Men are the new anti-agers!

Anti-aging is a magic word.  The word makes products fly off the shelves and is the best marketing tool.  But it is not only women who are in search of the fountain of youth.

Anything and everything connected with age reversal are now in the consciousness of men!

One metrosexual male friend explains that it is not so much about looking young that concerns men.  It has more to do with maintaining the vim and vigor of manhood, and maintaining the competitive edge in one’s personal life, whatever that may be.  “Looking and feeling good boosts one’s morale which is so important for personal success in business, career, or love life,” he claimed.  “As an example, a friend went for a nose job before he applied for a position in a hotel. It improved his looks and confidence, and he got the job! “

“Aging gracefully is really a passé phrase.  No man wants to age, period.  Looking dignified? Men of today don’t like to hear that either.  They want to maintain their machismo well past the twilight of their years,” he continued.

So, what is in the market now for the man who wants his sexy back and keep it for however long it takes?

Let’s start with cosmetic procedures and what cosmetic doctors recommend:

• Baldness is a man’s nemesis and makes him look old prematurely.  It is also genetic so products like minoxidil, rogain, aloe vera, etc. might not work. There are hair restoration clinics that will make men’s hair grow through hair transplant.  Asian Hair Restoration Center (www.hairphil.com) is one of them. Some cosmetic surgeons do hair transplants, too. 

• Drooping eyelids and eye bags take out the sparkle in one’s eyes.  It is advisable to have them removed.

• Weak or receded chins need to be augmented to improve one’s looks.

• Wrinkles and deep lines add character to a man’s face, but if they bother you, there are botox and fillers to minimize them.

• Liposuction is the quick-fix solution for love handles, beer belly, and other fatty areas that you want to trim off.

• Non-invasive skin tightening procedures through laser are an option to tighten loose facial skin and to firm up the jawline.  Many aesthetic  clinics  like Cathy Valencia, Beverly Hills 6750 at Rockwell, etc. do this procedure.

• A surgical facelift will remove unwanted skin and firm the face, putting back the clock 10 to 15 years, depending on the skill of your doctor.

Alternative approaches: Some men nix the idea of cosmetic surgeries and would rather go for anti-aging creams, vitamin supplements, diet, and exercise. (Cosmetic doctors agree that diet, exercise, and vitamin supplements are a must, but they say there are some conditions like droopy eyelids, eye bags, receded chins, very loose facial skin that only surgery can improve.)

A male dermatologist friend recommends the following products to his male patients:

• Sunscreens are a must as sundamaged skin is dry, wrinkled, and leathery, which adds to aging.

• Retinol in various formulations has been known to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

• Vitamin C is supposedly one of the most effective and commonly included ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams so look for creams that have vitamin C in them.

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids or other chemical peels enhance the exfoliation of the epidermis and bring out new skin.

• Creams with collagen improve elasticity and structure.

• Creams with amino acids are known to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

Fortunately for the modern man who seeks eternal youth, there are so many products now on the market to take care of their concerns.  There are cellular rejuvenation serum, daily moisturizing complex, advance night repair, essential body renewal, youth- restoring cleanser, etc. 

I walked into a Sephora store and got so overwhelmed!  There was an array of beauty products for men, including all of the above.  Rustan’s Beauty Source has anti-aging products for men, too.  Human Heart Nature started a line of organic products for men recently. 

Stem cell is the latest technology for anti-aging, according to those who have availed  themselves of it.  A male friend did autologous stem cell treatment and I saw an improvement in his appearance.  He looked more youthful, but what is more important is he claims he feels stronger, too.  The procedure involves using your own stem cell extracted from your own blood, bone marrow adipose (fat). The blood goes through a centrifuge and is harvested, after which  it is injected back to your face and parts of the body that need to be repaired, like the knees and joints, for example.

Dr. Manuel Fernandez Jr. of Makati Medical Aesthetic Center, Dr. Mary  Jane Torres of Zen Institute (856-2027/28)and Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle at Sofitel,  Dr. Sam Bernal of Medical City  are among the doctors who can lend their expertise  on autologous stem cell procedures for beauty and health.

The beauty business is all about anti-aging and is a billion-dollar industry.  And man, oh man, it is even getting more expansive with the new crop of anti-agers — men!