What kind of man would get a peel? Just about anyone who shaves, would technically be the correct answer. Shaving does cause exfoliation. Many men like the results. Today, regular men, not just the minority who happen to be interested in beauty products, are beginning to show up at salons more and more to get full facial peels.
What gets men interested?
Not long ago, peels were largely ineffective. Women still got them because the newness of the procedure and the promise of results attracted them. Today, the procedure has evolved dramatically. When men look at the women in their lives, they see the visible improvement that the procedure brings to the skin, and allow themselves to be persuaded.
Men tend to choose skin peels for different reasons. Some do it because they hate the look of the brown spots that they see all over their face, having never been careful with sunscreen or hats. Others hate the lines on their face, and turn to peels to soften them. They also hear about how skin peels can clear out the pores, and they like the idea. When peels promise practical results to practical problems, they begin to appeal to men. The fact that these procedures do not cost hundreds doesn’t hurt.
It’s not that men aren’t embarrassed
Women have long favored laser-based skin peels over chemical-based ones. Nevertheless, men tend to stick to more traditional chemical-based work. These peel techniques involve the use of glycolic acid or a kind of vinegar called trichloracetic acid. The problem with lasers is the downtime. While lasers are far more effective than these chemicals, they can make the skin peel for days afterwards, something that can be a dead giveaway. Men tend to not be comfortable letting anyone know they’ve chosen a salon procedure.
In salons that cater to men, beauticians work hard to create special preparations specifically for men. It’s not that men need anything different; they simply tend to be more comfortable with products that smell different from women’s products. They also tend to prefer products that offer stimulation. Paprika, for example, is popular for its invigorating buzz.
Brands use different approaches to appeal to men
DIY peel products such as Jack Black DIY Power Peel are particularly popular. They appeal to the hands-on approach that men are comfortable with. Cosmetics vendors appeal to men in high-tech ways, as well. They set up ultraviolet test booths at shopping malls to help men see for themselves the damage their skin has accumulated. Men tend to like the scientific approach. The science makes sure that these procedures are not about “beauty,” but about finding a solution to a problem.
The approach has worked. Today, about 20% of salon visitors tend to be men, and it’s a growing trend. Salon owners view peels as a gateway treatment. Once a male salon client comes in for a peel, it usually doesn’t take long to get them interested in a facial or in skin tightening.
