With the arrival of millennium man and attitudes towards health and beauty changing in todays society, more men are considering their appearance in a less derogatory sense everyday.

It has become quite commonplace for couples to make a joint booking when visiting their local salon or health centre. Using labels such as "body treatment", barriers are being brought down allowing men to feel more confident, and ultimately at ease, with their personal image.

Most treatments for men are based around several basic areas of the male physique. Namely shaving and skin maintenance and sports therapy which encompass cross over fields such as physiotherapy and massage helping to repair muscle tone and maintain a prolonged healthy appearance.

With pioneers such as David Beckham (becoming more daring whilst retaining a good public profile and professional integrity) leading a torch for new man, now is as good a time as ever to shake off the cobwebs and reach your full potential.

Below we have outlined some popular treatments which will provide benefit without limiting the true man inside.

In recent years more and more skin care products are becoming available for the male market. In fact, a recent consumer report on cosmetics has revealed that the market for male skin products is one of the most rapidly expanding sectors with an extremely healthy growth of thirty five percent, proving there is a distinctive demand amongst men.

Products available provide a range of tailored solutions, similar to the female market. Key areas of concern for men appear to be moisturizing and anti ageing products, designed to maintain a healthy complexion.

When choosing a product it is best to bear in mind what your specific needs are.

Moisturizers can be used to aid dry skin problems. Varieties of products are now available, scented or unscented, emerging on the market and are proving to be a success. Whilst some of the marketing for these products is extremely compelling it is important to bear in mind that not all men will require this kind of product. If you have a medium to excessively oily complexion then it is best to use moisturizers in moderation or avoid them altogether, (for example, a shaving cream containing moisturizers is unlikely to worsen your condition).

Another effective way to maintain healthy skin is exfoliation. Exfoliation is a good method of deep cleaning the skin, reaching problem areas conventional soap cant. It is recommended that men exfoliate fairly regularly, every once or twice a week should suffice. Exfoliation reaches through the outer layers of skin and helps to unclog pores, removing a build up of potentially oily substances and dead cells from within your skin. Regular exfoliation can also help to reduce the appearance of in growing facial hair which can lead to problems when shaving.

Many men experience problems when shaving and are unsure how to solve their problems. There are a variety of products available on the market to aid these problems such as shaving gel with added moisturizer and products made from natural ingredients. Although these products will provide a benefit for most men it is worth bearing in mind that many problems stem from your daily routine and bad habits which arent immediately obvious.

To tackle this problem we have compiled a short guide highlighting some persistent problems amongst men.

Before you start shaving, ensure the blade of your razor has been thoroughly cleaned. This will remove harmful bacteria which could otherwise cause further damage to your skin. Changing blades regularly will also prevent a build up from appearing on your blade.

Different types of blades and razors can provide mixed results. Razors with a pivoting head are a good choice as they will match the angles of your face, making it less effort to reach troublesome areas such as around the jaw. Single bladed razors are also kinder to your skin. Double bladed varieties will provide a closer shave but this isnt always necessarily an advantage for everyone.

It is recommended that you shave whilst in the shower or as soon after leaving the shower as possible. This is as the steam gently loosens and opens the pores resulting in an easier area to work with, providing less resistance against strokes of your razor.

Prepare your skin by covering the lower half of your face with plenty of hot water and for good results try applying an unscented, dye free product such as glycerin soap instead of your regular foam or gel. Lather the product into your skin in a firm but even manner. Work the lather against the grain or direction of your facial hair to encourage the hair to rise up a little, reducing the need for a close shave.

Now take a flannel or face cloth and leave it to soak it in hot water. Remove the flannel and get into a relaxed position, preferably sitting on a windowsill or chair. Point your head upwards and rest the still warm cloth on your face. Staying in this position for a few minutes will let steam and warmth soften your skin and facial hair, resulting in an easier shave. This tip is particularly useful if you have a beard or suffer from thick hair growth.

Next, dip the head of your razor into your sink full of hot water and start shaving using short strokes downwards, going with the grain. While shaving against the grain will provide good results initially, prolonged shaving in this manner will cause the hair to grow much thicker, making shaving harder work.

After each stroke, dip the razor head in warm water. Continually dragging the razor across your face will increase the likelihood of receiving cuts and will make your skin more irritable.

If you are dry shaving then it is important to make sure that the area you are about to shave is as dry as possible. First of all soak your lower face with hot water then dry thoroughly and use a product such as cornstarch to help remove moisture.

Start around your jaw area and use your razor against the grain in an upwards motion.

If you are using an electric razor with three mounted blades it is best to shave using circular motions. If you are using a straight bladed razor long repetitive strokes will provide the best results.

When you have finished shaving, rinse your face with warm (not hot) water and gently pat your face dry with a towel. The warm water will help to seal the pores on your face, giving a more even texture.

Once you have dried your face, applying moisturizer will give a good finish. A wide range of after shave balms is available for this purpose. Traditional alcohol based after shave is popular with many men but bear in mind that regular use can lead to dry skin problems and further irritation.

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