Men's Grooming: Forties Plus

Nose and Ear Hair

It's an unfortunate reality for men, but they generally start noticing hair begins to sprout from their ears and nose as they age, and the chances of them emerging and multiplying increase as you get older. The purpose of this hair is to act as a barrier to prevent unwanted dirt from entering your ears and nose-just as your eye lashes protect your eyes. Remember, your ear and nose hair has always been there, it has only changed its growth pattern over time as a result of hormonal changes in your body. Some hair experts link this growth to the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), although the exact relationship of DHT to nose and ear hair growth is still unclear. The best way to deal with it is to get yourself a good quality hair trimmer. Hair trimmers work in two different ways. Some trimmers feature a rotating blade that spins in one continuous direction, while other trimmers work with an oscillating blade that rotates from left to right. Both types work extremely well.

Keeping Your Teeth White

Everyone likes a brilliant smile. Teeth can become stained for a number of reasons, the most common being consumption of coffee, tea, berries, fruit juices, smoking, and aging. Here are the most common teeth whitening procedures:

Bleaching

Bleaching is done with custom-fitted mouth trays and bleaching gel. The most common active ingredient in tooth bleaching gel is 10% carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into 3% hydrogen peroxide when dispensed. First, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and create custom mouth guard trays for your mouth. To protect your sensitive gum tissue, (s)he will leave a slight space between the tray and your gums when forming the tray. You'll then be instructed on proper use of the mouth guards and bleaching gel. You'll probably be told to squeeze a thin line of the gel into the mouth guards and wear them for several hours nightly, or even overnight (not to exceed eight hours). You must be consistent in using the gel-apply it nightly usually one to two weeks, without skipping any days. The dentist will compare your teeth with a shade guide, and will probably ask to see you again in a week in order to monitor your progress. The most common side effect associated with bleaching is tooth sensitivity. However, it's generally mild and temporary, usually only lasting as long as the duration of the bleaching procedure.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes can slowly help remove surface stains and keep yellowing from returning once you've had it bleached away, but by themselves the toothpastes won't cause the quick, dramatic changes you'll see with bleaching.

Lip Care

Your lips have fewer than half the cellular layers of the rest of your face, and no sebaceous glands to provide protective body oils. A good lip balm will preserve this delicate skin. There are many gender-neutral versions out there, and some specifically made fro men. Look for natural ingredients like shea butter, vitamin A, jojoba and avocado oil.