by Henry Park
Recently, the issue of men who apply make-up has been brought into conversation. As good-looking men have come to enjoy increasing popularity, the outward appearance has become very important to men as well. Men are also increasingly particular about having their clothes, shoes, and cosmetics to their own tastes, a trend dubbed “Metro Sexual”.

Even 3 years ago, male patients of skin clinics made up less than 10% of total attendees and most of them suffered from skin diseases such as athletes foot, corns or eczema. However, these days males represent over 20% of the skin patients for beauty purposes like acne care, wrinkle care, removal of spots and dark spots.

Although men have become more interested in their appearance, they do not have as much knowledge about skin care as women.

There are a little more men than women among the patients who suffer from dry skin such as pruritus and erythema and men tend to react more against cold wind and ultraviolet rays. It is true that men are stronger against irritants than women because men are thicker-skinned than women. In spite of this, symptoms are usually caused by men’s skincare habits.

Especially, in the case of dry skin, if a little more attention is paid at home it can be prevented. If men apply a moisture lotion plentifully after showering or bathing they are unlikely to suffer from skin problems during autumn and winter.

Also, when autumn comes, some men apply any lotion and nutritive cream be it their mother’s or wife’s. Men’s skin is generally very oily and feels tight owing to a lack of moisture. So, if men use women’s oily cosmetics, this results in acne.

Cleansing is the most important for men having oily skin. It is good to wash your face with a cleanser of gel or lotion-type primarily, and with a soap secondly. For moisturizing, it is good to use an oil free lotion and cosmetics for men.

Finally men who want to prevent wrinkles and dark spots need to get into the habit of using sunscreen lotion SPF 15 over PA++ to protect their skin from ultraviolet rays.

박연호 원장[양재 CNP 차앤박피부과 TEL : 02-3463-2400]