“Growth in the men's area will continue at an accelerated pace, as men--especially baby boomers--become more attuned to the effects of aging and more accepting of skin care products. In a field brimming with possibilities, there is no doubt that men's skin care has opened the eyes of men seeking specific product function heretofore unknown in the traditional world of personal care. And as customers become aware of the increased accessibility of goods and services for men, there will be many more joining the men's personal care evolution.” Askmen.com 2006c

Men are results oriented. They have the same skin care goals that have traditionally been associated with women.
• Anti-aging
• Energy Enhancing
• Sun Protection, and
• Visible Benefits
However, men are concerned with additional factors as well that arise from frequent shaving. To combat these specialized skin concerns, products need to reduce skin irritation, moisturize shaved skin, and contain fragrance that is refreshing and soothing.

Many skin care companies have developed a number of products to specifically address these concerns. In the sections following, learn more about the care, concern, and primarily the benefits, gained by catering to the skin care needs of men.

What is a "Men's Facial"?

Facial Services for men are essential for skin fitness. Thorough cleansing and exfoliating helps to counteract the effects of shaving and signs of aging. Results include clearer, smoother skin that stands up to environmental damage.

An executive facial includes: power cleanse, hot towel barber wrap, extraction of skin impurities, facial massage with acupressure and reflexology points, a masque to soothe redness and ingrown hairs, refreshing toner, moisturizer, and sun protectant.

The power cleanse uses a rotating brush to provide rapid exfoliation of the top layers of the skin in order to provide a smooth, healthy appearance.

Hot barber towels are applied directly to the face to open pores, and stimulate and rejuvenate facial muscles. The towels are infused with botanicals to provide a clean, relaxed, rejuvenated feeling.

Extractions are necessary to combat the excess oils that can accumulate from environmental exposure and natural secretions. Regular extractions will minimize skin breakouts and will reduce the “shine” that many men get in the T-Zone area. Follow up at home with a spot treatment to fix potential breakouts as soon as they arise.

Is Massage Included?

Facial massage is excellent for the health of your skin, while additionally contributing to relaxation and stress-management. The benefits of massage include: Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders, relaxing and softening muscles, releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.

Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet, hands, and ears to effect corresponding parts of the body. Reflexologists view the feet, hands, and ears as a mirror image of the body. By applying these technique during a facial treatment, you can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body.

One of the important benefits of acupressure massage is the stimulation of the circulation of blood and fluids which serves to benefit both the muscle and skin tone. The stimulation of the acupressure points by rubbing and applied pressure also triggers a natural healing process which, when combined with aromatherapy additives help to produce an regenerative effect. The stimulation of specified acupressure points revitalizes the skin, regulates fluids and begins the process of toning the underlying facial muscles. It also helps to slow down the loss of elastin and collagen which are the main causes of wrinkling.

Does It Smell All Girly?

Essential oils contain botanicals that can detoxify the body, and invigorate the senses. All the scents should be selected with clientele in mind. Woodsy and Citrus scents should be incorporated. For example, Stress Relief Treatment Oil: “…combines advanced Organic Silicones for skin smoothing with calming essential oils of Sandalwood, Lavender, Orange and Clary Sage. Naturally-purifying extracts of Tea Tree, Lemon and Ylang-Ylang help to counteract the negative mental effects of stress for the ultimate in relaxation.” –IDI

Do I Have To Have The Masque?

This is not your grandmother’s facial masque. Facial Masques nowadays are “high tech” and contain individual formulations and ingredients to deliver benefits to the skin. Each masque can provide a dramatic boost to your skin. Depending on your skin type and condition, a masque will be custom selected for you. Masque products use transdermal vitamin therapy and botanicals to deliver optimum results.

One popular masque product for soothing skin from shaving is the Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. It is the color of a Vitamin C tablet, and is removed after 10 minutes. This masque contains firming Vitamin A to increases elasticity and moisture content, antioxidant Vitamin C to aid in collagen production, restoring firmness, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 to promote healthy tissue regeneration, and calming botanical extracts of Licorice, Comfrey and Burdock to soothe the skin.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Toner is important to return skin to it’s natural Ph to allow the acid mantle to fight against bacteria and environmental pollutants that can cause breakouts and dry skin. Toner is applied with a vacuum spray resulting in a cool, fine mist that feels invigorating and regenerative.

From the IDI: “Moisturizers are vital to every skin care regimen, regardless of skin condition. They help to protect the skin's natural defenses against the environment while controlling moisture loss from the skin.” Additionally moisturizers will provide smooth skin resulting in a cleaner shave.

But Do I Have To Keep This Up At Home?

Home care accounts for 80% of your skin’s conditioning. Many companies offer a variety of home care products that are easy to use, and can be specially tailored to men’s unique skin needs. Surface is committed to establishing thorough care through regular treatments, prescriptive home care, and specialization of service.

Hope this journey through a men's facial helped to better articulate how a spa can better serve and appreciate the perspective of male clientele.

Author's Bio: 

Michelle And Her Passion For Skin Care…

This article is an example of how I use my passion for skin care to inspire men to care for their skin in a thorough and complete manner. This protocol is an example of how I can custom tailor appeal to all individuals who are seek to look and feel fantastic. I care deeply about each and every client that I see, and by helping them, I bring value into my life.