Emer O'Callaghan: Beauty advice... just for the fellas

I am 16 years now writing this page, and I put a lot of time, effort, and research into not only educating readers on all that’s new and current in the beauty and skin world - but also making it a relatable and enjoyable read.

Many tell me they enjoy my page, and while some weeks readers will relate more to the topic than others, I am always impressed by the amount of men who tell me they like to read this page every week too.

Now, I don’t think these fellas are looking for style or make-up tips, and I certainly don’t think any man is too concerned about where I bought that dress - but I do believe, from growing up myself in a house of men, that men too want to learn and know more about their skin.

Just like us women, they too want to look good for their age, and the beauty industry which once was just for all women is no longer so.

The male market, as we in the trade call it, is massive now for men of every age.

I remember a few years ago having to go up and collect one of my brothers from the rugby club on Christmas Day, as I was voted most persuasive family member!

I walked into the bar packed full of men of all ages, and there I was in my best sparkly Christmas dress like I’d jumped off the top of the tree.

All eyes were on this sole female and I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me fast. I could feel my face go bright red and there was an eerie silence. Then, one of the men shouts: “Oh, Emer, come in, come in, don’t I be reading you religiously every week on the Echo.”

My brother shouted back: “You do know that’s a beauty page?” And he said: “I do, I do, it’s brilliant!”

Then another wag says: “Well ,you clearly aren’t taking any of the tips!” The whole place burst out laughing.

I felt sorry for that poor man who was brave enough to make such a declaration of his loyal reading of this page.

That was about 15 years ago, and while my brother and I still laugh about it, I do feel men have really come so far in embracing all things skin and self-care related.

So, this week I want to give my top skin tips for men of all ages that may help them look and feel their best.

SHAVING

My top skin tip to men of all ages is always about your razor. It’s the first question I ask any man who asks me about his skin. The blade you use to shave is vital.

The single blade has been replaced by many men with multi-blade razors in recent years, for what we’re told is a better, tighter, cleaner shave. Well, you might get that, but you might also suffer skin sensitivity problems and redness.

These blades are OK for occasional use, maybe once a week, but for daily and frequent use, as a beauty doctor and skin specialist, I can tell you they are a big no-no.

The issue I have with these multi- blades is you are also taking a few layers of skin off, and your skin can suffer damage.

I tell all men to buy a single blade, and if you can buy a sensitive blade razor, do - even if you think your skin is not sensitive. Shaving is harsh as it does remove a layer or two of skin.

SPOTS

I used to think it was so funny growing up to see men walking around with bits of white tissue and blood stuck to their face after shaving over a spot or popping a spot, or getting a nick shaving.

We have certainly come a long way - ‘tis very rare you see a man do that now. Sudocrem is very effective to apply on any cuts or spots as it has an antiseptic; it is very white and noticeable, but nothing like the old tissue, boy.

Men, just like us women, are also prone to spots and break-outs, and just like us, there can be various reasons for this. We always need to assess each individual client, but the most common reasons for male break-outs and spots are as follows:

1) Stress, which has every organ working overdrive.

2) Whey protein and protein powders. We now know these can be big contributing factors to acne and excess oily skin in the under 35s.

3) Hormones and sweat. Just like us women, men too have hormones that are changing - testosterone, increasing in younger men and decreasing in older men, does play a huge part in hormonal skin issues.

MOISTURISER

It is fantastic to see how so many modern men today of all ages know the importance of moisturisering their skin daily.

Like with women, their skin will dry out and line and wrinkle if it is not given the correct moisturiser.

So many men think skincare is complicated, it’s not: wash your face, lash on moisturiser twice a day. I can see a mile away a man who moisturises his skin.

It really is not just a case of any old moisturiser either. Men need hydrating, fast-absorbing products with no oil.

SPF

I don’t care if you’re playing a match, standing on the sidelines watching it, or you’re out fishing, walking, gardening or teeing off with the lads for 18 holes - yes, you need SPF every day, 365 days a year. It’s not just for sunny days.

You also need to be reapplying it every two hours when outside.

Always look for an SPF that is also a day cream as this will be more hydrating, and ensure it says on it that it is a broadband spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.

I did one of my popular beauty videos on this recently, and you can watch it on the Emerald Beauty Clinic Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.

EYE CREAM

If I had a tenner for every man who asked me about his old crows’ feet...

Just like us ladies, men too have a dislike for ageing eyes, and many say to me they don’t know what they are meant to do with them.

Put eye cream on them, I say. However, any old eye cream will give you any old results. My professional advice is to avoid high cosmetic, high perfume and scented eye creams because these may irritate your eyes.

I find eye gels better for men as they are fast-absorbing and the gel works on the dark circles as well as the lines, so it’s a win/win.

Please note you need to be consistent and use it daily. If you are a good boy and are consistent and repetitive in using it, you will get results.

• Emer O’Callaghan is a Beauty Doctor and Skin Specialist who won Irish Beauty Therapist of the Year and works at Emerald Organic Beauty Products Ltd, trading as Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949. A multi award-winning Five Star Gold Standard Clinic, 2008-2025, www.emeraldbeautyclinic.ie - follow us on Facebook/Instagram/TikTok.
• SPECIAL OFFER: All next week, our Dermologica Acne and Oily Skin Facial is reduced from €125 to €95, 90 minutes, includes a full professional skin analysis, eyebrow shape, samples, and treats. Appointments necessary, to book, call Emerald Beauty Clinic on 021 4365949. Free parking.