Emer O'Callaghan: Skincare tips for men this November 

November is Movember - a month to highlight awareness of male cancers.

You may know that I grew up the youngest and only girl with four older brothers, so it’s natural for me to say I am very comfortable in male company.

Obviously, being a high-class lady, I like gentlemen who we say today are ‘old school’ - the well-mannered and respectful ones!

As a beauty doctor and skin specialist, I take it as a compliment when men feel they can ask me questions about their skin and health, because I know it’s not always easy for them to open up on such topics.

Also, I feel they know it’s OK to talk openly and in confidence to me because confidentiality is key to what I do.

I do my best to be approachable and I truly believe men of all ages in the 21st century really are as concerned as we females are about ageing well. I think that is fantastic - it’s great to see a guy looking well, fit, healthy, and strong, with a good complexion, whose whites of their eyes are bright and clear - a good indicator of health.

When a man is told he is looking fit and well, you can literally see the change in his posture and demeanour, because, just like us ladies, men too need that reassurance.

I see this a lot in society now, particularly when a man turns 50. Many choose to embrace that age and it’s like a rebirth. If you ask me, some of the finest men around today are over 50 - they have life experience under their belt and, as much as women go on about being free now their children are older, that’s also often the case for the man in his fifties. They have more free time to invest some time and care back.

I can tell ya this for nothing, the men investing time and care into themselves now are the men who are knocking it out of the park.

I had to do a skin presentation for a big pharmaceutical company last month on SPF, and what a high quality SPF entailed, and it was a boardroom of businessmen all over 50. It was a pleasure to do it as I was treated with respect and courtesy, they held the door for me, held a seat out for me, carried in my bags.

I grew up with this attitude, and I’m proud that my four brothers are four gentlemen.

Sadly, in society today these pleasantries are not seen in many of the younger men. I think that’s very sad.

Every week, I get asked male skin and beauty questions, and I will say this - I do find men are far more teachable than women of a certain era, they truly want to learn and are respectful of the fact I have the knowledge and want to share it.

You can get more of my skin and beauty tips in my weekly videos on the Emerald Beauty Clinic Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok pages now also.

Here are my top five tips for men today to help with their skin, ageing and health

SPF

It goes without saying that it’s no different for men as it is for women, and it’s been scientifically proven now that the sun is the most ageing thing for everyone today.

Every winter, so many men will leave Cork for the sun with no clue that over-exposure to it is not good for the skin. SPF is vital 365 days a year now, regardless of weather you are in Cork or Spain.

I treat so many with very serious pigmentation-damaged skin and many will say they use factor 50 - but it’s the quality of the SPF you are using is the key.

Only buy what we skin specialists call a broadband spectrum SPF, which will shield you from all UV rays - so look for those words.

Next, you need to ensure the SPF is UVA and UVB - far too many are not. If you’re looking for a practical gift this Christmas for any man, I’d recommend my best-selling Guinot Hyrazone SPF 50 broadbrand spectrum, with UVA and UVB. It’s €56 - yes, you pay more, but it’s quality.

RAZOR

Multi-blades are marketed so well today, but from a skin specialist’s point of view, it’s a concern.

When a man shaves, he removes about three layers of skin with the hairs, and that’s just with a single blade razor.

If you are using a multi blade 3-5 blade razor, you are then removing even more layers of skin - a tighter shave, they say, but at what price to your skin? In my opinion, one blade only is the best thing you can shave with for your skin.

There is a fantastic Gillette sensitive skin single blade razor you can buy in most supermarkets, and that is the one I’d recommend you use.

INVEST IN THE BEST

I find men are just as concerned about ageing as we are, and when I get male clients on professional grade skincare like the Dermalogica and Guinot men’s ranges that I stock in Emerald Beauty Clinic, they all see a difference in their skin.

Many of my clients will buy their husband and partners my Guinot men’s range three-step products of cleanser, aftershave balm, and moisturiser at Christmas, as well as for their birthdays or Father’s Day.

Like anything in life, I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for, and the real investment is in your skin health and slowing down the ageing process.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

I get key information about everyone’s health, my own included, by the face. For example, I look to see the whites of the eyes, is there any discolouration or veins, as these are a big indicator of internal health. Next, I look at the lips to see signs of dehydration. Lastly, I look at the skin.

When it come to general health, often men are slow to go to doctors, but I always advise them ‘to know their number’. The same for us ladies too.

These numbers are their cholesterol level, blood pressure, and heart health - and all our bloods should be done yearly to know what condition your internal health is in. Men need to be getting their prostate checked too, and have a general check up with their doctor every 6- 12 months.

Stress is the biggest contributing factor to ill health and premature deaths in Ireland today, and it’s less stress we all need as we are ageing.

SKIN TREATMENTS

Remember, long ago, men who nicked themselves shaving or who got a spot would dab some tissue paper onto their face to stop the bleeding? You don’t see that today, but spots and breakouts are just as real as ever for men.

In my clinic, I call facials ‘skin treatments’ as I feel this is a more accurate description, and it’s also more appealing for men.

The word ‘facial’ implies pampering and zen time which a skin treatment is, but it’s more of a health benefit, and all our skin needs regular treatments to see what is going on.

Men, just like us ladies, should be doing a professional skin treatment every 4-6 weeks.

My final tip for the lads is this very common mistake that so many of all ages do daily and think nothing of - but did you know that you should never scrub your face in the shower?

The sheer heat and pressure alone of modern showers is exactly why so many men have visible thread veins and broken capillaries, because no one ever told them the shower is an extreme environment for skin.

So never do your face skincare in the shower, do it at the sink after the shower, using lukewarm water to remove residue hair products and properly cleanse and clean the delicate skin of the face and neck.

• Emer O’Callaghan is a beauty doctor, and skin specialist, and winner of Irish Beauty Therapist of the Year, and works at Emerald Organic Beauty Ltd, trading as Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949, www.emeraldbeautyclinic.ie follow on Facebook/instagram/ Tik Tok pages.
• SPECIAL OFFER: All next week, our award-winning Dry Skin Winter Facial, 90 minutes, is reduced from €125 to €95, includes full skin analysis, eyebrow shape, and heated hand treatment. Appointments necessary, to book call Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949. Free parking.