Most
men are afraid of losing their hair. A receding hairline
or bald spot can cause anxiety and social embarrassment.
Jokes about comb-overs, toupees and hair plugs are
commonplace. Many people associate hair loss with aging
and loss of virility.
Baldness is often due to a genetic condition that affects
the hair follicles. There are a few medications (prescription
and over-the-counter) that can slow hair loss. Because
everyone reacts to chemicals differently, it`s hard to
pinpoint what will work best for you. If you`re
considering medication, consult your doctor to learn your
options.
Another
idea is to embrace your baldness! Many women think shaved
heads are sexy. Go ahead, cue ball yourself.
Gaining Weight
These
days women who aren’t the only ones tormented by media
images of unattainably perfect bodies. From billboards, to
the Internet, to TV, images of lean sculpted men are
everywhere. It`s enough to make your average Joe feel just
a tad insecure.
Try to
avoid getting bogged down in the body image blues. Instead,
eat a well-balanced diet, get some aerobic exercise and
take the right supplements. Because men are solution
oriented, implementing a new diet and exercise plan can be
an enjoyable challenge.
Being Hairy
For
many men and women, a hair chest is the epitome of
masculinity. Yet, we’re constantly bombarded with images
of smooth-chested hunks with nary a hair in sight. No
wonder guys with excessive back, chest, and abdominal hair
feel less than sexy. If you want to be hair-free instead
of hirsute, try waxing or laser hair removal.
If you
choose waxing, find a spa or salon that understands men`s
skincare issues. Be sure to find an experienced
esthetician that uses high-quality waxing materials. You
get what you pay for, so try not to pinch pennies. To take
a bit of the sting out of this type of hair removal,
consider taking an Ibuprofen an hour prior to your
service.
Waxing
has some cons: monthly maintenance and unsightly ingrown
hairs. If you want to be fur free forever, think about
laser hair removal. It`s more expensive in the short term
and often requires more than one session. However, results
are more permanent, making it more cost-effective over the
long haul.
Smelling Bad
It`s
normal to smell a funky after working on your car or
finishing a five-mile run. Being ripe at work or on a date
is disastrous. If you suffer from excessive body odor and
perspiration (bromidrosis) it`s time to take some action.
Body
odor is partially caused by bacteria in the sweat-producing
apocrine glands. These glands are concentrated in the
underarms and groin. Be sure to thoroughly wash those
areas twice a day. To make maximize your shower, use a
soapy washcloth instead of just a bar soap. Since we all
have our own unique body chemistry, the soap and deodorant
combo that your buddy uses might not be for you.
Experiment with different products to find what works
best.
You can
also address body odor internally. Charcoal tablets absorb
waste products and reduce odor-causing fermentation and
putrification. Chlorophyll capsules help detoxify the body
with magnesium.
Breaking Out
Still
getting zits well past your teenage years? Your high fat
and sugar diet could be the problem. Insulin-spiking
starches and snack foods set the stage for the hormonal
changes that cause acne.
Try
eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables. Over-counter antibacterial products like
benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective at
clearing-up acne. If these changes don`t bring some
clarity to your skin, consider visiting a dermatologist.
Going
Bald
