cosmetic grooming cosmetic laser treatments grooming laser hair removal perceptions personal opinions random thoughts

If I could have joined the bandwagon of people using laser treatments for cosmetic purposes 10 years ago (for me specifically laser hair removal) – I would have ! Alas my mother at the time wanted to see these treatments ‘tried & tested’ on others before she let me get anything done.

This might be a bit too much info but I’m going to share it regardless.  A couple of months ago, I went in for my first ‘cosmetic treatment’ – which was laser hair removal for my underarms … and honestly, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made !!  I’ve had 3 sessions and the hair growth has reduced by 80% and that’s awesome !! For someone like me who doesn’t like to have body hair and has confessed to waxing being a guilty pleasure – this has been nothing short of a miracle for me !

Nowadays, all I see in the papers or any online emailers that go out are all promoting various cosmetic laser treatment whether its targeting women (and men) for laser hair removal; people who have Acne scars and want to get rid of them by way of spa therapy and laser & light treatments that may or may not combine photodynamic therapy (PDT).  Over the last 8-10 years there’s been a large increase in the number of adults seeking acne treatments and most of them go in for laser treatments.

Just yesterday I was reading about non-invasive laser treatment to reduce Melasma (I had to look that up) on Asian skin offered by company called Reveal Medspa; and then saw an offer online for microdermabrasion to ‘lighten the skin’.   Basically melasma is a very common patchy brown / tan facial skin discoloration that happens to women aged 20 – 50 years old (particularly those who are pregnant or on the pill)   It tends to appear on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead and chin; there are over the counter medications and creams that can be used to help reduce the melasma; and for more severe cases, it can be treated with chemical peels / exfoliation, microdermabrasion and laser therapy. 

At least I learned something new today (and maybe melasma is the reason my mom never wanted me to get on the pill hmmm) … What are your thoughts about cosmetic laser treatments ? Have you ever had anything done such as laser hair removal or any sort of chemical peels ? Would you consider getting one done ?  Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

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By Elizabeth Narins For Men's Life Today

You’re sitting across the table from a girl who’s so hot even you can’t believe she agreed to go out with you. Things are going well... that is, until you slip your hand beneath the table to graze her leg and find your fingers tangled in the forest of her straggly, overgrown leg hair.

Horrified? Fair enough. But have you ever considered how she might respond to your unkempt underbrush? In the interest of fairness, we asked our no-holds-barred Men’s Life Today Girl Panel™ to share their real feelings about your head-to-toe topiary. We think you’ll find the results enlightening.

Samantha, 21	Danielle, 23	Veronica, 24	Stacey, 24	Aditi, 30	Natalia, 25

Chest Fur
“Unless you’re a professional swimmer and must rid yourself of all body hair, there is no excuse for taking it off. I like a hairy chest. Nothing too insane, though. I'm trying to date within my species.” -- Veronica
“Hair on men is sexy, but only if the guy keeps it clean. That said, I've also gone for men without hairy chests.” -- Aditi
“Very curly chest hair is not attractive.” -- Samantha
“Trimming to make it less ‘mountain man’ is OK -- but straight razor shaving is not.” – Stacey

Untamed Tummy
“No garden, please. I like to find the bellybutton. Keep hair the same length as the chest so it looks uniform.” -- Stacey
“If hair consumes the stomach to the point that we don’t know what he’s hiding under there, I say it’s time to trim, boys! Put the clippers to work. Show me what you’re working with. Let me see those abs!” – Danielle
“Tummy hair can look sexy, but it depends on size - of the hair and tummy! “ -- Aditi

Plush Pits
“I hate armpit hair in both men and women” -- Aditi
“You Tarzan, me Jane. All men should have armpit hair, but I can’t imagine it ever being a deal breaker [if someone doesn’t].” -- Danielle
“Just shower.” -- Stacey

Fuzzy Forearms
“You should always have hair here... unless people are mistaking you for Teen Wolf, in which case I would recommend you make some changes.” -- Danielle
“Do not shave your arms. Ever. In the words of [30 Rock’s] Liz Lemon, ‘That's a deal breaker, ladies.’ As long as I can still see some actual arm it's not a problem.” -- Veronica

Back Blanket
“Ew. Do whatever it takes to make it all disappear!” -- Danielle
“Back hair is gross and unattractive.” -- Samantha
“Back hair is never -- I repeat, never -- sexy. If it looks like a bear rug is peeking out from behind your collar, please take it off. All of it.” -- Aditi
“A hairy back beats bacne, I guess.” -- Natalia

Below-the-belt Brush
“If you expect me to maintain, don't think you can slack off. Clean it up a little, but be wary of stubble if your lady friend keeps it bare below the belt. It could cause some uncomfortable stubble burn.” -- Veronica
“If you cut an inch, you can ‘grow’ an inch... if you know what I mean.” -- Stacey
“If it’s a jungle down there, let’s just be friends.” -- Danielle
“As long as it doesn't tickle too much and smells good!” -- Aditi

Long-haired Legs
“Hair? Yes, please. Let it be.” -- Stacey
“If you’re a woolly mammoth everywhere else, the legs are the last thing you have to worry about.” -- Natalia
“I’m the only one that’s supposed to be smooth!” -- Danielle
“They better be hairy or I'll wake up and think I'm spooning my best friend.” -- Veronica

Bottom Line:
“Be comfortable in your own hairy/hairless skin. Some ladies like a hairy man, some like it less so. But trust me, we aren't climbing in bed with you because your armpit hair is perfectly groomed or we can see our reflection in your waxed chest. If you ever end up dating a girl that makes specific body grooming requests, she isn't worth your time.” --Veronica
“Hair on a guy represents his manly side (in my opinion) but too much hair makes the guy look like a Neanderthal.” -- Samantha
“Just keep a clean face and you’re golden.” -- Natalia

Photo Credit: @iStockphoto.com/ntmw

Elizabeth Narins is group editor of Men’s Life Today and Style and Tech for Men at Studio One Networks. The former YourTango.com Love Buzz blogger upholds a strict no-tolerance policy towards male back hair.