MEN'S SKIN CARE

Skin is the body’s mirror. In addition to its important biological role in protecting the body from the external environment, retaining moisture for the body and regulating body temperature, skin appearance factors into our overall well-being and physical attractiveness.

How we look has always been a concern for most women. Today, men want to look younger and are concerned about their skin’s appearance. The 2004 International SPA Association (ISPA) study noted that there has been a surge of interest in men’s skin care. With more men today concerned about taking care of their skin and hair, it has led to more products and treatments for teens and men, as well as spas offering special services for them.

Skin appearance is linked to overall health and well-being. When we are poorly nourished, stressed or fatigued, our skin shows it. Incorporating some key foods and some nutritional supplements, can help give men’s skin and hair a healthy boost!
Skin Healthy Foods: You are What you Eat!

A diet rich in certain food types are not only good for you, but they can also positively impact skin and hair appearance—for men and women alike. Antioxidants are the skin’s best defense against free radicals (by-products of UV radiation from the sun and air pollution), which can cause premature cell aging. Some research has shown higher levels of antioxidants can help protect the skin from free radicals, especially from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Antioxidant-rich foods can help fight off these culprits that may cause damage to skin. They include: vibrant colored fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), dark green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) and bright yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, and squash. Strive for at least 5-9 servings of these antioxidant powerhouses each day. Moreover, topical application and oral intake of green tea extract packs an antioxidant punch and may help protect the skin from photoaging.

Other foods containing healthy omega-3 fats, such as in salmon, mackerel, tuna, walnuts, flaxseed oil, may help to promote an even skin tone and condition, as well as help to increase skin radiance and support firmness and elasticity of the skin. Omega-3 fats also help maintain a healthy inflammatory response in the skin.

Men may find it difficult to incorporate all of these foods into their daily diet. Nutritional supplements can help provide these vital nutrients to promote better skin health and appearance. A daily multivitamin for men is a great foundation for a vitamin regimen for healthy skin. Additional antioxidants such as vitamins E and C provide protective benefits. Fish oil provides nutritionally essential omega-3 fats that help to nourish the skin from the inside-out. Don’t forget about water! Staying hydrated is important for providing moisture to the skin. Skin Tip: Use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors to ensure best protection.
(www.naturemade.com)

HEALTHY HAIR FOR MEN

Many men at a young age experience hair loss. It can occur for a variety of reasons: medical illness, stress, medications (side effect), or heredity-- which is commonly referred to as androgenetic alopecia. This is the most common type of hair loss, and it can begin at any time in a man`s life, even during his teen years. It usually is caused by the interaction of three factors: an inherited tendency toward baldness, male hormones and increasing age.
Can Diet and Supplements Help?

It is important for men to consume a healthy diet to maintain healthy hair and to minimize hair loss. Other factors need to be considered such as medications that may cause hair loss, as well as medications that may help slow or prevent hair loss. In addition to a healthy well-balanced diet, men can also consider the herb, saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that is used to maintain urinary tract health and prostate health in men. Furthermore, it may also help prevent hair loss in men. One of the contributing factors to hair loss in men is the conversion of testosterone to dihydroxytestosterone (DHT), by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Blocking this conversion of testosterone to its active form (DHT) can help slow or cease hair loss in men.

One study sought to examine saw palmetto’s effects in treating androgenic alopecia. The study followed 19 healthy men, aged 23-64, with mild-to-moderate androgenic alopecia. The men were given either 200 mg of saw palmetto and 50 mg of beta-sitosterol twice a day or a matching placebo for an average of 4.6 months. Patients were asked to evaluate any changes with respect to their current satisfaction with their hair. Assessments were performed at baseline and at the study’s completion. Sixty percent of the study subjects were rated as improved at the final visit.

To promote healthy hair, men should keep their diet in check and supplement with a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement to fill in any nutrition ‘gaps’. To help prevent or slow hair loss, the herb saw palmetto may be helpful for young men and teens with accelerated hair loss. As always, it is important to first check with your physician or preferred health care provider before starting a supplement regimen, or, adding supplements to your current regimen—especially if you are at risk for any chronic disease and/or are currently taking prescription medication(s). (www.naturemade.com)