It’s an indisputable fact that men are taking better care of how they look, with significant growth in the number of skin care products and services designed and marketed to men. Whether it’s skincare or hair removal, what was once a bit fringe for men is now moving into the mainstream.
According to Mintel, online sales of men’s toiletries increased 3.4 per cent to £30m in 2013, taking a five per cent share of retail sales. Here at Natural Balance we’ve seen a 25% increase in the number of guys getting their backs waxed compared to 2014.
But whilst guys are happy to moisturise at home a lot of guys have yet to experience a facial and see the benefits of a professional skin care treatment. This in part may be due to the assumption they would need to go to a beauty salon or that they think it is just a massage to the face. A typical facial includes exfoliation, to get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate the skin, extraction (of any black heads) , moisturising and toning, which reduces excess oil and helps close pores.
The benefits of a facial may include reducing the signs of ageing and stress, boosting collagen production in the skin making it appear more elastic and younger, help rid the skin of blocked pores, blemishes and acne.. plus it’s great for general relaxation!
Is men’s skin different to a women’s?
According to the skin care experts at the International Derman Institute (producers of the Demalogica range)…
“Besides having facial hair, there are structural differences between a man’s skin and a woman’s. Androgen (testosterone) stimulation causes an increase in skin thickness, which accounts for why a man’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s. In addition to being thicker, a man’s skin texture is tougher.
Sebum (oil) and its production also differ. After puberty, sebum production is greater in males than females, which is attributed to androgen secretions and accounts for why men have longer lasting acne.
Regardless of age, men also have a higher collagen density than women. Because collagen content is directly related to the signs of skin ageing, it has been said a woman’s skin is about 15 years older than a man’s of the same age. However, men are less sun savvy than women, meaning they don’t use sunscreens, and could contribute to why the “15 year” skin age difference is not readily noticed. UV damage from the sun can add years to a man’s skin and negate the benefit of slowed intrinsic ageing.”
But of course there are other factors such as regular facials and wearing make up, of course, which can account for not really noticing this difference…
Here at Natural Balance we have 3 therapists offering facials (Lorena, Lucinda & Marion) and the great news is you don’t have to choose between this or a massage as we offer some great facial combination treatments including:
Ayurvedic Vata Facial & Foot Kansu Massage – 90mins (Lorena)
Natural Facial with Hot Stone Massage – 90mins
Natural Facial with Massage – 90mins
Pure Indulgence – Organic Facial & Body Treatment – 120 mins (Marion)
Reflexology & Natural Facial – 75mins (Marion)
Natural Facial – 60mins
At Natural Balance, men can book online and have a facial within a discrete clinical environment, with zero embarrassment. If you want to know more get in touch.