Introduction to Men’s Body Scrubs
Gentlemen, welcome to the weather in the Midwest. 65 degrees and sun on Monday, 35 degrees and sleet by Thursday. Sound familiar? Although the weather offers us the beauty of the four seasons, it also exposes us to the varying harsh elements which can be taxing on the human body. We are exposed to extreme humidity and the hot sun in the summer. We experience subzero temperatures, brutal wind gusts, and heavy snow in the winter as well as pouring rain throughout the spring and fall. Although there is a certain beauty (and misery) to the weather and the seasons, there is one component of the human body that is greatly exposed and effected: our skin. Skin is the largest organ on the human body and has a very important job as it has the responsibility of protecting us from environmental factors as well as regulating our body temperature. Taking care of our skin is a very important element in our overall investment in our health. Luckily, there is a service that is offered that goes beyond just moisturizing the skin. Men’s body scrubs are a very popular service due to the conditions of the skin that are often caused by the aforementioned environmental factors as well as factors due to the aging process that we all experience.
Skin treatments for men are a rapidly growing service due to the fact that many men desire to look and feel younger, have an improved appearance, and have overall improved health. One often unknown fact about skin is that dry, cracked, and brittle skin is a pathway for bacteria to enter our body. The bacteria that invade our body often leads to infections which some can be serious. Gentlemen who receive regular men’s body scrubs will benefit from healthier, younger looking skin. Furthermore, a case can be made that it is an important factor of first impressions. Skin that is well cared for radiates and glows, often giving men more confidence and higher self-esteem that is needed to conquer the tasks of the day.
Male Skincare Market Demand
The male skincare market is growing at a rapid pace. According to PR Newswire, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% until 2027, resulting in 18.92 billion. Factors such as a deeper level of self-investment, higher quality of life and health, and the desire to obtain a youthful appearance all contribute to the growth of the male skincare market segment. In addition, brand awareness across social media platforms as well as certain spa’s for men have also influenced this growth.
Skin Facts
*Human skin sheds thousands if not tens of thousands of cells every minute.
*Skin found on the human body regenerates every 28 days.
*The thickest skin on the human body is found on the feet.
*The thinnest skin on the human body is found on the eyelid.
*It is estimated that 50% of ordinary house dust is due to dead human skin cells.
Physiology of the skin
As mentioned earlier, the skin is the largest organ on the human body and it protects us from outside environmental factors as well as regulating our body temperature as well as our touch sensations. Before we begin the men's body scrub treatment process and its benefits, let us first understand the physiology of the human skin and common conditions that many gentlemen suffer from. Below is a basic breakdown.
Human skin has 3 layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
Epidermis- The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It is responsible for protecting us from environmental factors as well as foreign invaders.
Dermis- The dermis is the thickest layer of the skin. Located below the epidermis, the dermis provides flexibility and strength to the skin. The dermis also houses the hair follicles.
Hypodermis or Subcutaneous Fat- The hypodermis connects the skin to fibrous tissue of the muscles and tendons.
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Conditions of the skin
Although human skin is tough and durable, it is not indestructible. Skin is susceptible to environmental factors as well as the natural aging process. These factors, over time with repetitive exposure, create conditions of the skin that can create a loss of self-confidence, annoying subtle issues, as well as deeper serious issues that could require medical attention. The silver lining in the cloud is that if men develop some of these skin conditions, men’s body scrubs can assist in alleviating the issues.
*Acne - Acne breakouts are caused by dead skin cells and excess oils. This combination clogs pores and causes the overgrowth of P acnes.
*Itchy/Dry skin – Inflamed, unnourished, non-hydrated skin. Itchy and dry skin is often red and raised in appearance.
*Sallow Skin – Characterized by pale, yellow, or brownish hue or tone of the skin. Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, lack of vitamins, and exposure to the sun can result in sallow skin.
*Keratosis pilaris – A harmless skin condition characterized by red, raised bumps usually found on the arms, chest, back, and buttocks. Regular men’s body scrubs may help alleviate this condition.
*Dark/Age spots – Age spots or otherwise known as sunspots or liver spots are small, usually dark spots on the skin. Age spots are often a result of repetitive and prolonged exposure to the sun.
*Blocked hair follicles – Folliculitis. A condition of the skin where the hair follicle becomes inflamed. Hair follicles that are infected often present as pimple like bumps and may become painful.
*Wrinkles - Wrinkles, or rhytides, are folds in the skin. Our skin produces less elastin and collagen proteins as we get older. Smoking, excessive sugar intake, and exposure to ultraviolet light are a couple causes of skin wrinkles. Regular men’s body scrubs can assist in minimizing skin wrinkles and give skin a glowing, youthful appearance.
Men’s Body Scrubs Benefits:
Now that we have discussed and have an understanding of the physiology and conditions of the skin it is appropriate to discuss the benefits of men’s body scrubs. Skincare treatments for men provide not only the ability to escape the pressures of everyday life and relax but also can alleviate a large number of the skin conditions discussed above.
*Exfoliation - The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Exfoliating also encourages the growth of new and healthy skin cells. When properly exfoliated, the process will also draw out impurities of the skin. Further benefits include removing dry, flaky skin and hydrating the new skin leaving a healthy, polished layer of new skin.
*Less Breakouts due to acne - Acne breakouts are caused by dead skin cells and excess oils. This combination clogs pores and causes the overgrowth of P acnes.
*Ingrown hairs - Ingrown hairs can be caused by dead skin cells that can clog a hair follicle. This occurrence forces the hair to grow sideways under your skin rather than up and out and can often create inflammation, bumps, and a painful boil like sore.
*Relaxation – Relaxation benefits include lower blood pressure, slower heart rate, increased blood flow throughout the body (including the skin), and improved digestion.
*Boosts circulation – Increased blood flow to the vital organs of the body.
*Lymphatic drainage - The process of rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph in the body and reduce toxins in your body. The lymph system is part of your body's immune system and helps fight infection. Muscle relaxation, overall body tone, and improved appearance of the skin.
*Unclogs pores - Caused by dead skin cells that get trapped in the skin resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, and acne.
*Stimulates collagen synthesis – The body’s process of producing collagen within the dermis layer of the skin. As men age, collagen production diminishes. Lack of collagen production may lead to skin losing its elasticity and a reduction of epidermal thickness thus becoming prone to damage with the result of increased wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
*Prevents wrinkles - Wrinkles, or rhytides, are folds in your skin. Our skin produces less elastin and collagen proteins as we get older. Smoking, excessive sugar intake, and exposure to ultraviolet light are a couple causes of skin wrinkles.
Men's Body Scrubs at Men's Den, Inc.
Men’s Den, Inc., A Fine Salon & Spa for Gentlemen, possesses a team who is highly trained and proficient in men’s skincare. The professionals at Men’s Den, Inc. will greet you upon your arrival and clients will be asked to complete a health questionnaire so that the professionals can identify any hidden health risks or contraindications men may have with the body exfoliation service. Upon completion of the questionnaire, the professionals will conduct a detailed consultation to explain the service and the process. Communication will always the fundamental piece as it allows the professionals and clients to establish a common rapport and provides the relaxing atmosphere. Communication also allows the professional to meet client expectations, provide education, answer questions, calm fears, and most importantly it allows us to provide the best and safest care.
Clients will then be guided to a relaxing, private room and the body exfoliation service will begin.
Men’s Den, Inc. offers three levels of body exfoliation services. Please read below to discern the differences in the services.
Body Exfoliation Dry Scrub
This full body exfoliation treatment is great for clients that want to diminish the appearance of dry, sallow skin or alleviate keratosis pilaris. For some clients, the results from this type of treatment can last up to 15 days, especially if they follow a good home-care regimen.
As previously mentioned, an in-depth consultation will be conducted in order to uncover any health risks, contraindications, as well as an assessment for any skin lesions, cuts, and scratches.
The Men’s Den, Inc. male skincare professional will exit the treatment room. Clients should then begin to undress to the level that they are comfortable with. Keep in mind that draping techniques will always be utilized.
In order to keep the clients as warm and comfortable as possible, the exfoliation process will be started on one section of one side of the body at a time on a heated massage table. The male skincare professionals will exfoliate towards the heart in a gentle, circular, clockwise motion, one hand behind the other, in order to prevent any discomfort. They will communicate with the client to ensure that the amount of pressure that is being applied is adequate and comfortable for them. The methodology of working towards the heart boosts circulation and increases lymphatic drainage. In addition, the exfoliation process will unclog skin pores, assist with any ingrown hairs (unless painful), stimulate collagen synthesis, and most importantly provide a relaxing experience.
Once clients have been showered and towel dried, clients lay back on the table and cover themselves before the professional reenters the treatment room. The male skincare professional will now hydrate their skin with body butter. The body butter will again be massaged into the skin towards the heart, in a gentle circular motion, using the same draping techniques.
Once this relaxing process is finished, the male skincare professional will leave the room and the client will have an opportunity to get dressed at their leisure.
Clients should experience benefits from this body exfoliation process for up to 15 days. It is recommended that the service is pre-scheduled for the next appointment.
Body Exfoliation Mango Scrub
This full body exfoliation treatment is great for clients that want to diminish the appearance of dry, sallow skin or alleviate keratosis pilaris. For some clients, the results from this type of treatment can last up to 30 days, especially if they follow a good home-care regimen.
As previously mentioned, an in-depth consultation will be conducted in order to uncover any health risks, contraindications, as well as an assessment for any skin lesions, cuts, and scratches.
The Men’s Den, Inc. male skincare professional will exit the treatment room. Clients should then begin to undress to the level that they are comfortable with. Keep in mind that draping techniques will always be utilized.
Once the client is comfortable, the professional will enter the treatment room and apply a sugar scrub. The Mango Scrub service uses a sugar scrub in place of an exfoliation glove. The Mango Scrub is a sugar scrub that removes the outermost layer of skin in a painless fashion. Sugar Scrubs also are beneficial for promoting healthy, nourished, and vibrant skin. Sugar scrubs are less harsh than competing salt scrubs.
In order to keep the clients as warm and comfortable as possible, the exfoliation process will be started on one section of one side of the body at a time on a heated massage table. The male skincare professionals will exfoliate with the Mango Scrub towards the heart in a gentle, circular, clockwise motion, one hand behind the other, in order to prevent any discomfort. They will communicate with the client to ensure that the amount of pressure that is being applied is adequate and comfortable for them. The methodology of working towards the heart boosts circulation and increases lymphatic drainage. In addition, the exfoliation process will unclog skin pores, assist with any ingrown hairs (unless painful), stimulate collagen synthesis, and most importantly provide a relaxing experience.
Once clients have been showered and towel dried, clients lay back on the table and cover themselves before the professional reenters the treatment room. The male skincare professional will now hydrate their skin with body butter. The body butter will again be massaged into the skin towards the heart, in a gentle circular motion, using the same draping techniques.
Once this relaxing process is finished, the male skincare professional will leave the room and the client will have an opportunity to get dressed at their leisure.
Clients should experience benefits from this body exfoliation process for up to 30 days. It is recommended that the service is pre-scheduled for the next appointment.
Body Exfoliation Detox
This full body exfoliation treatment is great for clients that want to diminish the appearance of dry, sallow skin or alleviate keratosis pilaris. For some clients, the results from this type of treatment can last up to 30 days, especially if they follow a good home care regimen.
This full body exfoliation treatment is great for clients that want to diminish the appearance of dry, sallow skin or alleviate keratosis pilaris. For some clients, the results from this type of treatment can last up to 30 days, especially if they follow a good home-care regimen.
As previously mentioned, an in-depth consultation will be conducted in order to uncover any health risks, contraindications, as well as an assessment for any skin lesions, cuts, and scratches.
The Men’s Den, Inc. male skincare professional will exit the treatment room. Clients should then begin to undress to the level that they are comfortable with. Keep in mind that secured draping techniques will always be utilized.
Once the client is comfortable, the professional will enter the treatment room and apply a sugar scrub. The Mango Scrub service uses a sugar scrub in place of an exfoliation glove. The Mango Scrub is a sugar scrub that removes the outermost layer of skin in a painless fashion. Sugar Scrubs also are beneficial for promoting healthy, nourished, and vibrant skin. Sugar scrubs are less harsh than competing salt scrubs.
In order to keep the clients as warm and comfortable as possible, the exfoliation process will be started on one section of one side of the body at a time on a heated massage table. The male skincare professionals will exfoliate with the Mango Scrub towards the heart in a gentle, circular, clockwise motion, one hand behind the other, in order to prevent any discomfort. They will communicate with the client to ensure that the amount of pressure that is being applied is adequate and comfortable for them. The methodology of working towards the heart boosts circulation and increases lymphatic drainage. In addition, the exfoliation process will unclog skin pores, assist with any ingrown hairs (unless painful), stimulate collagen synthesis, and most importantly provide a relaxing experience.
The Detox service differs from the Mango Scrub Body Exfoliation service as a clay exfoliant is added after the sugar scrub exfoliation. The clay exfoliant will be applied in the same manner as the Mango Scrub, starting at the feet in a circular motion towards the heart. Once the body is covered with clay, the client is wrapped in a mylar blanket. Clients will relax for 10 minutes. The clay exfoliant will draw skin impurities out of the body.
Once clients have been showered and towel dried, clients lay back on the table and cover themselves before professional reenters the treatment room. The male skincare professional will now hydrate their skin with body butter. The body butter will again be massaged into the skin towards the heart, in a gentle circular motion, using the same draping techniques.
Once this relaxing process is finished, the male skincare professional will leave the room and the client will have an opportunity to get dressed at their leisure.
Clients should experience benefits from this body exfoliation process for up to 30-45 days. It is recommended that the service is pre-scheduled for the next appointment.
Body Services (Exfoliation) Contraindications
In order to provide the safest and effective care to clients, it is not recommended that body exfoliation service not be conducted if clients present with any of the following conditions.
*Sunburn
*Eczema
*Inflammatory skin
*Sensitive skin prone to breakouts
*Cuts, abrasions
*Allergy to ingredients used (Nuts, seeds, aromas…)
*Thin skin (Use only mild products)
*After shaving (Avoid exfoliation with salt)
Post/Home care instructions:
Exfoliating your skin isn’t the ‘end all be all’ of skincare. Engaging in exfoliation services is not the only step to keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy. The lack of the post-exfoliating care is the nemesis to your body exfoliation service. So, what do you do after receiving body exfoliating services?
Drink water. Hydrate immediately after receiving your body exfoliation. A body exfoliation can stimulate blood circulation, assist in lymphatic drainage, and possibly leaving you feeling parched and dehydrated. If you consume alcohol before or after a body exfoliation it is very possible that you may experience amplified ‘drunkenness’ due to the stimulation of blood circulation which will allow the alcohol to travel throughout the bloodstream faster.
Let your skin to ‘feel’ calm. After receiving a body exfoliation, your skin may be a bit more sensitive than normal. So, allow time for your skin to recover. Stay away from skin products that contain acids i.e., AHA and BHA, or even vitamin C. Providing that you are not allergic to the following: use products that focus on providing relief to the skin through soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica (plant), aloe, colloidal oatmeal, and/or azulene (steam distillation of chamomile).
Use proper water temperature. When showering, it is important to adjust the correct water temperature for your skin. Although, a steaming hot shower may feel amazing and relaxing, intense water temperature does have adverse effects to your skin. Hot water can dry out and cause irritation to your skin. The excessive heat from hot water disrupts the keratin cells of the outer layer of our skin (epidermis). The ideal water temperature for your skin is lukewarm (105 degrees F to 115 degrees F).
Use pH balanced body wash. Not only is the water temperature important, so is using the proper pH body wash. When your skin is in a healthy state, the pH of your skin can range from 4.2-5.6. When using a pH balanced body wash it will allow your skin to stay moisturized and hydrated. Thus, leaving your skin feeling comfortably soft and being healthily resilient.
Moisturize and use SPF. After showering, use a pH balanced moisturizer. That allows you to lock in moisture. Using a moisturizer will maintain your healthy skin cells. The ideal product to use when being out in the elements is using a moisturizing sunscreen that is light and comfortable on the skin. Your skin is in a more vulnerable state after receiving a body exfoliation. It is crucial that a UV protectant is applied if you choose to be out in the elements.
Conclusion
Men’s body scrubs are quickly becoming a very popular male skincare treatment option. Skin treatments for men is a market segment that is rapidly growing in the United States due to the facts that men are becoming more conscious of their health and of their appearance. Men’s body scrubs area service that is not only relaxing but also improves: clogged skin pores, stimulates the production of collagen, improves lymphatic drainage, boosts circulation, reduces ingrown hairs, and lessens acne breakouts. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet exposure from the sun, cold temperatures, and seasonal effects combined with the natural aging process create conditions of the skin such as wrinkles, age spots, ketosis pilaris, and sallow skin. Men’s body scrubs are a skincare service that is available that can remedy these ski conditions that affect many men.
Contact Men’s Den, Inc., A Fine Salon & Spa for Gentlemen to schedule your male skincare treatment.