Men Need Lovin’ Too!
More recently, I have seen more and more men grace the adorable stoop of Aiyana Atelier (some slightly coerced by their partner; it’s okay, I was coerced initially too!). It’s taken the better part of 20 years for injectables to be openly socialized among women but in my opinion, we are still way behind the times with normalizing anti-aging treatments with men. As it is becoming more common for men to accept self-care and seek out skincare and injectables, I thought it only fitting to talk about the men and their aesthetic nuances.
Men, listen up! A decade ago women tried to discreetly go to their quarterly ‘doctor’ visit and magically not be able to move their foreheads after two weeks. No, those bruises aren’t from the dog punching her or a toy to the face. And yes, she is having a *reaction* to her new skin care, but it was on purpose. So, here we are in 2022 when the mantra daily is about self-care in all forms and some women, but far too many of you men, are shy and reluctant to discuss, or even simply ask about skin care and injectables. I feel like there are several reasons, but the most pressing being lack of knowledge. You don’t know what you don't know! When talking about injectables- you most likely relate to what’s been televised or dramatized (yes, I mean the odd looking Tom Cruise versus the current beautiful and natural version seen in Top Gun: Maverick. There’s also a palpable stigma that injectables and skincare are somehow de-masculating. Men don’t habitually get together and compare face washes, shampoos, facials, or how often they are getting their neurotoxin, PRF, or Sculptra. Most aren’t Brunching and Brotoxing (maybe i’ll trademark that…). It’s coming- but we aren't quite there yet.
It’s one reason I take my patient education and personal knowledge very seriously; provider’s need to know how to appropriately assess, dose, and inject everyone appropriately. There is no universal template for injecting or aesthetics! Some specific considerations for the men: Well, you have stronger muscles to start, you don’t usually desire a resting *umhmm, yeah, that word* face or a super high arched brow lift, your crow’s feet are attractive but sometimes can still be softer (i.e.: Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, your hair is super important to you and not as easily fixed as women, and your skincare is usually quite simple, and that is all just the iceberg tip. The consult is so important to uncover what’s bothering you and why you are in my chair. I sometimes play therapist and hear about how ‘The Zoom Effect’ is affecting your self esteem, you are prepping for a wedding of your own, you have a reunion coming up, Pride Week is around the corner, the new baby + a 3 year old princess are aging you, or you simply just don’t know what to do for thinning hair.
If it bothers you, I can help, keep reading…
For the hair: A few months back, Aiyana Atelier started to carry Nutrafol Hair supplements to not only stimulate stronger, healthier hair, but also target the cause of thinning hair and hair loss. The results are strides better than any prescription my current male patients have ever tried (minoxidil, Proscar/generic , Rogaine, etc.). Honestly, everyone can use a little bit of ashwaganda and saw palmetto in their lives! Hint: Saw Palmetto is good for more than just hair growth, Google it or just trust me ;) Nutrafol Men and the Growth Activator hair serum, known as the Dual Action MD, are a dynamic duo to help give hair a growth boost, help regrow lost hairs, and thicken hair. Covid or stress causing it: add the Stress Adaptogens booster. I have been shouting Nutrafol’s praises from the rooftop since we brought it on, personally tried, and have gotten amazing results that are very quick (see the before and after’s).
Another treatment I love for anyone with thinning hair is Platelet Rich Fibrinogen (PRF) injections. For all the nerdy details of PRF go to my previous blog post. But I love PRF in conjunction with a supplement like Nutrafol because the treatment is quick and relatively painless and utilizing your own growth factors for restoration takes the growth to the next level!
For the skin: For the gent who does not have a routine, or maybe you are still washing your face with a less than ideal washcloth with your body wash/shampoo combo once a day when the mood strikes, we have two products to achieve healthier skin. PCA Daily Exfoliating face wash is Brandon’s personal fave, because as the name insinuates- it is a gentle cleanser for daily use and contains tiny little microbeads to help unclog pores and gently remove dead skin cells. A little dime sized amount is enough for the whole face! We paired this with an all around awesome moisturizer that is my brother in law’s favorite, the Aiyana Atelier Ultra Firming Marine moisturizer has a little glycolic acid, some amazing peptides and Vitamin C to nourish the skin. That’s it- easy peasy; a wash and a moisturizer. It’s a great foundation for the guy in your life to build on because the habit is the most important element to build- no product will be good if it’s not applied!
For the wrinkles: It’s your Brotox. Plain and simple. It doesn’t hurt, 10 min appointment after the first one, take 36-48 hours off working out, and come quarterly planning on around $500-$1000. No need for more details here. I promise to not make you look funny; just refreshed and you will love it.
With the inspiration for the blog and Father’s Day being around the corner, I thought it’s about time I curate a bundle for the boys with my favorite home items I talked about here. If this has now triggered the urge to purchase for a special guy, please do so by clicking here. Feel free to add a gift card to complete the full experience…but I know, baby steps fella, baby steps.
