MIAMI BEACH – American men are showing an increased interest in skin care products, according to Dr. Ivan Camacho.
Men are becoming more aware of the importance of skin care, and they are actively seeking information and products. In fact, the men’s skin care market increased 9% from 2009 to 2010, and is expected to grow 16% by 2014, Dr. Camacho said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
One point for dermatologists to keep in mind when it comes to introducing men to a skin care routine is that simple is best. Using multipurpose products, keeping regimens to one or two steps – three at most – and incorporating new products into an established routine, such as shaving, will likely improve compliance and results, said Dr. Camacho of the University of Miami.
Dr. Camacho’s additional tips for better skin care for men include:
• Recommend multifunctional products, such as those that combine antioxidants and botanicals, as well as other cosmeceuticals that can enhance anti-aging, provide anti-inflammatory effects, and hydrate the skin.
• Suggest fragrance-free or subtly scented products.
• Incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen (also unscented or subtly scented) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. A product with botanical and other cosmeceutical ingredients or with anti-inflammatory properties may be a good choice, especially in patients with inflammatory conditions like acne or rosacea.
• Incorporate a moisturizer, which is very important for restoring facial hydration and improving the skin barrier. A moisturizer can be included in the sunscreen or other products.
"Tell patients to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize," Dr. Camacho said, noting: "If you tell them they need to do it three times a day, they will probably do it once a day, because this is a practice very neglected by many men. As we know, moisturizers will benefit all skin types."
For men with oily skin, recommend an oil-absorbing or mattifying formulation; for those with drier skin, recommend a lipid-based formulation. Given that more men are seeking information about skin care, dermatologists would do well to become knowledgeable about the various products available that may be most appealing to and effective for men, said Dr. Camacho.
Products currently attracting attention include moisturizers with topical caffeine, which has been shown to reduce the transepidermal water loss that is greater in men than in women, he noted.
Also, glycerin-based and niacinamide-based moisturizers have been shown in several studies to reduce transepidermal water loss, which may increase after shaving, he said.
In addition, many men can benefit from cleansers and toners developed for their particular skin types, shaving products that prevent or relieve irritation, oil-absorbing primers to provide temporary relief for skin oiliness, and exfoliating products and retinoids to improve an uneven complexion, said Dr. Camacho.
In addition, antiaging formulations containing alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids, growth factors, antioxidants, peptides, and/or botanicals can be used to help reverse ultraviolet-related damage and help improve the appearance of fine lines, he said.
Dr. Camacho reported having no disclosures.