bacteria builds up that can lead to acne. One of our most popular treatments is the Glytone Enerprel Back Peel. It's a quick,10-minute treatment that is done right in the office. There is little to no downtime and the cost is about $150.
Erase SunspotsAnother common concern I see often for men are sunspots. Years of outdoor work and play can translate into dark spots on the face. To eliminate that weathered look we offer Cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen, when applied to the affected area, freezes the skin cells on contact causing them to peel away within 5 to 7 days, leaving no scars behind. Treatment cost varies depending on number of lesions, but typically average about $50 per spot.
Watch Now: If Trump Can’t Act Like a President, He Could At Least Dress Like OneRelated Stories for GQSkincare