Men’s Health: How to Future-Proof Skin, Hair and Hormones

When it comes to skin health, consultant dermatologist, Dr Sajjad Rajpar, identifies that skin concerns are not merely aesthetic; they are deeply intertwined with self-esteem and professional confidence: ‘It’s not just about appearance, it’s about quality of life’, Rajpar explains. What’s more, common issues such as adult acne, persistent scarring and rosacea frequently drive men to seek dermatological expertise, and can have a profound impact on how men live their life. ‘Men tell me they avoid curries, beer, even social outings – because of the flare-ups’.

Fortunately, innovative solutions are revolutionising male skincare. Hi-tech treatments, such as targeted laser therapies that reduce oil production (look to AviClear) offer a powerful pathway to clearer skin – as well as providing an alternative to strong medications. Similarly, for conditions like rosacea, specialised vascular lasers can effectively shrink facial blood vessels, alleviating redness, swelling, and sensitivity.

Beyond addressing specific concerns, there is a growing desire for men to maintain healthy, natural skin as they age. Rajpar explains that the focus has shifted from “anti-ageing” to embracing a philosophy of looking one’s best at any age. So, how can this be achieved? ‘A simple skincare routine, maintained over five or 10 years, will make a huge difference’, Rajpar explains. ‘Beyond skincare, regenerative treatments – such as wrinkle-relaxing injections and polynucleotides – can provide significant long-term benefits for skin vitality and overall confidence – whilst upholding the desire not to look “artificial”’.

Then there is the question of hair. Male hair loss transcends simple aesthetics; it often represents a profound challenge to one’s identity. Indeed, the experience of no longer recognising oneself (or one’s hairline) can impact self-esteem, erode confidence, and inadvertently diminish your engagement with life, explains plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist, Dr Greg Williams. ‘Hair loss often creates a loss of self-recognition. You look in the mirror and don’t see the person you feel like inside. That disconnect can spiral: self-esteem drops, confidence erodes, and life becomes smaller.’ This concern manifests across various age groups: from young men in their twenties and thirties grappling with receding hairlines, to middle-aged men experiencing broader thinning, through to older men seeking to revitalise their appearance and rediscover self care during life changes, Williams explains.

So how can lost confidence be restored? Surgical hair transplants provide a robust solution for those wanting to restore hair, with advanced techniques providing an almost undetectable result. However, Williams cautions against the proliferation of overseas hair transplant surgeries, particularly those that offer insufficient guidance to younger men. ‘We’re heading toward an epidemic of bad transplants in the next decade. A lot of guys in their early 20s are rushing into surgery without understanding their future hair loss patterns’. The critical message here is that hair restoration is a long-term journey, not a one-time fix.

Before embarking upon a surgical procedure, Williams also strongly advocates for medical management, explaining that finasteride and topical minoxidil are proven treatments to stabilise hair loss. Further, advancements in injectables, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy offer promising avenues – though these require a cautious, personalised approach. ‘There’s no “one-size-fits-all”. I prefer starting with one treatment, tracking results, and building a sustainable plan’. Many people are surprised to learn that hair grows slowly – about 1cm a month – so real results take time, Williams explains.

When surgical intervention is appropriate, advanced methods such as Follicular Unit Excision (FUE), which involves meticulously transplanting individual hair groupings under local anaesthetic, can create a natural, age-appropriate hairline that seamlessly integrates with facial harmony: ‘Your hairdresser shouldn’t even be able to tell you’ve had a transplant. That’s the gold standard’, jokes Williams.

And finally, beneath the surface. Hormonal shifts play a powerful, and often underestimated, role in men’s health. The andropause (which refers to the gradual decline in testosterone that men experience as they age) can significantly impact health and well-being, according to hormone expert, Dr Martin Galy.

‘Unlike the menopause, which often tends to occur abruptly in women, andropause is a slow, progressive process’ – however, it is ‘no less significant in terms of its impact on health and well-being’, Galy confirms. Much like peri-menopause, peri-andropause (a phase where testosterone levels slowly decline or fluctuate) can cause symptoms such as mood changes, fatigue and cognitive fog.

What’s the solution? Intervention is important, explains Galy – but only after using sensitive diagnostic tools to identify hormonal changes. Galy advocates for a ‘comprehensive approach’: starting with lifestyle optimisation, such as tailored nutritional plans, resistance training programs, stress management and targeted supplementation – and only then exploring further intervention, if required. Why? Because ‘modifiable factors’ – including chronic stress, poor sleep hygiene, lack of physical activity (especially resistance training), excessive alcohol consumption and poor nutrition – can accelerate hormonal decline. More specifically, lifestyle factors can exacerbate ‘hyponadism’ – the inhibition of testosterone production.

Beyond lifestyle intervention, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can offer substantial benefits and optimise quality of life during times of hormonal flux. From improved energy, enhanced mood, restored libido, increased lean body mass, decreased fat mass, better cognition, and improved sleep, TRT can be life-changing for those seeking vitality. However, TRT must be introduced carefully, following ‘evidence-based protocols’, Galy explains.

With this in mind – when should men begin to future-proof their hormonal health? ‘Start early and be consistent’, Galy recommends. ‘Regular resistance training, maintaining a healthy body composition, prioritising sleep, stress management and regular hormone checkups can delay hormonal decline – and the sooner you start, the bigger the payoff.’

Want to hear more from our men’s health focused experts? Check out our ‘Men’s Health’ conversation here.