Body Care
Hair, skin, and teeth are visible indicators of your internal health. Optimizing them also contributes to your confidence and psychological well-being.
Hair
Start early: 20% of men have visible loss at 20. Prevention is far more effective than recovery.
Tips for everyone
Proteins, omega-3, biotin, vitamins C/D/E, iron, zinc.
Choose a product rated 100/100 on Yuka, sulfate-free.
20 min/day of standardized massage with a scalp massager stimulates blood flow and may increase hair thickness. (lien)
655nm helmet, 6 min/day to stimulate follicles. Studies show increased hair density. (lien)
Men-specific — Baldness
Male androgenetic alopecia affects up to 80% of men before age 80. Several proven treatments are available. For deeper insights, the Tressless community is a reference resource. (lien)
Essential prior diagnosis
Before any treatment, consult a dermatologist for blood tests and scalp evaluation. Hair loss is not always caused by androgenetic alopecia (AGA) — it may result from seborrheic dermatitis, nutritional deficiency, or a thyroid condition. An accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary treatments.
The Big 4
These four interventions form the foundation of any male hair loss protocol: (lien)
First line of defense. Blocks up to 70% of testosterone conversion to DHT, the hormone responsible for follicle miniaturization. Prescription required. Most men tolerate it well; 2-4% report side effects. (lien)
Growth stimulator. Prolongs the anagen (active growth) phase and accelerates the return of resting follicles to growth phase. (lien)
Antifungal that reduces local testosterone production on the scalp. Also reduces dandruff and inflammation. (lien)
Scalp microperforation using a dermaroller or dermapen. Triggers a wound-healing response that activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, stimulates growth factors, and improves Minoxidil penetration. A clinical trial shows statistical superiority of the microneedling + Minoxidil group over Minoxidil alone. (lien)
More potent 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, blocking over 90% of DHT. Half-life of 5 weeks (vs 8h for Finasteride). Off-label prescription for baldness in most countries. Reserved for Finasteride non-responders. (lien)
Increasingly prescribed off-label for topical non-responders. Enzymatic conversion occurs in the liver (more efficient than scalp). Mandatory medical supervision — monitor hypertrichosis and blood pressure.
Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier inhibitor that reactivates hair follicle stem cells. Phase 2a completed with 31% of men showing >20% density increase at 8 weeks. Phase 3 planned for 2026. (lien)
Patience is essential
Visible results take 6 to 24 months. Photograph your scalp in the same lighting conditions to track progress. 'Sheds' (temporary increased hair loss) are normal and often a good sign: follicles are entering the growth phase.
Skin
Skin is the body's largest organ. Its health reflects your diet, sleep, and environmental exposure.
The basics
- Morning light — regulates the skin's circadian rhythm
- Calibrated sun exposure — 15-30 min midday sun on bare skin (vitamin D, nitric oxide), then protection for prolonged exposure
- Physical protection after the window — clothing, hat, mineral sunscreen
- Sufficient sleep — nighttime regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory diet
Daily routine
* For topical hyaluronic acid, prefer low molecular weight formulas (<300 kDa) that penetrate the skin. Too high a weight (>1000 kDa) stays on the surface and can paradoxically dehydrate by drawing water from deeper layers to the surface. (lien)
** GHK-Cu stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. Apply in the morning with niacinamide. Incompatible with L-ascorbic vitamin C (acidic) simultaneously, but compatible with Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), a stable non-acidic form. Monthly microneedling (0.25-0.5 mm) increases penetration by a factor of 20. (lien)
*** Spilanthol is a natural myorelaxant that inhibits the muscle contractions responsible for expression lines (mechanism analogous to botox, via topical application). It also enhances the penetration of other actives (4-6x factor). Apply in the morning, before other serums. Do not apply simultaneously with tretinoin (potentiates irritation). Contraindicated during pregnancy. (lien)
Supplements
** Unlike topical use, oral hyaluronic acid is effective across various molecular weights (300-800 kDa). Typical dose: 120 mg/day for at least 12 weeks. (lien)
Tretinoin (prescription retinoid)
Tretinoin is the medical benchmark for skin aging. Unlike over-the-counter retinol, it's a prescription medication 10 to 20 times more potent. A systematic review of 7 randomized clinical trials shows significant and lasting skin improvement (wrinkles, texture, pigmentation) starting from 4 months of treatment. (lien)
Prescription only. Consult a dermatologist to evaluate if this treatment is right for you and determine the appropriate dosage.
Sunscreen after the exposure window
UV rays are responsible for 80% of visible skin aging. A 4-year randomized study shows that daily SPF 30+ use reduces visible skin aging by 24%. However, recent epidemiological data (MISS cohort, 29,518 women, 20 years) show that total sun avoidance is associated with excess mortality comparable to smoking. The optimal strategy: 15-30 min of unprotected midday sun exposure (vitamin D synthesis and nitric oxide release), then sunscreen for prolonged exposure. (lien)
UV-blocking window films
UVA rays (responsible for aging) pass through standard glass. If you work near a window or spend a lot of time in your car, consider UV-blocking films on your windows. These films block up to 99% of UV while allowing visible light through.
Laser therapies (dermatology)
Improves texture, tone, dyschromia. Reduces sun damage and actinic keratoses. Accelerated epidermal renewal.
Penetrates to mid-dermis. Stimulates fibroblasts → collagen + elastin. Improves firmness, wrinkles, acne scars.
Non-invasive ultrasound. Skin tightening face/neck. Minimal recovery time.
Teeth
Oral health extends far beyond aesthetics. It is correlated with cardiovascular mortality, respiratory infections, and cognitive decline. A rigorous protocol represents a direct investment in longevity. (Cardiovascular link) (Respiratory link) (Cognitive link)
Protocol order matters. The water flosser dislodges coarse debris, string floss cleans interproximal spaces, brushing addresses surfaces, and the tongue scraper completes the process. Reversing the steps reduces overall efficacy.
Daily 7-step protocol
Morning and evening. The high-pressure jet dislodges food debris unreachable by brushing or floss. A 4-week randomized trial shows 74% total plaque reduction and 29% superiority over string floss alone for interproximal plaque. (lien)
After water flossing. A thick floss (e.g. DrTung's Smart Floss) removes more plaque than standard floss. Water flosser and string floss are complementary: each excels in different areas of the gum line and interproximal space. (lien)
After flossing. Meta-analyses confirm the superiority of oscillating-rotating brushes over manual brushing: 19% greater plaque reduction and 52% greater reduction in gingival bleeding sites. Use soft bristles to preserve enamel. (lien)
After brushing. The tongue surface harbors high concentrations of bacteria producing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), responsible for halitosis. The Cochrane systematic review confirms a significant reduction in these compounds compared to simple tongue brushing. (lien)
Reserve for social contexts or as an occasional supplement, not as a systematic daily routine. Prefer xylitol-based formulas: this polyol has a sweet taste without feeding cariogenic bacteria.
Bruxism, involuntary grinding or clenching of the jaw, accelerates cumulative tooth wear over the years. A device such as SomnoDent limits nocturnal mandibular movements. This condition is frequently underdiagnosed: discuss with your dentist. (lien)
Professional cleaning removes calculus unreachable by brushing. Request a full periodontal assessment at each visit to track the progression of your indicators.
When to brush
Wait 30 to 60 minutes after a meal or an acidic beverage before brushing. Enamel temporarily softened by acidity is more vulnerable to mechanical abrasion. Saliva restores pH within approximately 30 minutes. (lien)
Toothpaste choice: the fluoride question
Fluoride has established benefits for enamel remineralization and cavity prevention. However, a dose-response meta-analysis shows that high fluoride exposure (above 2.5 mg/L in water) is associated with increased TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels, an indicator of thyroid stress. Concentrations in toothpaste remain well below this threshold. The choice between fluoride and fluoride-free formulas is a personal assessment, best discussed with your dentist. (lien)
Three wear factors to eliminate
Sugars feed oral bacteria that produce lactic acid, attacking enamel. The most harmful: sticky sugars (caramels, candies) and dissolved sugars (sodas, fruit juices). Validated alternatives: stevia, monk fruit, xylitol, allulose.
Carbonated drinks (phosphoric and citric acid), coffee, tea, and alcohol erode enamel through direct contact. If consumed, rinse your mouth with water immediately and wait before brushing.
Saliva neutralizes acids, provides antimicrobial proteins, and remineralizes enamel. Insufficient production multiplies caries risk. Stay hydrated, breathe through the nose, limit caffeine, and avoid tobacco. (lien)
Xylitol chewing gum
Chewing a xylitol gum after each meal reduces cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) and stimulates saliva production. Xylitol has a sweet taste but cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria. A simple habit with documented benefits. (lien)
Measurements to request from your dentist
These indicators allow you to objectively track your oral health over time:
Support tissue lost around teeth. Severe = tooth loss risk.
1-3 mm = healthy. >5 mm = intervention needed.
Plaque thickness on tooth surfaces.
Healthy gums resist probing without bleeding.
Reference products
Waterpik or equivalent cordless model. Budget: $50-150.
DrTung's Smart Floss or equivalent wide-section floss.
With soft bristle head. Replace head every 3 months.
DrTung's or equivalent stainless steel scraper.
SomnoDent or equivalent custom-fit, prescribed by your dentist.
TheraBreath or equivalent alcohol-free formula.