Men's personal care involves a balance of practical styling, advanced anti-aging methodologies, and rigorous hygiene practices to maintain physical health and aesthetic appeal.
Cosmetic products often contain a variety of compounds with unusual names. These chemicals, such as olefin sulfate, typically work to tweak the underlying chemistry of the soap or beauty product and generally are present only in small amounts.
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Hair and nails are made predominantly from proteins. Depending on the type of protein used, the structures made can be soft and pliable, like hair, or be designed for sturdiness, as is the case with nails. Some conditions, such as a fungal infection, can break down these proteins.
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The appearance of skin growths or lesions can be frightening because they may look like skin cancer. Not all skin problems are cancerous, however. Some, such as seborrheic keratosis, are benign. Even the precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis, can be treated before they progress to cancer.
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The color of the skin is due to the presence of a protein known as melanin. Melanin is made by cells known as melanocytes, which are present in the deeper layers of the skin. In some cases, an injury to the skin can cause patches of abnormally light skin, also known as hypopigmented regions, to appear.
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Acne is the result of pores in the skin becoming clogged or blocked, resulting in oil becoming trapped underneath the surface of the skin. This can cause swelling, inflammation and pain or tenderness of the affected skin. In some cases the inflammation can occur deep within the skin, resulting in cyst formation.
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Argireline and Matrixyl are two peptides that are commonly used as part of "anti-aging" products. Peptides are generally small fragments of proteins that have their own ability to interact with and affect cells.
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Cellulitis is the result of a bacterial infection that occurs in the tissue underneath your skin. This kind of infection generally is the result of bacteria getting into your body through a cut or some other type of skin trauma.
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Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid. These acids are often used for skin treatments, as they can help remove the upper layers of the skin. Revealing the lower layers of skin can give you a more youthful appearance, as the skin is lighter in color and smoother.
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Hair growth in men and women is governed by hormones called androgens. Specifically, androgens are the hormones that cause the development of "masculine" features, both in men and women. One of the characteristics that androgens are able to affect are hair follicles.
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Finasteride, brand name Propecia, is a medication which is often used to prevent balding, particularly the variety known as male-pattern baldness. This loss of hair is linked with the conversion of testosterone to another chemical, known as DHT.
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The ribs are a series of bones that protect the vital organs in the thorax such as the heart and lungs. Like all bones, the ribs begin to form in the developing embryo, but they continue to grow and develop throughout childhood. Some genetic and metabolic problems can lead to abnormal rib growth in children.
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Aloe vera gel is commonly used as a moisturizer for skin because it can help trap and lock in moisture. Aloe vera gel can be purchased from many stores -- especially health food outlets -- and can be used on its own or mixed with other products for hair application.
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Kojic acid is a compound that is commonly derived from various fungi. Kojic acid is often used as a skin lightening agent because of its effects on a protein known as tyrosinase. According to Dr.
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Allergic reactions are the result of inflammation or irritation of parts of the body. Sometimes people may have an allergic reaction to soap, which typically only affects the skin. These reactions typically affect people who wash their hands frequently, such as health care workers.
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Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that affects the skin. It is most common among children, though it can affect people of all ages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Razor bumps on the face, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, are caused by ingrown hairs; as hair grows, it curves back into the skin, causing inflammation and the appearance of the characteristic bump. Because this condition is often caused by curly facial hairs, it is most common in African American men.
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