As compared to women, men have a different pattern of hair growth, fat distribution, and rate of sweat and sebum production.

Men secrete more sebum [oil], which makes their skin more prone to acne. Men also sweat more than women, and since their body hair is dense, the sweat takes longer to dry, increasing their chances of bacterial and fungal infections. Lastly, their skin has a slightly more acidic pH, making it sensitive.

Shaving solutions

Shaving strips the skin of its hydrolytic film causing irritation and infection. Shaving can also cause bacterial infection of the hair follicles leading to folliculitis, commonly known as ‘Barber’s rash’.

This infection is caused by bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus] that live in the nasal passages. They get passed on to the skin of the cheeks while shaving. Barber’s rash is characterised by itching, redness, and small pus-filled blisters on the skin.

Another skin problem associated with shaving is ‘razor bumps’ [pseudofolliculitis barbae]. This happens when the hair curls back into the skin causing inflammation, redness and infections. To avoid having razor bumps, shave in the direction of hair.

To prevent the harsh effects of shaving, use good quality razors. Your shaving cream and after-shave should have moisturising properties.

Your after-shave should also be alcohol-free, as alcohol is harsh on the skin and causes dryness. Also, avoid fragrance-based after-shave products as they irritate the skin and lead to allergies.

Arresting ageing

In both men and women, skin health is largely controlled by hormones. The male skin tone and texture is ruled by testosterone and that of a female’s by oestrogen.

Male skin is thicker than that of a female, which gives them the rugged look. It also has more elastin and collagen that delays the appearance of freckles, fine lines, skin sagging and wrinkles.

To delay signs of ageing, for those between 15 – 30 years of age, using a moisturiser at bedtime is enough. For those above 30 years of age, a fragrance-free anti-ageing cream containing peptides, retinol, ferulic acid, kinetin, AHAs [alpha hydroxy acids], or polyhydroxy acids may be used at night.

Exercise is helpful as it promotes blood flow to the skin and prevents premature ageing. It also increases oxygen saturation in the tissues that keeps the skin looking healthy and youthful.

Ensure that your daily diet consists of green vegetables, brightly-coloured fruits and vitamins such as C and E. Avoid drinking excess alcohol, smoking and stress.

All of these factors can lead to premature ageing by exposing your skin to harsh chemicals and increasing free radicals.

While you do all of this, don’t ensure that you get enough sleep; it is crucial for a healthy, supple skin.

Cleansing

Since men’s skin is about 20 % oilier than that of women, they need to clean the face at least twice a day to get rid of the dirt, grime and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and increase blackheads and whiteheads.

Men with predominantly oily skin should use a salicylic acid-based face wash. Those with dry skin should use a soap-free cleansing lotion.

Avoid using scrubs that contain rough elements such as ground bits of nut or seed extracts because of their harsh effect on the skin. A mild scrub with aloe vera or jojoba will slough off dead skin cells gently and help in deep cleansing. Use a scrub just thrice a week and not every day.

Sun protection

Adequate sun protection keeps you looking young and fresh and prevents signs of ageing such as pigment spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Men with excessive oily skin should use a toner, followed by a moisturiser and sunscreen with an SPF of 30.

Those who spend long hours in the sun, should reapply the sunscreen every 2 – 3 hours. Wearing full sleeve, breathable garments and wide sunglasses is also a vital part of a man’s skin care routine.

Sweat control

Using a deodorant or an antiperspirant is a must as it prevents bacterial and fungal infections. Those who sweat excessively can use antifungal dusting powders to prevent fungal infections and smelly underarms and feet.

Do not rub your face to wipe sweat; use a tissue or cotton napkin instead and dab lightly. Frequent rubbing causes pigmentation, commonly seen as a dark band on the forehead in men.

Hair care

• Wash your hair as often as required or at least thrice a week to keep it clean and free from dandruff and infections of the hair follicle. It is a myth that shampooing increases hair loss. Use a conditioner without fail if your hair is dry. A herbal rinse is better for those with oily hair.
• A lot of men have hair on their ears and it generally runs in families. Keep it clipped. You can even consider permanent laser-assisted hair removal.
• Comb your hair with a wide-bristle comb to avoid hair breakage.
• ?Invest in good quality styling products that are suitable for your hair type. They may be a bit expensive, but you only need to use them sparingly. Too much of these products may make the hair frizzy or brittle.
• If you keep your hair short, you won’t need any styling products as the oil from your scalp will be sufficient to style and hydrate your hair.
• Keep your hair neatly trimmed to look presentable.
• To prevent tiny boils from erupting on your scalp, massage your scalp with your fingertips [not with your fingernails].
• Finally, stay stress free and have a high-protein diet, as it promotes healthy hair.

The post Men’s skin care: More than just shaving appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

The difference becomes narrow after women reach menopause. After the age of 65, the risk of heart disease is about the same in both the sexes when other risk factors are similar.

Many studies point to emotional health, as well as traditional factors such as stress, anger and overwork, as major triggers of heart attacks in men. A Harvard School study found that men with the highest anger scores on personality tests are three times more likely to develop heart disease.

Male pattern baldness and a protruding stomach, also indicate a higher risk of heart disease. High levels of triglycerides [blood fats], a high-fat diet and an over-worked liver also double a man’s heart attack risk.

Men are at higher risk of high blood pressure, which may lead to clogged arteries and restricted blood flow to organs and tissues, leading to heart attacks, strokes and even gangrene.

Signs of heart attack

Do not ignore any of these symptoms as the first hour of heart attack is critical; it can save your life.

• Pressure or pain in the centre of the chest lasting more than a few minutes
• Pain and numbness spreading to the face, neck or arms, and usually on one side
• Severe headache with light-headedness
• Nausea and skin paleness
• Shortness of breath.

What to do

To prevent heart disease, men should:

Stop smoking

Quitting today can help you live longer and cut your risk of heart disease within a year. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 health-threatening compounds, of which 200 are known to be poisons.

Lose weight

If you are overweight, losing 11 – 22kg can make a difference as the excess weight puts additional burden on the heart and other organs.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise [at least three times a week] helps lower bad cholesterol and also keeps diabetes in control, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. This will keep your blood pressure in control and in turn will also help shed excess weight.

A study published in the journal, Heart has revealed that those who don’t exercise regularly and work for more than 45 hours a week are twice more likely to die from heart disease than unfit men who work shorter periods.

Eat right

What you eat every day impacts your cholesterol levels. Reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. These include animal products, dairy products, fast food, fried foods, pre-packaged foods and processed foods.

These increase your levels of LDL cholesterol. Instead, consume more fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These lower your LDL cholesterol while raising levels of HDL cholesterol.

Avoid alcohol

Excessive drinking can cause a variety of health problems like liver damage, hypertension, and high cholesterol to name a few. It is thus recommended to completely avoid or minimise the consumption of alcohol.

Donate blood

Men have twice as much iron in their bodies as women. Iron acts as a catalyst in cholesterol oxidation and is linked to hardening and scarring of the arteries. Studies show that by reducing their excess iron men can cut their risk for heart attack or stroke by 1/3rd. A good way to do that is to regularly donate blood.

Minimise stress

Learn to control stress rather than letting it control you. Try listening to music, gardening or making home repairs. If you like, you can also opt for deep breathing, meditation and muscle relaxation. Spend time with your family and friends; having strong and intimate bonds improves emotional wellbeing.

We can no longer ignore the importance of leading a healthy and happy life. So ‘clean up’ your lifestyle habits as it leads to the wellbeing of your body-mind-spirit.

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To understand hair transplantation, you need to first understand baldness. Male-pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia, which is the commonest type of baldness, is directly related to the male hormone, testosterone.

The hair follicles are sensitive to testosterone, excess of which causes reduced growth and thinning of hair. Some men have baldness only in the front or at the vertex, while in others it is more severe.

But, no matter how extensive the baldness, there is always a ‘horseshoe’ shaped area of permanent hair at the back and sides of the head. This hair is genetically programmed to resist the effect of male hormones. When transplanted into areas of thinning or bald areas, such hair continues to survive and grow permanently.

This forms the basis of hair transplantation. Hair from some other parts of the body or from some other person cannot be used for hair transplant.

What does microfollicular hair transplantation involve?

After proper selection, a suitable hairline is first marked considering the aesthetic and facial dimensions of the person. Then a strip of hair is harvested from the back of the head and this donor area is closed by stitches.

This strip of hair is cut using magnification to make smaller grafts called as micrografts and minigrafts. Micrografts contain 1 – 2 hair and are placed in front to form the new hairline. This is actually a zone about 1.5cm wide and comprises thin hair. In this zone, the single and two hair grafts are delicately introduced into micro slits under magnification.

Beyond this, minigrafts which have 3 – 5 hair are placed. These add to the density. All the grafts are so placed taking into consideration the direction of further hair growth. Micro with Minigrafts produce a more natural look than the old fashioned Plug Method with its unnatural ‘Dolls Head’ look.

What should I expect after my surgery?

Your doctor will cover the operated site with a surgical cap, which you can remove on reaching home. Your forehead will be swollen for 2 – 3 days. The stitches will be removed after a week, and you shouldn’t take a head bath till then. The transplanted hair will usually fall off with the scab in 2 – 3 weeks after surgery. New hair grows in the area after about three months.

When can I resume my normal activities?

You should not travel for 2 – 3 days. You can resume work the next day if your office is close to your home.

Can the hair fall again?

The original hair in the bald area continues to fall even after the transplant. And the transplanted hair starts growing in about 12 – 16 weeks after the surgery. This hair is permanent and lifelong. The procedure can be repeated after six months, if needed, to achieve more density in the bald area. With more sittings, the density of hair growth becomes better.

Is everybody eligible for hair transplantation?

No. Patients with very small amount of hair at the back and sides of the head may not be good candidates for this surgery.

The post Hair raising questions appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Shaving grace

To reduce ingrown hair, shave in the shower when hair is soft and the skin is supple. Use a shaving cream and lather and massage it in for 10 – 15 seconds.

Many men shave up and that is not the best way to shave. You should shave in multiple directions, always with the grains. Also note, it is better to go over the area 10 – 15 times lightly, than 2 – 3 times harder. If you apply too much pressure to the razor when shaving, the grinding irritates the skin and causes the hair to grow crooked. Lastly, as obvious as it sounds, always use a mirror and closely watch what you are doing.

For the lines

Another frequent mistake that men make regarding their skin is getting started too late on preventing and slowing down the ageing process. When we are young, our skin is vibrant in its production of collagen.

Keeping cells revved up and stimulated is better than letting the cell machinery run down and trying to revive it later. I recommend the following ingredients to prevent and help erase fine lines/wrinkles:

• Genestein—A soy extract that produces collagen and reduces collagen breakdown
• Vitamin C—An antioxidant that builds and stimulates collagen
• Retinol—Reduces collagen breakdown
• Alpha Beta Peels—The two-step system that reduces lines by the acid-base mechanism contained on the pads.

Spot reduction

I often see male patients who are frustrated by adult acne. Treatment for adult acne has to be consistent. Prevention is really the best treatment because it is important to realise that a blemish can begin to form up to 2 – 3 weeks before it appears on the surface of the skin. I recommend looking for products that contain Bisabolol, an active ingredient derived from chamomile extract that helps soothe redness and reduce inflammation. Salicylic acid is also a good ingredient as is sulphur, which controls the oil that feeds the bacteria.

There are two types of acne—flat and bumpy. Flat acne can be categorised as the beginning stages of clogged pores and blackheads when there is no infection or inflammation present. To treat flat acne, use a specialised skin product that goes deep into the skin to disband plugs and blockages while delivering active ingredients.

By effectively treating flat acne, you will minimise the amount that reaches the unsightly bumpy stage, thus preventing future breakouts before they occur. To treat the second type of acne—the bumpy acne—try using a product that contains sulphur, which both flattens the raised blemish and draws out the infection.

Pinch and pop

However tempting it may be to pop a pimple, try hard to resist. When dermatologists drain a pimple, they apply downward pressure perpendicularly to the skin’s surface. But when people try to do it themselves, they usually squeeze from the sides, which ends up backfiring because it causes the infection to go down deeper into the pore.

This may permanently enlarge pores or even worsen the infection. If it is too hard to resist, try washing your face with a clean washcloth. If the pimple is ready to ‘pop’, this is all the pressure it needs to get drained. In short, never pop your pimples.

The right ingredients

Men can sometimes be confused by the overwhelming number of skincare products in the marketplace. The most important aspect of your everyday skincare regimen is selecting the right ingredients. There are certain groups of ingredients—such as antioxidants, chelators, and collagen boosters—that you should look for if you are trying to improve your skin.

Here is what I recommend and why:

• Antioxidants. Always try to use products with diverse mix—vitamins C and E, lycopenes, green tea, and grape seed extract. They will help to fight the free radicals that breakdown collagen.
• Chelators. This is a new technology. Chelators allow you to absorb trace minerals that are beneficial to the skin while detoxifying. Copper, calcium, magnesium and zinc can be helpful to the skin but only in a certain organic [bound] form. Chelators allow you to extract, in a healthy way, the minerals that the skin needs while removing the harmful minerals that it does not need.
• Collagen boosters. Anti-ageing ingredients such as Genestein, vitamin C, peptides and retinol are vital skin essentials.

The masked truth

I discourage my patients from using exfoliating masks or scrubs, as they can often be harsh and irritate the skin. Instead, I recommend cleaning the skin daily with a product that contains a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to revive skin and create a radiant, even-toned complexion.

Alpha hydroxy acids cause detachment of the dead skin increasing radiance and improving skin tone. Beta hydroxy acids [salicylic acid] work on the oil glands to reduce sebum production and minimise the size of the pores. When used daily, this combination of acids can greatly improve your complexion.

For your eyes only

If you are concerned with under-eye circles, make getting more sleep a priority in your life. Sleep can significantly fight the effects of stress, which can cause under-eye circles. Getting enough sleep so that your body can operate at its optimum is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Also be sure to take sufficient amounts of B Vitamins, which help to calm the nervous system, thereby reducing signs of stress on your body.

As a temporary solution to sleep-deprivation, drink water. Hydration, both internally and externally, is key in maintaining a firm, healthy look and lessening the appearance of wrinkles. When your skin is hydrated and plump, lines and wrinkles are less obvious and enlarged pores look smaller. Re-hydration revives skin creating a refreshed appearance.

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