THE MOST POPULAR AESTHETIC PROCEDURES FOR MEN
Even though the majority of people getting aesthetic procedures are still women, studies say that 1 in 3 men over 40 have had 'something' done… even if they won’t admit it (yeah, we’re talking about your brother-in-law who got laser hair removal to ‘go faster’ in the pool, or that friend who showed up one day with a nose the size of a toy figurine because he ‘was snoring at night’, and of course, all those Ryanair flights from the UK to Turkey).
That’s why today we’re talking about those 'little tweaks' that are more common among men than you might think… their pros and cons, and what to pair them with before, during, and after to get the best results.
Heads up: At Siwon, we’re all about the natural aesthetic, where you can’t tell you’ve ‘had something done’. If your vibe is more life in plastic, no judgement, but you might not relate to what follows.
TOP 5 AESTHETIC PROCEDURES FOR MEN THAT ACTUALLY WORK
BOTOX OR BOTULINUM TOXIN
It’s used to smooth out wrinkles by relaxing or temporarily paralysing the muscles in your face. It used to be said that it should only be applied to the upper third of the face (forehead, frown lines, …), and if it’s your first time, we recommend starting there. It can also be applied to other areas of the face (lips, nose, chin…), but it’s best to trust someone experienced before jumping in.
The most common excuse for trying it: I had bruxism and was grinding my teeth at night, so they recommended it.
What can look weird: It depends on who applies it: devilish-looking eyebrows (yep, that’s a thing), asymmetry between both sides, and unnatural facial and eye movements when you smile or sneeze… but don’t worry, the effect wears off in 4-6 months, so no big deal.
Long-term: Controversial opinion: using Botox over the long term… can atrophy your muscles (that’s what it’s for). After about 2 years (and ~4 treatments), you’ll have to decide: A) keep going ‘forever’ or B) stop, because by then your facial muscles will be like those of someone waking up from a 2-year coma.
What skincare or active ingredient to pair it with: Retinol and peptides. If wrinkles are your concern, retinol is your friend, both short- and long-term. With our Wowyoung serum, whether you go for Botox or not, you’ll be smoothing out those fine lines caused by ageing and all the good times you’ve smiled.
FILLERS
The most well-known filler is hyaluronic acid, used to ‘sculpt’ the face, kind of like working with clay. Men usually want to ‘masculinise’ their face by sharpening the jawline, chin, and forehead. For wrinkles, it’ll only help with very fine lines.
The most common excuse: No, I haven’t had anything injected, I’ve just been doing mewing (jawline exercises).
What can look weird: Two things.
Some specialists who have spent too long only injecting women have a slight tendency to go for a ‘feminised’ look (with high cheekbones, pulled-back eyes, …). On the other hand, if you ask for ‘masculinisation’… you could end up looking more exaggerated than a meme. Finding the right, subtle balance is tricky. Ask for photos.
Long-term: There’s the build-up effect. Injectable hyaluronic acid gets reabsorbed over time… but not completely. Around 2-8% stays. And if you keep injecting, over time it accumulates, and you end up looking like a balloon puppet.
What skincare or active ingredient to pair it with: Hyaluronic acid. Injected, it’s ‘clay’ that shapes your face; applied topically, it hydrates and makes your skin plump. Inside and out, it’s the perfect combo for maximum firmness and definition.
CHEMICAL PEELS
They’re used to remove the top layers of skin to promote renewal, get rid of dark spots and light acne scars, or other imperfections. Depending on how intense the peel is, recovery time can be longer.
The most common excuse: We didn’t find many here because they’re still relatively unknown. But if someone takes a day off and shows up the next day with a red face… well, we’ve got no proof, but no doubts either, your honour.
We think every man should get one at least once in their life because with our type of skin (thicker, more layers of keratinocytes…), the results can be amazing.
What can look weird: Your face will be red and peeling in the days after. During that time, use our Heroes’ Recharging Mask to soothe the irritation.
LASER
Not a lightsaber, but machines similar to those used for removing tattoos (and dark spots, spider veins, etc.). There are also fractional lasers (like CO2), which are used to treat acne scars and wrinkles. Rumour has it that Letizia (yes, the Queen of Spain) is addicted to this to keep herself looking so regal and flawless.
It’s pretty much the same story as with peels: not very well-known, but after using it, your face will look like a baboon’s backside for a few days… but the results are incredible after just a few sessions. During those sensitive days… be kind to your skin with some extra TLC.
CLEANSING/OXYGENATION
This treatment removes blackheads and whiteheads, just like your mum used to do when she chased you around as a teenager, but with much more glamour and pleasure now. It usually includes dilating the pores with steam beforehand, creams for afterwards, a little massage, and some places even use devices with tiny electric pulses… but the main goal is to clear out all the gunk clogged in your pores.
Men should probably be charged more than women (because those poor technicians work their arms every time a guy shows up for the first time), but take advantage of the fact that it’s still the same price and get it done every 1 to 2 months.
On the day you get it done, your face might be a little red, but after 8 hours, you’ll be back to normal. And to keep your pores clear between visits, exfoliate at home with our Coffee Crush 2-3 times a week to unclog pores with salicylic acid.
In conclusion: It’s about time we start talking more about the little tweaks we get to keep ourselves looking our best or just levelling up over time. And for the creams and maintenance… you know where to find us!