While we spend an awful lot on taking care of our appearance on the outside – layering on lotions and potions and undergoing treatments that target the superficial layers of the skin – how many of us understand the relationship to what we put into our bodies and our appearance? Yes, we’ve long since grasped the importance of good nutrition with regards to health and building muscle mass, but what about the impact it has on how we look?

From quality protein powders that help with anti-ageing and amazing collagen supplements that beef up natural collagen production, to IV drips that can enhance skin tone, read on for ways that you too can bolster your grooming regime from the inside out.

GET AN INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

The skin is your body’s largest organ, so understanding how it works is the first step in knowing how to give it the nourishment it needs.

Glowing skin is about more than good genes – It’s a reflection of your overall health, so to ascertain where you’re at you need to get a solid reading of your body. Enter Compound.

A brand new high-end health service and app from Australian tele-health provider, Eucalyptus (the parent company of lauded Aussie skincare brand, Software) Compound is a medical concierge that offers comprehensive diagnostics and a structured program to improve every aspect of your health.

“Compound’s comprehensive diagnostic screen, gives us a complete view of a member’s health,” says Compound’s clinical director and specialist GP, Dr Matt Vickers. “Importantly it then provides the platform to have a discussion about what each metric means and as importantly how we leverage elements of the program to optimise their health, inside and out.”

This holistic approach also involves extensive blood testing, which will help to reveal some of the most common culprits sabotaging your skincare goals. For example, tests can identify things such as low-grade inflammation, which damages collagen and fuels problems like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and faster ageing. Also, vitamin and mineral deficiencies – certain vitamins (like A, C, E) and minerals (zinc, selenium) are skin superstars, so low levels mean issues such as dry, flaky skin, slow healing, and hair loss. Vitamin D is crucial for skin cell turnover, wound healing, and immune regulation within the skin and acne issues may mean your D needs a boost. Blood sugar levels are also ascertained, which can have a bearing on both collagen damage via glucose spikes and acne (studies show those with acne often have underlying blood sugar imbalances).

In addition to a full suite of scans and tests and unlimited access to a doctor and health coaching team the Compound service includes prescriptions to any medication and supplements that may be needed to remedy any issues, skincare and beyond.

PICK YOUR PROTEIN

No longer consumed exclusively by bodybuilders, elite athletes, and gym junkies, protein powders play an essential role in many of the body’s physiological processes, from helping to build muscle mass and bones, to increasing energy and repairing skin tissue.

Protein supplies the body with the essential amino acids required to make keratin – one of the building blocks of the human body and the form of protein that makes up our skin, hair and nails. In fact, if you’re struggling with dry skin or hair loss it might be due to a lack of protein in your diet.

A high-quality supplement, pea protein is both hypo-allergenic and high-fibre and contains all the essential skin-loving amino acids. Arbonne’s Feel Fit Pea Protein Shake is a great option, especially given that it’s made with premium ingredients backed by clinical research.

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Another brilliant plant-based option, hemp protein is a superstar supplement that contains all nine essential amino acids – making it great for body repair and maintenance – and is rich in Vitamin E, which helps promote skin elasticity and reduce premature ageing.

Forest Super Foods produce full spectrum super foods with all active compounds and nutrients intact that are both certified organic and largely locally sourced within Australia. Their Australian Hemp Protein is the perfect product to promote all of the above benefits, as well as Omega 3 and 6, which are essential ingredients for plump, hydrated, glowing skin.

SUPPLEMENT WITH COLLAGEN

A key component in bones, muscles, and other body parts, collagen is vital for our survival. It’s also a key factor in how good we look. Increased evidence has shown that collagen supplements help to improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration, when orally administered. Additionally, collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin and Happy Mammoth’s Prebiotic Collagen Protein is the perfect way to maintain skin health from the inside out. Formulated with high quantities of Bioactive Collagen Peptides per serve it promotes collagen formation at a cellular level in the skin.

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Another great collagen and peptide blend is Bush Tucker Blends Collagen Protein Peptides. Also incorporating protein into the mix, it not only builds muscle but helps hair growth, nail repair and promotes glowing skin.

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OPTY.NC Ultimate 3.0 Marine Powder is an all-in-one advanced elixir that combines 12 science-backed ingredients, including marine collagen peptides, and is tailored to specific concerns of 50-plus-year-olds. The unique formula plumps the skin via collagen and Hyaluronic Acid and protects against skin damaging free radicals.

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PERK UP YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE

The use of IV drips outside of a trip to the emergency room has been with us for some time now. Boosting your immune system? Check. Fighting that Sunday morning hangover? Check. But how about IV vitamin therapy as a legitimate way to enhance skin tone?

Face of Man have been a staple in Sydney’s male grooming scene for more than 40 years and now, alongside their stable of more traditional treatments – facials, barber and massages included – they have added Glutathione IV Therapy to their offering.

A type of antioxidant that’s produced naturally in the body, glutathione works well against free radicals and other substances that damage the skin, regenerating Vitamin E and other organic pigments, and resulting in more healthy, youthful-looking skin. After multiple sessions users can even expect to see skin brightening, more even skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation. Beyond skin benefits, glutathione infusions may also ease symptoms like low energy, chronic fatigue, dehydration and headaches.

SHORTCUT SKIN SUPERFOODS

An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain, and even damage organs, such as your heart and liver. But what you eat also affects another organ: your skin. And a shortcut to great skin is knowing what to eat.

The best way to truly get your skin to glow from the inside out is by ensuring that you’re eating a variety of superfoods and at the top of the list for great skin is Vitamin C. High levels of vitamin C in lemons work to neutralise free radicals and help the body in producing collagen for firmer-looking skin.

Forest Super Food’s Certified Organic Camu Camu Berry is made from Came Camu – one of the world’s highest food sources of Vitamin C. And the Forest Super Food’s packs a serious punch with 130 per cent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C in just one serve. Get ready for healthy, radiant skin!

Sip your way to healthier-looking skin with Arbonne’s acaí-flavoured, vegan SkinElixir Collagen Builder. The supplement pairs antioxidant Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid to help skin retain moisture and with support and maintain smooth looking skin and with Biotin to support and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.

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Another winner from their range of products is BeWell Superfood Greens. Nutritionists often advocate eating a ‘rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that many of these colourful foods have. This superfood powder delivers a blend of 36 fruits and vegetables in each serving providing the full colour spectrum for better looking skin.

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Lastly, Bush Tucker’s True Blue Immunity contains Australian native whole food sources of Vitamin C, D3, zinc and other antioxidants, a potent combination that may help decrease inflammation, improve cell turnover and improve various skin conditions.

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The post How to eat your way to better-looking skin appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Rather than going into panic mode, instead make a beeline for your bathroom cabinet and read on for a few top tips that will take you from dusty to dashing in under an hour. 

DRY SKIN

The Sahara-like condition of your skin is one of the first calling cards of alcoholic excess. Ethanol robs fluid from body, leaving you looking (and feeling) parched. 

TRY: 

Look for hyaluronic acid. A powerful moisturiser, hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its weight in water, which means it’s a godsend for restoring moisture, softening fine lines and more. 

Dr. Jart+’s Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Treatment Essence features hyaluronic acid at its core.  Available through skincare one-stop-shop, MECCA the fast-absorbing treatment primes, plumps and helps rebuild skin’s barrier after just one use.

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Another great option is Software’s Hyaluronic Complex Serum. A lightweight serum, the ultra-hydrating  product is enriched with four different types of hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturise the skin and target dryness, dullness, and fine lines. 

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OILY T-ZONE

If you’re even more shinier than usual on your nose and forehead, there’s good reason. While oil production is essential for healthy skin, the oil slick on your t-zone could be the result of a late night and alcohol combo. Both of these things stimulate excess oil production and the results ain’t pretty!

 TRY: 

A deep clean. It’s the cornerstone of any skincare regime (as any dermatologist will tell you) and you should be spending at least one minute cleansing the skin to remove all the pollutants and oil from the previous night.  

The Luna 4 Men Smart Facial Cleansing and Firming Device by Foreo is equipped with bristles especially adapted to men’s thicker, oily skin, helping to remove pore impurities, oil, dead skin cells, and everyday pollution in just 30 seconds. It’s also an ideal skin prep ahead of shaving (more of that below) which helps prevent razor burn. 

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Avoid skin-stripping soap and use a product specifically developed for men’s skin, which is oilier and thicker. Omorfi’s Skin Clearing Salicylic Acid Face Wash is ideal.  Formulated with potent ingredients – including salicylic acid and witch hazel – the lightly foaming gel will clear impurities and tighten enlarged pores. 

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Finally, if you need even more of an oil slick mop up, then try a facial masque. NIOD’s Flavanone Mud is one pf the best on the market. Purifying the skin and enhancing natural radiance, its three-phase “dermal decongestion” system helps rid the skin of surface impurities and excess sebum. 

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STUBBLE

While shaving may seem even more of a labour than usual in your hungover state, letting your stubble grow for more than a day can result in ingrown hairs and unsightly razor bumps. Plus, being clean shaven will detract from any lingering signs of a heavy night. 

TRY: 

After cleansing (see above) with the Luna 4 Men Smart Facial Cleansing and Firming Device, lather up with Foreo’s antioxidant-rich LUNA™ Shaving + Cleansing Foaming Cream. This two-in-one wash doubles as a shaving cream and is designed to produce a rich lather to help soften bristles for an extra-smooth shave. 

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Afterwards, splash with a quality toner to close pores and remove residue. The Perfect Toner for Aussie skincare brand, Leitin’s is a great option. Skin-loving ingredients include actives rich in antioxidants and four distinct molecular weight hyaluronic acid compounds. 

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DULL AND BLOTCHY SKIN

Most of us know that one of the side affects of alcohol is blood rushing to the surface of the skin. And while some of us are impacted more than others, a night on the tiles will leave most of us with a complexion that’s far less than perfect. Add to this a shortened and interrupted night’s sleep (alcohol also affects the quality of sleep) and the dehydration affects of booze, and you’ll be left with a blotchy, dry and discoloured mug. 

TRY: 

The simplest (and quickest) way to give your skin a post-party wake-up call is to exfoliate and the ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads from MECCA are idea. Harnessing dual-action resurfacing tech, the best-selling facial pads sweep away dead skin and impurities revealing a visibly smoother and more even complexion. 

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An absolute game-changer in the skincare world was the invention of the LED facial mask and when it comes to the granddaddy of at-home facial masks, the San Lueur LED Light Face Mask is it. Billed as the world’s first LED mask that delivers all three clinically approved wavelengths (that’s blue LED light targeting blemishes and breakouts, red LED light minimising redness, inflammation and hyperpigmentation, and near-infrared light stimulating collagen and elastin) the Australian-owned brand has already made waves in the grooming world internationally. 

Working on a cellular level to stimulate new collagen production and to tackle an A to Z of other skin woes, it is clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, redness, irritation, dark circles, under-eye bags, pigmentation, and overall skin tone — and all in an easy 10-minute session. How’s that for a claim? 

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For extra glow oomph, follow with a top-tier Vitamin C serum, such as E.S.K’s C Forte. Hydrating and brightening, this L-Ascorbic Acid rich serum also helps to actually reverse sun damage. 

Still need a pick-me-up? If you’re feeling seriously pallid then you can even out your complexion with a tinted moisturiser or BB cream. Try O Cosmetics Mineral Pro Spf 30+ Sheer Tint, which gives lacklustre skin a subtle, sun-kissed glow. 

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DARK CIRCLES AND TIRED EYES

Eyes are said to be the window to the soul — they’re also the window into a heavy night out. In fact, nowhere betrays a booze-fuelled stint of partying more than the delicate eye area. Dark circles are emphasised by a lack of sleep and alcohol, while bloodshot eyes are the result of smoke, pollution and booze. 

TRY:  

Geske’s Warm & Cool Eye Energiser. A game-changing grooming tool from Sweden, this versatile device combines cutting-edge technology to rejuvenate your delicate eye area. The warm mode gently soothes, increasing blood circulation and reduces puffiness, while the cool mode refreshes and tightens the skin. But it doesn’t stop there – built-in micro-current and sonic vibrations stimulate collagen production helping to diminish fine lines and dark circles.

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The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, which means that your average moisturiser is far too thick.  Instead, invest in a specially formulated eye product like Clear Skincare’s Moisture+ Plumping Eye Gel. Packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, the gel helps hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around the eyes all while reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. 

To combat red eyes, use brightening eye drops sparingly and regularly. 

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LANK AND SMELLY HAIR

Excessive application of hair product the night before can block hair follicles, leaving hair looking fine and dull. Also, hair absorbs odours, so chances are your barnet will have retained some of the nasty night before niffs. 

TRY:  

A good cleansing routine doesn’t end with your skin. Make sure you remove all traces of product and night-club air, and give your hair a thorough clean with a deep-cleansing shampoo. Software’s Hair Growth Shampoo is a triple whammy formulation. Hair is deep cleaned, deeply hydrated, and hair growth is boosted with hair-loving ingredients. Follow with Software’s Hair Thickening Conditioner. 

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Post-wash, go for a styling product that offers a strong, pliable hold with low-shine to give hair a natural, clean finish. American Crew’s best-selling Classic Fiber is a great option for adding fullness and texture and it’s suitable for both curly and straight hair.

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The post How to hide a big night in 6 easy steps appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

RHIZOME 04, RHIZOME

Another strong (in all senses of the word) contender from Rhizome is their 04 eau de parfum. Key notes of oud, lavender, vetiver, tobacco and white musk create an intense layering that will go the distance from day to night. 

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OUD WOOD, TOM FORD

A blend of rare oud with sandalwood and vetiver, Tom Ford’s rich, warm and spicy Oud Wood is a the embodiment of a heavier, winter season scent.

Conjuring incense- filled temples and the exotic Middle East, the scent is stylish, heady, and intoxicating. Tom Ford can do no wrong.

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MYRRHE MYSTERE, TOM FORD

Launched last year, Myrrhe Mystere is another winner in a long-line of fragrances from the cologne and fashion maestro, Tom Ford.

Using precious and pricey myrrh at its core (one of the most desired of ingredients in a perfumer’s toolkit) the strong smokiness of the scent is is paired with smooth sandalwood and vanilla to create balance with a hint of sweetness. This is an absolute winter winner.

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MYSTIC BLISS, GOLDFIELD & BANKS

New for next month (RELEASED AUGUST 1) Mystic Bliss – from Australia’s first luxury fragrance house, Goldfield & Banks — is a homage to the ancient forests of Tasmania’s Flinders Island.

True to the brand, which has built a reputation for championing Australia’s botanical richness, the new scent tells the story of the island’s rugged beauty through its use of the ancient, native flower, Kunzea. 

The Kunzea’s woody and aromatic fragrance is then mixed with fig and mint for a layer of freshness while other notes of cardamom and clary sage lend a deep, resonant finish. Masterfully blended and True Blue at the same time. 

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AMBRE CHROMATIQUE, MAISON CRIVELLI

When French perfumer, Quentin Bisch, was instructed to transform the memory of a night trek in a tropical forest into a fragrance, Ambre Chromatique was the result. 

Top notes of incense and pink peppercorn create intensity, while Amber is reserved for the base notes where it blends with benzoin resin and vanilla bourbon to lend a warmth to the scent.

Highly concentrated, diffusing, and long-lasting, it’s a gem of a scent for the cooler months. 

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CRUSHED SYMPHONY, RHIZOME

Based out of a studio in the fashion capital of Milan, Rhizome is a fragrance branded from the creatively-minded perfumers and brothers, Stefano and Andrea Aschieri. And Crushed Symphony is an example of their bold and young approach to crafting fragrances. 

A daring blend of sweet orange, saffron flower and pink pepper fuse with Turkish Rose, black pepper, cinnamon and oud to create a sensual and warm cologne. Plus, with a 16 percent concentration of natural essences in each formula, it’s designed to be long-lasting.

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OUD FOR GREATNESS NEO, INITIO PARFUMS PRIVES  

Launched in Australia this month (NOTE TO SUBS: LAUNCHED JULY 1) Oud for Greatness Neo is a new incarnation of the luxury French perfume house, INITIO Parfums Prives’, signature scent.

Flipping the fragrance creation process on its head, the brand takes a scientific approach to crafting fragrances — a process that looks at the desired mood or behaviour first and then creates a prescription of ingredients designed to induce this emotion. 

Oud for Greatness Neo focuses on the natural essence of oud wood, which is enhanced with the presence of three other main notes: fir balsam, bergamot, and orpur lavender. Intense and long-lasting, the scent has been designed to boost confidence and positive energy and to create a sense that “anything is possible.” Now that’s appealing!

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L.

THE HEART OF LEO, GUCCI

New for 2024 and part of Gucci’s luxe Alchemist’s Garden collection, Heart of Leo takes inspiration from its constellation namesake. 

Spicy myrrh with smokey incense contrasts powerfully with sweet, juicy blackcurrant to create a cologne that’s as strong as a lion. 

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COMETE EAU DU PARFUM, CHANEL 

Created by Chanel’s in-house perfumer Olivier Polge — and inspired by “the cosmos” — this brand new musk-based scent is designed to go the distance and will linger throughout the day.

Rich, elegant, and complex, the eau de perfume pairs a fresh cherry blossom accord with notes of iris and heliotrope. 

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AMBER KISO, DS DURGA

Said to be inspired by the Shinto rituals of old held in holy forests in Japan, this heady and intense amber fragrance is not for the faint of heart. 

A creation from cult Brooklyn-based perfume pioneer, D.S. & Durga, Amber Kiso pulls together rare woods — including Japanese cedar and maple — aromatic incense, leather, patchouli and iris to conjure sacred, exotic rituals. 

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The post Winter warmers: your ultimate guide to the best scents for the chilly season appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

At just 0.5mm thick, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, which means that it’s the first area where tell-tale signs of ageing appear. And while we’re all susceptible to pesky shadows and lines, some of us are genetically more predisposed to eye nasties than others.  

Whether your problem is raccoon-like dark circles, wrinkles, bags, or all three, one thing’s for sure: it takes more than a quick dab of eye cream to remedy the issue. However, with the right combination of products and treatments, anyone can lift their eye grooming game. Here’s how. 

Upgrade your tools

Tell tale dark shadows and bags mean that a quality eye product is a necessity. And though every skincare brand and their dog has an eye cream, not all of them are made equal – far from it, in fact. You can save on moisturiser and SPF, but when it comes to serums and products targeting the eye area, it pays to splurge. 

Australian-owned and made premium cosmeceuticals brand, Mx Skincare, specialise in scientifically formulated products, which are created to target specific skin concerns, including the delicate under-eye area. The Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes Solution is a triple whammy collection of products containing powerful peptides and potent active ingredients, including Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, all designed to stimulate collagen production, facilitates cell repair and improves skin firmness.

Touted as the ‘world’s first’ clinical strength retinal for the eye area, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream features a twin-encapsulation retinal delivery system to allow a gentle release of Vitamin A, which helps smooth crow’s feet and to visibly brighten dark circles. Use at night (skin regeneration is faster at night than during the day) and wake up looking sharp.

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For a fast-acting fix, Sunday Riley’s 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum is a winner. An hydrating gel serum works to plump the look of lines and prevent the signs of premature skin ageing, counteracting dark circles and creating the appearance of youthful-looking eyes.  

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Patch repair

Just as there’s a bevy of targeted facial masks available a cluster of brands have developed single-use masks specifically designed for the eye area, which makes complete sense given its aforementioned thinness.

Self-Dissolving Microneedle Patches from Wrinkles Schminkles delivers active ingredients – ingredients including collagen, hyaluronic acid, caffeine and peptides – deep into the skin through 1,800 micro needles for increased absorption. These powerful patches are designed to hydrate, de-puff, tone and smooth the delicate under-eye area, taking you from raccoon to bright-eyed in no time. 

The Derminfusion Eye Mask by Dr. Dennis Gross, meanwhile, helps improve age-related volume loss and fill the appearance of fine lines via a vitamin infusion combined with stimulating ceramides.  

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Lighten your load

An absolute game-changer in the skincare world was the invention of the LED facial mask.  Originally developed by Nasa for plant growth experiments, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have since been found to have healing, rejuvenating, and stimulating properties for skin. And while you’ve likely seen a swag of facial masks on your Insta feeds, there’s only a handful of brands that have created masks designed specifically for the eye area. 

CurrentBody LED Eye Perfector uses proven technology to help ramp up collagen production and kickstart your skin’s healing process, which means a significant reduction in fine lines, wrinkles eye bags and dark circles. 

Using four powerful LED wavelengths and 80 professional-strength LEDs, results can be seen in as little as two months with dark circles, firmness, under-eye bags, pigmentation, and overall skin tone all tackled in an easy three-minute session daily.

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Pay the pros

When the passage of time truly begins to take its toll (aka hitting 40) even the most fastidious of groomers will find that their regime is no longer cutting it. So, to really counter stubborn hollowness and dark circles, you’ll likely need to turn to injectables. 

“The reason the eye area is so susceptible to ageing is because the natural facial fat that sits immediately under the skin of the eye tends to descend with age, causing an exposure of the orbital bone, resulting in an aged, hollow, tired appearance,” explains founder of Contour Clinics, Dr Josh Wall. “Also, because the skin is so thin, you can see the underlying muscles with age resulting in unpleasant dark circles, which causes the individual to appear tired, and in some cases unwell.”

One of the most popular treatments with Wall’s male clients is filler in the tear trough (under the eyes) area. Made up of hyaluronic acid – which is a natural substance found normally in the body’s skin, joints, and fluid within the eye – filler works to re-volumise the area and plump out the skin, eradicating the hollowing that’s been causing your under-eye bags and dark circles. The result is a more youthful, healthy, rested and wide awake appearance.

“That’s where tear filler is the most effective treatment for the under-eye area as it causes a smoothing of the under eye region, a reduction in dark circles and a reduction in fine lines.”

Brow benefits

Outside of anti-ageing products and treatments, there is an optical illusion hack that can instantly add some eye area pep: a brow shape. 

As men age, our eyebrows often become overgrown. So, if you’ve got bushy eyebrows that would make even Noel Gallagher blush, then just cleaning up some of the excess hair can really help shave off the years. And while you may think that a sneaky swipe of your razor is a solution, a stubbly unibrow is never a good look. Instead, play it safe and pay a professional. 

Face of Man have been a staple in Sydney’s male grooming scene for more than 40 years and their premium new HQ is the place to go for some serious TLC. Amidst the offering of in-house barber, swanky Elemis facials and massage, punters can also get their brows expertly shaped. 

Working with the brow’s natural lines to ensure a perfect contour, therapists can tame unruly facial follicles into an eye-area masterpiece making your eyes look more open and your face more youthful.

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The post How to eradicate bags under your eyes, once and for all appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.