The popularity of men’s self-care and grooming services has grown in recent years. This growth can be attributed to many factors, including the shift away from old-fashioned gender stereotypes, which has encouraged men to invest in their appearance beyond just a haircut. Men are now a growing clientele in spas, salons and clinics globally – they understand the need for a good skincare regime.
Beauty therapists and Aestheticians must acknowledge the growing popularity of men’s professional self-care and grooming services, which presents a significant business opportunity. By recognising the importance of specialised beauty and aesthetic treatments that cater to the growing male clientele, you can tap into a large market and see an increase in your business.
Through this blog, we want to help those working in the industry increase their male clients by providing our insights into suitable men’s facial treatments. We will detail the unique aspects of men’s skin, the benefits of these treatments, and which are most popular among male clients.
Let’s get started!
Is men’s skin different from women’s skin?
The simple answer to this question is YES! There are many ways that male skin differs from that of a woman. Firstly, men’s skin is about 20 – 25% thicker due to their high testosterone levels, collagen and elastin. The thicker skin also naturally produces a rougher texture than a woman’s. However, male skin is usually firmer, and the ageing process is slower and steadier.
Secondly, men also have more active sebaceous glands, usually double those of women, which makes their skin oilier and their pores larger. These extra sebaceous glands mean men’s skin has a lower pH level, making them more prone to acne, blackheads and other issues related to oily skin.
Finally, men’s facial hair and regular shaving cause their skin to be more irritated and sensitive to external factors. Facial hair can cause unique issues like ingrown hairs and razor burns, which most women are unlikely to experience due to a lack of facial hair.
So, as we’ve highlighted, men’s skin is very different from women’s, so their skincare needs to be tailored to these factors for the most effective results.
How do facial treatments benefit men’s skin?
Facial treatments offer many benefits, not only for the skin’s overall health but also for our overall well-being. Facials have been considered a female staple for many years, but they are also very beneficial for men, and we’re glad to see more males taking advantage of these benefits.
1. Deep Cleanse
As we mentioned, men’s skin is usually oiler than women’s, which can often lead to breakouts, clogged pores, blackheads, and acne-related issues. Most professional facial treatments will include an element of deep cleansing, extraction and steam, all of which help open the pores, remove any excess oils and balance oiliness. All of which will help reduce acne and minimise pores.
2. Anti-Ageing
Specialised facial treatments boost the skin’s collagen production and target signs of ageing, wrinkles, and fine lines. Due to their thicker skin, men’s skin is likely to show dramatic signs of ageing, so anti-ageing facials can help boost self-confidence.
3. Exfoliation
Since men have oilier skin and facial hair, the likelihood of clogged pores and ingrown hairs is very high. A professional exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores without further irritating the skin, which is very common when exfoliating at home. Exfoliating will also improve the overall skin texture.
4. Increased confidence
Our skin is the first impression people will have of us; as shallow as it may sound, first impressions count. We want to look our best, professionally, romantically, or socially. Facials give men the confidence they need by improving their appearance and tackling skin concerns. After all, when we look good, we feel good.
5. Time to decompress
A facial can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the treatment. Receiving a facial is relaxing and the perfect time for any man to unwind. It significantly reduces stress levels and improves skin and mental health—an overall win!
5 Most popular facial treatments for men
At Ray Cochrane, we have been training beauty therapists and aestheticians for 70 years. We understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry. If you want to target more male clients, it’s crucial to understand the trending facial treatments that will benefit them. With our experience and dedicated training, we can help you provide the most effective facial treatments for men and ensure the growth of your business.
1) Deep Cleansing Facial
A deep cleansing facial is a staple in professional facial treatments for men! This treatment thoroughly cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin, providing a clear, well-hydrated complexion. It’s particularly beneficial for men prone to clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven skin texture.
The process starts with a deep cleanse to remove dirt and oil, then exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells. Next, a professional extraction clears any impurities from the pores, which is crucial for preventing breakouts and maintaining a smooth complexion. After the extraction, a suitable mask is applied to the client’s skin, followed by a moisturiser to lock in all the benefits. Regular deep cleansing facials can help manage oil production, minimise pore size, and keep the skin looking healthy.
As a beauty therapist, you will learn to tailor each deep cleansing facial to the individual’s skin type and concerns, ensuring the best results.
2) Laser Hair Removal
Not everybody is committed to a long-term waxing routine. Some clients want to explore more permanent hair removal treatments. Laser hair removal is a game changer for men looking for a permanent solution to unwanted facial hair.
The laser hair removal treatment uses concentrated light to penetrate the hair follicles, targeting and destroying the hair at the root. Over the sessions, the client’s hair grows back finer and sparser, providing a clean, polished look that’s hard to achieve otherwise. For this reason, laser hair removal is a popular treatment for men who want to reduce the time they spend shaving in the mornings, especially if they frequently get razor burns or ingrown hairs.
Laser hair removal is safe for various areas of the male face, including the cheeks, upper lip, and beard line, without damaging the surrounding skin.
With the correct laser training, you will learn how to tailor each treatment to the client’s skin type and hair colour, maximising efficacy and minimising discomfort.
3) Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are already so popular among women clients, but they offer fantastic benefits to men’s skin, too! This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, exfoliating the outermost layers, revealing new skin. It’s perfect for men with acne scars, sun damage, or uneven skin tone. A series of chemical peels can improve skin texture and tone, reduce fine lines, and promote a more youthful appearance. The treatment is quick and can be adjusted to fit even the busiest schedules.
Once you have learned professional chemical peel treatments, you can customise the peel’s intensity based on the client’s skin type and desired results. Whether opting for a light peel for a refreshing glow or a deeper peel for a more significant correction, your client will notice their skin looks clearer and smoother.
4) Microneedling
Microneedling is gaining popularity among men for its ability to rejuvenate the skin and tackle various skin troubles like acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine lines. This minimally invasive treatment uses a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production. The procedure is well-tolerated and can be adjusted to suit different skin types and conditions. The result? Smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
As a professional aesthetician, you will learn to perform the microneedling treatment with precision and care, optimising the skin’s ability to heal and regenerate.
5) Facial Waxing
Waxing has been around forever, for both men and women, for a good reason! We highly recommend facial waxing for men who struggle with ingrown hairs, uneven finish and razor burn. An excellent professional waxing routine will see clients enjoying up to six weeks of slow hair growth, and over time, they will find that the hair grows back slower and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.
There are also so many different types of waxing: hot wax, cold wax, sugaring and strip waxes. You are sure to find a way that works for any male client!
Recommended skincare products for men’s facials
When working with any client, it is essential to tailor your products to the individual’s skin. Whilst we can’t generalise all men’s skin, as some may be drier or oilier, more sensitive and irritated than others, we can recommend general ingredients that benefit male biology. You should always do a skin analysis before the treatment to ensure you fully understand the client’s skin.
For cleansers, use products containing ingredients like charcoal or salicylic acid. These help balance the skin’s oils and cleanse the skin deeply.
Exfoliating will help prevent ingrown hairs and reduce large pores; however, opt for gentle exfoliants to not further aggravate the skin if the client shaves. Physical exfoliants can sometimes be too rough and get trapped in the large pores; chemical exfoliants may be more suitable for men.
To finish the facial, use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers with added SPF to protect the skin from sun damage.
By understanding the unique characteristics of men’s skin and tailoring treatments accordingly, beauty therapists can provide effective and enjoyable services that meet the specific needs of male clients.
Learn how to treat men’s skin with dedicated training from Ray Cochrane
More men are moving past the stereotypes and embracing facial beauty and aesthetic treatments. As the demand for men’s therapies grows, staying informed and up-to-date with the latest techniques and products is essential for success in the beauty industry.
At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy, we have a range of advanced training courses suitable for learners who want to diversify their skills and be more inclusive. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics of a facial or a qualified beauty therapist who wants to learn laser hair removal, we have a course for you.
Visit our website for more information on our courses or contact us on 0203 856 8886. You can also email us at admission@raycochrane.co.uk, and we will answer your queries as soon as possible.
The world of men’s facial treatments in beauty therapy is expanding, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it!
