As evidence pointing to the importance of skin care mounts — and the popularity of cosmetic dermatology procedures grows — more and more of us are making regular visits to the dermatologist. But unfortunately, the proportion of these patients is drastically skewed; far more women than men are proactively invested in their skin care.

A recent survey sponsored by the Skin Cancer Foundation, underscores this reality. The survey found that 71% of men did not know how to spot early signs of skin cancer, and that only 50% of men had used sunscreen in the past 12 months.

That’s a pretty scary statistic, considering we all encounter the sun’s harmful UV rays virtually everyday. Consequently, men over 50 are more than twice as likely to die from melanoma than their female counterparts.

The reality is that a dermatologist can be a man’s best friend. The dermatologist improves your outlook in a myriad of ways; he can help you look better, feel better, and in many cases, save your life.

Here’s a case in point. I recently saw a well-known writer who came in with concerns about a spot on his leg. That spot was fine, but I noticed another spot that was suspect; it turned out to be a melanoma. Fortunately, it was found early and almost certainly was cured by removal.

Spotting skin cancer

Spotting early signs of skin cancer simply comes down to education and screening by a qualified physician. Early visits to a good dermatologist will make you aware of your skin and empower you to look out for warning signs and give tips on day-to-day maintenance.

Some of the essential activities for protecting your skin include:

• Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest

• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, protective clothing and sport hats with wide brims to shade the face and neck

• Slathering on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day, no matter what.

• Actively looking for signs of skin cancer each month. Don’t know how? Read the Skin Cancer Foundation’s helpful guide to self-examination

• Maintain a yearly appointment with your dermatologist to receive a professional exam, and come in sooner if you spot a mole that is changing or looks different than your normal moles

After your skin care foundation is put in place, your dermatologist can recommend a personalized routine and suggest treatments that will provide you with long-term results.

While many men struggle to get over the “girly” factor of going to a skin doctor, some are beginning to embrace the benefits of a great dermatologist.

Treatment for men

In recent years, the term “Bro-tox” has become popularized in regards to the male patients who use Botox. And while the nickname is a little frivolous, these men represent a growing trend.

In fact, the 2011 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report shows a 56 percent increase in minimally invasive procedures in men.

After all, if cosmetic treatments make women look and feel better about themselves, it’s only natural that men could receive many of the same benefits from looking younger. Our faces are the first impression we offer the world, and everyone deserves to feel like their face accurately reflects who they are—their youthfulness, vibrancy and attractiveness.

While Botox is now one of the most-well known cosmetic procedures, there are so many more useful treatments a man should ask his dermatologist about. Here are some of the top treatments that will provide men with long-term value — meaning not only the most popular treatments, but also those that will provide the highest value and the biggest impact:

• Botox: Still one of the most common procedures, Botox smooths current lines and minimizes additional damage to the collagen. When applied well, Botox creates a naturally younger look.

• Body Contouring: It’s now possible to eliminate unwanted fat without surgery. Treatments such as CoolSculpting and Liposonix both produce excellent results and can result in 1 to 2 inches lost after 8 to 12 weeks—this is ideal for men who live a healthy lifestyle but can’t seem lose that last pocket of fat.

• Pulsed Light Rejuvenation: Using a pulsed light and a VariLite laser, this treatment creates a more even skin tone, smoother skin, smaller pores and dramatically reduces redness and age spots. Most men don’t opt to use makeup to cover imperfections; Pulsed Light Rejuvenation is a great alternative way for men to enjoy a more even skin tone.

• Skin Tightening: Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound energy, and EndyMed, which uses radio frequency, are two of the best treatments for saggy skin on the face and neck. Both treatments stimulate collagen production and create smoother, tighter skin.

• Laser Hair Removal: In addition to being unsightly, back hair can be itchy and cause overheating. Laser hair removal can get rid of that discomfort, once and for all, leaving behind smooth, touchable skin.

All of these procedures are minimally or non-invasive and have little to no downtime — so you can resume normal activities right away. They are performed at your dermatologist’s office, so there’s no need to visit a “Real Housewives” type plastic surgeon.

A great dermatologist will work with you on your wants and needs, help you understand the treatment options available, and determine which procedure will deliver the best results. You can experience a natural improvement in your appearance while also maintaining optimum skin health and working towards a longer, healthier life.

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Dr. Steven Zimmet has been practicing dermatology in Austin, Texas for over thirty years. He is a sought-after cosmetic dermatologist and a world-renowned expert in vein care. As the Founding President of the American Board of Phlebology and Editor of the Phlebology Journal, Dr. Zimmet travels the world to share his expertise in vein treatment and many patients come to Austin from as far as Europe, South Africa, Mexico and the Philippines to seek his care. At Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, Dr. Zimmet has been helping patients achieve healthy skin and veins since 1996. He is the first doctor in Austin to offer both Liposonix and CoolSculpting at his practice and also offers an array of aesthetic services, including Ultherapy, pulsed light rejuvenation, Botox, fillers, microdermabrasion, facials, and brow and lash tinting.  Dr. Zimmet’s mission is to help his patients achieve optimal results through clear information, thorough guidance and clinically advanced treatments.

Call 512.861.8901 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zimmet. Mention CultureMap for an exclusive 15% discount on the procedures mentioned in this article.