Through careful examination and research, MenScience provides answers to some of the top questions of 2007.

Q: How can I have a more youthful appearance?

A: While it's impossible to freeze the hands of time, there are several things you can do to treat your skin well and maintain a more youthful appearance: maintain a regular face and body skincare routine that includes using Daily Face Wash and moisturizing your skin with Advanced Face Lotion. Although wrinkles are not caused by dry skin, moisturizers diminish the appearance of fine lines and smooth rough spots, leaving your skin feeling pliable and hydrated. Daily use of a product with anti-aging capabilities will have the most impact in impeding the signs of aging, but you need to use it regularly for maximum results. Exfoliate once a week with a gentle deep-cleansing product like our Microfine Face Scrub to slough off dead cells and reveal new skin cells underneath. Put on a sunscreen when outdoors that has an SPF of 30 and offers a broad spectrum protection (we recommend TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30) and cover your skin up as much as possible when out in the sun for long periods of time. The sun can cause serious damage to your skin—damage you might not even notice until years down the line. And finally, take a supplement that contains antioxidants to reduce cellular damage caused by aging from the inside out. Read more in our article Do You Look as Young as You Feel?

Q: What do you suggest for dark under-eye circles?

A: Genetics, lack of skin nutrients, pigmentation and thin skin can all play a role in causing dark under-eye areas. To prevent this common condition, make sure to get your allotted hours of sleep each night (The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours) and apply a nourishing product especially formulated for the eye area like Eye Rescue Formula on a regular basis. This will help protect skin from further damage and replenish much-needed moisture in the area. To further reduce under-eye circles, rest a warm Eye Gel Mask over eyes for 15 minutes. Check out our article Raccoon Eyes for more information.

Q: Can men use women's products?

A: Although scientific opinions do vary, men's skin has some basic physiological differences from women's: It is thicker, has more sebaceous glands (it's oilier), and has thicker follicles and hairs. Men's skin is also affected more by shaving-related complications such as ingrown hairs, razor burn and dryness due to the use of inadequate products. This means that men's skin often requires more soothing skin products and more regular moisturizing to combat irritations and discomfort caused by constant, or improper, shaving. While men can use women's products (and the opposite), it's best to stick to products that specifically address these male-related needs.

Q: What do you recommend for acne-prone skin?

A: Keep skin clean by washing with Daily Face Wash twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Apply Acne Spot Repair to eliminate existing blemishes. Once blemishes have been controlled, regularly use Acne Therapy Lotion to prevent future outbreaks. Only use products that are non-irritating and noncomedogenic. Do not pick at or pop blemishes, and twice a week, use Microfine Face Scrub to exfoliate skin and unclog pores. Find more acne tips in The Science of Breakouts.

Q: What's the best way to shave?

A: Getting a good shave is one of man's most elusive quests. However, there are several things you can do to get a more effective, complete shave. First, stick to foamless shaving products that don't contain irritants like alcohol and menthol to reduce inflammation and redness. Try shaving in the shower: this will open pores and plump hair, making them easier to shave. Regularly exfoliate your face with Microfine Face Scrub to gently prime hairs and raise stubs so you can get a closer shave. Discard your shaving blade after 5 or 6 uses to make sure you're using a sharp blade every time to get rid of hairs. And for a really close shave, shave in two steps: First, shave with the grain with very light pressure. Second, reapply a coat of shaving cream and shave against the grain for super-close and smooth results. Always follow with a soothing after-shave solution.

Get even more answers to your most pressing questions in Tips & Advice.

MenScience is constantly researching what men of all ages and walks of life want from their grooming, skincare and nutritional products, and one of the ways we gather info is through our informal monthly MenScience contest questions. Here's a collection of some of the surprising (and bizarre) results we've come across in 2007.

In light of the holiday season:

• 97% of men polled would enjoy receiving high-end men's grooming products as a gift.

• 50% believe they are difficult to get gifts for, but 40% agree that the most difficult person they must buy a gift for is their spouse or significant other (male friends follow next, beating out parents, female friends and siblings).

• Only 9% of men fully accomplish all of their resolutions, and almost 40% do not make resolutions at all.

• Surprisingly, twice as many men planned to improve their appearances through grooming and skin care rather than weight loss.
  
• Acne and irritability / exhaustion beat out the usual suspects like heartburn and headaches as top holiday problems.

You are what you eat:

• 72% of surveyed men take a supplement daily, and 9% take four or more kinds a day.

• Enthusiastic supporters and nutritional skeptics appear to be evenly divided: Approximately 30% of surveyed men have taken a supplement for more than five years and 30% do not take a supplement at all.

• Less than 1% of men take a supplement for mental well-being.

If only other aspects of youth hung around this long:

• Almost 61% admit that acne has an effect on their social lives, but roughly 90% do not allow it to bother them.

• 40% believe that acne is caused by bacteria, but only 30% use a bacteria-killing acne medication like Benzoyl Peroxide to diminish outbreaks. The majority of men (42%) prefer to wash their faces twice a day to treat it.

• Men are slowly becoming more aware of how their surroundings affect their appearance: Almost 60% believe where they work affects their skin and only 3% still think tanning helps clear up acne.

Get a chance each month to give your opinion by entering our contest.

Spa NK: Looking for a sophisticated approaching to grooming? Head across the ocean to the posh Spa NK in London for serious attention from their team of experts. (www.spaceNK.co.uk)

Cos Bar in Aspen: After a punishing day on the slopes, head to this scenic spa to repair any injuries to your skin, body (and ego!). (www.cosbar.com)

Spa Luxe: Located in the vibrant San Francisco Bay area, this upscale spa provides men with a wide variety of treatments for face, body and hair. (www.spa-luxe.com)

The Grooming Lounge: This Washington, D.C.-based spa offers packages called the Congressman, and, of course, the Commander in Chief. Guaranteed to make even the most average guy feel like the most powerful man on Earth! (www.groominglounge.com)

Adam Le Spa: Located in gorgeous Montreal, Canada, this spa offers treatments and “massotherapy” for all types of men, from a Sports Massage to a Millionaire Pedicure. (www.adamlespa.com)