Men rarely enter the skin care conversation because they are tracking wrinkles. Instead, they often arrive after seeing a photograph of themselves that feels unfamiliar. It is frequently the eye area that creates this moment – lateral canthal lines, clinically referred to as periorbital rhytids and commonly known as crow’s feet, form at the outer corners of the eyes due to repeated muscle movement, collagen loss, and changes in skin elasticity. When these lines extend beyond what men recognize as normal smile lines, they can feel surprising rather than gradual. These changes challenge how men perceive their energy and presence. Understanding aging through a male lens means recognizing that men respond not simply to wrinkles, but to the moment those changes alter how they see themselves.  

When men begin to consider professional skin care, wrinkles are rarely the first concern they articulate. The true triggers tend to be the eyes and the neck. A sagging neckline, hooded eyes, or deepening periorbital lines often signal a loss of structure more than age itself. These areas affect how men believe they are being perceived by others, especially in professional or leadership roles, and that perception matters. This perspective is informed not only by personal anecdotes, but also by qualitative insights gathered through a short survey of 20 male aestheticians currently practicing in the aesthetics industry. The responses reflect professional observation rather than statistical conclusions and are intended to highlight shared patterns in how men perceive aging, communicate concerns, and enter professional skin care.  

THROUGH THE MALE LENS 

Men often view aging through a functional lens. They are less likely to say they want to look younger and more likely to say they want to look less tired, more rested, or more like themselves. Lateral canthal lines become concerning not because they exist, but because they extend beyond familiar expressions. When periorbital rhytids begin to read as fatigue rather than character, they prompt action. This difference in perception helps explain why men often enter skin care later than women. While women may track early textural changes or fine lines, men tend to ignore aging until it disrupts their sense of vitality or authority. The result is a delayed entry point into professional care.  

A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE 

When discussing aging in men, having a shared clinical language matters. The Glogau Wrinkle Scale provides that framework, yet it remains underutilized in everyday practice, especially with male clients. Men often enter skin care later in the aging scale, and when they do, progression can feel abrupt rather than gradual. This is largely due to inconsistent early skin care and underdeveloped protective habits such as sun protection and barrier support.Using the Glogau scale allows professionals to objectively assess where a male client truly falls in the aging process rather than relying on subjective descriptors such as “early” or “advanced.” 

Aging develops predictably through changes in collagen density, muscle tone, fat distribution, and elasticity. When men wait until lateral canthal lines deepen or the neck begins to lose definition, treatment planning shifts from prevention to correction. While meaningful improvement is still achievable, it requires more time, patience, and education. As an industry, adopting a universal aging scale creates clarity, manages expectations, and helps male clients understand aging as a continuum rather than a sudden event.  

THE PERCEPTION DECEPTION 

The eyes and neck carry emotional weight for many men. These areas are closely tied to expressions of alertness, strength, and competence. When changes occur here, men may feel that their appearance no longer reflects how capable or energetic they still feel internally. This disconnect often creates the first opening for a skin care conversation. Lateral canthal lines, in particular, tend to trigger the moment of recognition. Men may be comfortable with smile lines until they see periorbital rhytids captured in photographs or video. When those lines appear deeper or more expansive than expected, they signal a shift that feels visible to others.  

CREATING EARLY BIRDS 

One of the most important shifts our industry can make is bringing new generations of men into skin care before aging becomes a trigger. Normalizing routine skin care in the 20s and 30s changes the entire trajectory of aging. Early education supports barrier health, sun protection, and consistency, all of which significantly influence how aging presents later in life. Younger men are increasingly open to skin care, but they need language that feels practical and relevant. When skin care is positioned as maintenance rather than correction, resistance decreases. Teaching men that skin care supports comfort, resilience, and long-term function reframes the conversation away from vanity and toward responsibility.  

CONSIDERATE PLANNING 

When men do seek professional care for aging concerns, treatment plans should reflect their priorities. Most men want subtle improvement that preserves their identity rather than dramatic change. They value results that look natural and feel sustainable. Addressing the periorbital area and neck thoughtfully, while supporting overall skin health, helps meet these expectations. Equally important is setting realistic timelines. Men who begin skin care later may expect rapid results without understanding how long aging has been developing. Education around the aging scale helps manage expectations and reinforces the importance of consistency.  

GREAT POWER, GREAT RESPONSIBILITY 

We have a responsibility to guide both practitioners and clients toward a healthier understanding of aging. This includes recognizing that men often enter skin care at a different point on the aging scale and require a different approach to education and communication. It also means challenging the idea that men only belong in skin care conversations once aging becomes visible. By creating inclusive education and approachable language, we can help shift the culture of aesthetics. When men see skin care as part of overall well-being rather than a response to decline, engagement improves across generations.  

GUIDING MEN INTO THE FUTURE  

As professionals, our opportunity with male clients is not simply to respond when aging becomes visible, but to change when the conversation begins. Men do not need to be convinced that aging exists. They need language, structure, and education that make skin care feel relevant before it feels necessary. When we introduce clinical frameworks, normalize routine, and speak to function rather than fear, we create space for men to engage without defensiveness or delay. This shift requires consistency across the industry. When practitioners share a common approach to assessment, education, and long-term planning, men begin to see skin care not as an isolated service, but as part of overall personal maintenance.  

The future of men’s skin care depends on how early we choose to educate and how clearly we choose to communicate. Introducing skin care as a proactive practice supports better outcomes and more sustainable expectations. When men understand where they are on the aging scale and how their choices influence progression, engagement becomes informed rather than reactive. When we guide men forward with intention and consistency, skin care evolves beyond correction – it becomes a tool for confidence, self-awareness, and stewardship of long-term well-being. As educators and practitioners, shaping this future is not only possible; it is our responsibility.  

Linden Tyler is a licensed aesthetician and cosmetologist, national educator, salon owner, and author with nearly two decades of experience in clinical skin care. He is a national educator for DermaplanePro and has collaborated with Look Good Feel Better since 2008, supporting individuals navigating cancer treatment through confidence-focused education. Tyler has taught nationally for professional brands including Lira Clinical and Tressa Inc. He owns The Linden & Company Salon & Spa in Northern California, where education, ethics, and long-term skin health guide practice. Readers may connect through Linden & Company Salon & Spa for education and editorial inquiries.