As I look into the mirror, I realize that no matter how strongly I try to fight back the years, the years keep coming, and other then an ache here and there, its all about the face. The lines forming on my face are a tell tale sign of life's progression. I figured if I studied it maybe I could learn how to slow that progress down. So here is what I've learned:
Studies Show
Studies show that facial aging is primarily caused by two factors: genetics and the environment. While some of the effects of aging can be reduced by life-style changes, others unfortunately cannot. After 30, the gradual signs of aging begin to take their toll, but what exactly is happening to the physical structure of the face that causes men to look older and lose their healthy and youthful appearance?
Where Facial Aging Comes From
Facial aging mainly comes in the form of a drooping effect as bone mass decreases and the skin thins and loses elasticity. That's what's happening underneath the surface but on the outside, the effect can be summed up in one word … wrinkles. Heredity plays the major role also. We typically age the way our mothers and fathers did and there isn't a lot that can be done about it other than plastic surgery. Our environment plays a significant role in aging as well. Between the ages of 30 and 50, our skin pigment changes significantly due to the effect of ultraviolet light exposure. This results in the formation of age spots and uneven tone. Even though we may feel healthy, this pigment change often creates an unhealthy look.
Aging near the eyes usually appears first and is often the most severe. This is partially due to the fact that the skin around the eyes is thinner, it has fewer oil glands, and as time passes, gravity pulls the eyebrows and eyelids down. The constant movement of the skin from blinking and squinting further enhances this early aging effect. Stress causes facial muscles to become tense and pull the skin unevenly. Over a period of many years this can cause what is known as crows feet around the eyes, frown lines between the brows, and wrinkles on the forehead.
Skin dehydration is also a factor, which is commonly overlooked. Two of the most common culprits are alcohol and caffeine, which diminish the body's ability to retain water resulting in dryer wrinkled skin. For years we've been hearing reports in the media about the importance of wearing sunblock because of the risk of various forms of skin cancer. What most men aren't aware of is how quickly the sun can age our skin. Other than heredity, it's the most powerful contributor to facial aging. While the effects can be delayed in the early years, the unseen damage from the sun is still being done. For example, a decade or two of unprotected sun exposure during the spring and summer months can age a man's skin almost exponentially. A 25 year old man with a history of excessive sun exposure may look only slightly older than his actual age, but when he approaches 40, he may appear as old as 50. By age 50, his accumulative skin damage would suggest perhaps that he is 65 or older.
What Can Men Do?
So here is the real question? What can we as men do to counteract the negative effects of facial aging?
Through the years men rarely worried about aging, but in recent years, this has become less true. In the last 15 years the amount of men having face-lifts has more than doubled. The techniques used by plastic surgeons reverses the effect of gravity and time by surgically raising the forehead, eyebrows, chin, cheeks, and upper eyelids. There isn't a technique, chemical or cosmetic that is as effective as plastic surgery. It's very expensive, however, and impractical for men who only have lightly or moderately aged skin.
So I'll ask the question again? What can we as men do on a daily basis to maintain the youthful and healthy look of their face? Number one is sunblock (nd it doesnt matter what your skin color or race is. Protect your face with sunblock.). Use SPF 15 or greater whenever you can. Just so you know, even indirect ultraviolet rays age skin. In other words, when you're sitting in the comfort and shade of your car, the indirect light that comes through the windshield is still aging your face. Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid excess sugar and fat and drink plenty of water. Just six glasses a day will improve your skin's appearance in only a week by temporarily filling in age lines and plumping up small wrinkles. Try not to use hot water when cleansing your face. It may feel good but heat helps break down Elastin, making the skin sag over time. Cleanse with lukewarm or cool water instead. Reduce your stress level and exercise regularly. Exercise increases blood circulation, which delivers oxygen to cells and creates better skin color. Exercise will also help improve your sleep and lower your stress levels. Many doctors are beginning to recommend stress-reducing techniques for their patients such as yoga and meditation. These techniques can slow and sometimes reverse facial aging by relaxing facial muscles.
Products that Help
Now here is where cosmetics and makeup products come in. Use a daily moisturizer to help diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles and always use a facial scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells. If you opt for one of the latest skin renewal products containing Alpha Hydroxy or Glycolic acid, be careful not to use one that is too strong as it can cause irritation and increase your skins sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Recent studies in Europe have shown that some of these "miracle" age reducers, which have become the skin care rage, may be far more harmful than previously thought. Some of the studies suggest that while their short term use can improve skin texture by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, their long term effect may accelerate facial aging or worse... increase your risk of developing skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation.
Last but not least, give your face a little boost of color and vitality with cosmetics that are designed for the male complexion such as a Tone Enhancer or a Bronzing Powder. Unlike makeup for women which is often evident on the skin, men's cosmetics are designed for a thinner application while providing a subtle amount of corrective coverage without detection. The colors are more natural and compliment healthy skin tone. I always recommend a little Concealer under the eyes to hide dark circles and at the corners of the lips to help reduce the visual droop of the mouth, which comes with age and worry. If you're feeling real bold, try using a Men's Foundation to even out your skin tone, reduce large pores, and minimize the appearance of aged skin. To help lift tired or sagging eyes, apply some Eyebrow Gel in an upward and outward direction. While sensible skin care, exercise and a clean diet are crucial for maintaining a healthier and younger look over the long term, a light application of men's cosmetics will give you instant and beneficial results today. And after all, isn't that what it's all about? Hell I feel younger already.
