Well, I'm a 22 year old male and I must say I am not at all satisfied with my appearance. I've gone so downhill since my teenager years. I used to be this cute kid, and now I feel so ugly. My hair line has been receding for a few years now. The hair on top of my head is practically gone all ready. Male pattern baldness has all ready struck me. I also still get acne. It's mild to moderate, and I still breakout. I get these nasty white heads (and sometimes cysts), and my face is a bit red from acne over the years, and for whatever reason, I get forehead acne now.:mad: I'm also really pale, and I want to get a tan so badly, but I burn easily. I was thinking of going to tanning beds, but being that I burn so easily, I'm afraid that even if I start with just 5 minutes or so, I'm still going to burn and peel, even on my head!! I don't know what to do. Should I do mystic tan, and not even bother with tanning? I know it can be quite expensive, but I have become quite desperate.

What should I do? Any tips, comments, help, or anything would be greatly appreciated!!

consider hair transplant, microdermabrasion, and mystic tanning...if u don't like the way you look change it...you just need about $1000-$3000 to do all that. :)

I am also very pale, but I started out with just 5 minutes in the tanning bed and worked my way up to about 20 minutes. You are really not going to burn and peel unless you increase your time too fast. Don't use the tanning bed for 5 minutes one day and expect to be able to use it for 10 the next day. I would start out using it for 5 minutes every day or every other day for atleast a week or two and then the next couple weeks do 7 or 8 minutes. You will see a difference, it just won't be instant. I'm not really sure what to say about the receding hair line, but there are lots of knowledgable people on here that can give some hints

Pink, a hair transplant would look kinda goofy wouldn't it? Don't they just look like permanent Toupee's? As for the microdermabrasion, I have not done that, but I have tried virtually everything. Smoothbeam Laser procedure, ProActiv, Differin, Retin-A, and on and on and on.

KimC, maybe I'll start off tanning as you say. Sounds like a good plan.

Tanning is something that I enjoyed and I thought it looked great.. but be prepared for the risk of skin cancer and aging skin. Just make sure to be careful and not to overdo it and keep a close look on your skin if you do decide to go. I am a young age and even after only a few months of tanning, my skin started to feel drier. Luckily after I stopped it got better. You can always try a self tanner or spray tans at the salon. I knew a guy who would go tanning at the salons with sunscreen and still looked great.. might be a good idea!! And YES it is so important to start off tanning slow and build up the time after a while. If you are light skinned you don't want to start off with 8 or 10 minutes like some places start you wtih (for a 20 minute bed), but definitely more like 5 or 6.

I don't know if your skin gets oily, but one thing that is really great is Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets.. they are blue plastic-like sheets that soak up oil. They are great for keeping your skin feel fresh and helped with my acne. I know all the products like face wash, etc work different for everyone. I use Clean & Clear products.. Neutrogena made me break out really bad. Also, I used to use a benzoyl peroxide cream on my pimples and I used to overdo it and put it over sections of my face prone to breakouts.. well my face got used to the medicine and actually got MORE oily! So I stopped using these products and it helped!

As far as the receding hairline, newer methods of hair transplants look really natural. If you don't want to spend that kind of money, in my opinion guys with hair loss look best when they keep their remaining hair as short as possible or even shave it. Might look good with a tan! As far as tanning, I would opt for the spray-on or self tanning products over tanning beds. You might want to check the acne board here for info on the best ways to tan with acne & help with acne in general - there's a wealth of information there!

You might try the Jergens tanning products. They have a lotion that builds a gradual tan over several days. I am very fair and I use it all over my body, including my face to get a nice even tan. I use it every other day or every two days so it doesn't get too dark. About the hair, I think guys look handsome with a very short cut or shaved -- plus men who are totally shaved exude confidence. :)

Nawsanenawmean...

Sorry you seem so stressed...hence :mad:. First of all I can say that a few of my good friends (male friends of course) have the same problem as you, minus the mild acne. As far as the tan goes I think you'll look great. Helps some people with skin color so you dont look as blotchy. One thing, I'd like to know how the tanning salon goes bc I have wanted to go for so long since I was dancing in hs....turning 23 and still haven't been. For your hair I agree with keeping it short, somtimes we dont even notice if it's kept cute and short...w/a tan you'll be great. Hope everything turns out well and let us know!! :angel:

Best Wishes

I will probably start tanning 5 minutes at a time starting sometime this week.

Along with my stupid acne, I experience very dry skin after I wash my face, on the forehead, nose, cheeks, so I have to put lotion on. Will the lotion effect the way my face darkens? Or just the fact that my face gets very dry, will the rays of the tanning bed make it worse?

I will probably start tanning 5 minutes at a time starting sometime this week.

Along with my stupid acne, I experience very dry skin after I wash my face, on the forehead, nose, cheeks, so I have to put lotion on. Will the lotion effect the way my face darkens? Or just the fact that my face gets very dry, will the rays of the tanning bed make it worse?
My sister's a tanner, and swears that it helps clear up her skin. There's no science behind this and I've heard that just the opposite is true (tanning can provoke worse acne) but I guess it just depends on the person.

A too-harsh cleanser might be making your acne worse. It shouldn't be drying your face that much just from washing it.

If you want to get a good tan, buy a good tanning lotion and moisturizer.

Make sure to moisturizer as soon as you get out the tanning bad and after showers. If you use and good moisturizer on your skin you won't peel. You also don't want to shower for 8 hours after tanning.

If you are having problems with dry skin and acne then you need to keep your face moisterized. bacteria forms on your face from dry skin then causes break out.

It doesn't matter what cleanser I use, I always have a dry face after I wash and I do always make sure I put on a moisturizer afterwards. Right now I am using a Neutrogena moisturizer.

It doesn't matter what cleanser I use, I always have a dry face after I wash and I do always make sure I put on a moisturizer afterwards. Right now I am using a Neutrogena moisturizer.

I have the same problem as you, one friend gave advice not to wash my face with a cleanser. and use lotion cleanser (you aplly it using a cotton ball) try Vichy calmnig cleansing solution, its alcohol and soap free!!!!!!

Ok, here's an update.

Well, not much to update. I haven't had the courage to start tanning and I've been reading about how it's not really good to tan when you are really pale, and believe me, I'm REALLY pale. So I was just thinking I will do the mysic tans once in a while, like if there is an event or something and I wanna look good. I have a few questions though, that can hopefully get answered.

1. Does the mystic tan spray you ALL over? Since I'm all ready balding, I'd hate to get a spray tan and it would look weird if it doesn't get my head that well.

2. Does shaving (my face) and washing effect it? Will it come off? I know it is like a paint and begins to fade after so many days, but I'm wondering if that would have any effect.

3. I'm sure I had another question, but I'm drawing a blank. Hopefully it'll come to me.

I don't know anything about Mystic Tan in particular. I do think you're right that shaving will exfoliate and slough off your "tan" on your face faster than other areas. If I were you I would try one of the self-tanning products especially for the face that are on the market so you can keep it up at home (make sure it's for the face, the regular stuff will break you out). Either that or use a bronzer. You could use either one on your head as well. Just make sure you exfoliate first and really blend it well along the edges.

The thing is, I'd like to be tan all over. If I go swimming or whatever, I'd hate to have a goofy looking tan. How are you supposed to get the self tanner on your back? And it seems it'd be a pain to be rubbing self tanner on every day. How long does a self tanner last?

There is a product they sell on Home Shopping Network on TV that are like mittens with tanner on them. They are two sided and you are supposed to be able to get them all over your body with out getting it on your hands. It seems rather expensive to me, but I tan easily and have kind of olive-y skin so I don't know what i'd pay if I were pale. Probably a lot! :) I agree about the skin cancer thing, but I don't think there is any substitute for a real tan if you are going to be in a swimming pool. Maybe you could just tan in the summer and get a "tan in a can" the rest of the year! For quick stuff on the cheap, I always use the spray self tanners that are like water, and I spray them on a cotton ball and wipe them on my face and they look great! You can do it every day after you shave and keep a good color on your face. Also, the self-tanner that is tinted and comes out a foam is great, because you can see where it goes on and you get the instant gratification.

Good luck!

I meant that you could use the home stuff after the mystic stuff starts wearing off on your face from shaving or whatever.

There are tons of things you can do to help, and your young, so you have time:
Go to a tanning bed. Ever since I started, the acne on my back has started to clear up, and I have a nice glowy tan. BTW, I am also very pale, so you don't need to get real dark to look good. I feel 25% better about my appearence since I started tanning.
Also, shave your head. I know that sounds weird, but its cheaper than getting a hair replacement, and since your young, people will think you do it on purpose. I know A guy that started losing his hair at age 25, and he's about 30 now. He shaves it, and I think he looks better without any hair, than with some.

Good luck

I'm sorry you have so many insecurities. Definitely don't wash your face with a harsh cleanser, and try not to wash more than twice a day, unless there's a special occasion you need to wash for or something. In my opinion, bottom line for getting rid of acne: Acutane. It is a harsh oral medication that you take for 5 months. It will make your dry skin a lot worse and give you very dry peeling lips (but only while you're on it, should get better afterward). Dermotologists usually only give it to people with really severe acne, like huge nodules and stuff. But I had moderate acne which was constantly persistent for many years, and my doctor gave it to me. The chemicals aren't good for you (they do semi regular blood tests while you're on it) but it will get rid of the acne once and for all. Since I took it I haven't even had a single random bump on my arm or anything (it's been almost 4 years). It was a miracle drug for me, and I think it pretty much is for anyone who takes it. I have a feeling that I would probably still have acne now if I hadn't taken it.

Would you ever consider shaving your head quite tight it can look very sexy i know some full hair headed men who shave their heads all the time!!My husbands hair is receding too but it somehow suits him.Clinique do a beauty emergency mask which is clay based and draws all impurities to the surface ,used once a week it clears up any breakouts i get !! Best of luck!!!

Yeah, I've thought about shaving it all off. Right now what I just do is take a pair of hair clippers, and just use a number Zero to get as close as possible with out actually shaving my whole head. I have two problems with shaving my whole head though with a razor.

1. Have you seen the movie "Powder"? Yes, that's what I'll look like and probably uglier.

2. I have a couple of raised freckles/moles or whatever they are on the back of my head. I'd be afraid I'd cut or rip one off while shaving.

nawsanenawmean,

Now that you have heard all this wonderful beauty advice, consider some healthy physical activity that will build your tranquility and confidence. Martial arts, weight lifting, running, etc...Consider some spiritual work to become comfortable with who you are. Take some time every day (10-15 minutes a day) to sit down and contemplate the things that you have to be grateful for. I have had two kids, I'm in my early 40's (with the body and skin issues that go with both of those) but if I am feeling crappy about my body, I list the things I am grateful for: My legs for letting me walk and run, my arms which hold my kids, etc...

There is a police officer in Arizona who was in a patrol car which was hit by another car and exploded while he was in it. His whole body was burned from the waist up and he has NO hair or fingers, etc... but he and his wife have since had another child and he has returned to work! It was on Discovery or some channel like that. I don't say that to make you feel bad in anyway, but if you can list as many things about your self that you like, you may be surprised at how blessed you are. Don't you know a really obese person who would trade bodies with you in a heartbeat? Looks matter to everyone on this board, or they wouldn't be here, but happiness and contentment are more important and certainly will do you more good in the long run! Blessings! :angel:

nawsanenawmean,

Now that you have heard all this wonderful beauty advice, consider some healthy physical activity that will build your tranquility and confidence. Martial arts, weight lifting, running, etc...Consider some spiritual work to become comfortable with who you are. Take some time every day (10-15 minutes a day) to sit down and contemplate the things that you have to be grateful for. I have had two kids, I'm in my early 40's (with the body and skin issues that go with both of those) but if I am feeling crappy about my body, I list the things I am grateful for: My legs for letting me walk and run, my arms which hold my kids, etc...

There is a police officer in Arizona who was in a patrol car which was hit by another car and exploded while he was in it. His whole body was burned from the waist up and he has NO hair or fingers, etc... but he and his wife have since had another child and he has returned to work! It was on Discovery or some channel like that. I don't say that to make you feel bad in anyway, but if you can list as many things about your self that you like, you may be surprised at how blessed you are. Don't you know a really obese person who would trade bodies with you in a heartbeat? Looks matter to everyone on this board, or they wouldn't be here, but happiness and contentment are more important and certainly will do you more good in the long run! Blessings! :angel:
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE WE ARE SO QUICK TO PICK UP ON OUR OWN FAULTS BUT DO NOT RECOGNISE OUR GOOD FEATURES FOCUS ON YOUR BEST FEATURES AND MAKE THE MOST OF LIFE IT IS SO BLOODY SHORT

Well, I'm a 22 year old male and I must say I am not at all satisfied with my appearance. I've gone so downhill since my teenager years. I used to be this cute kid, and now I feel so ugly. My hair line has been receding for a few years now. The hair on top of my head is practically gone all ready. Male pattern baldness has all ready struck me. I also still get acne. It's mild to moderate, and I still breakout. I get these nasty white heads (and sometimes cysts), and my face is a bit red from acne over the years, and for whatever reason, I get forehead acne now.:mad: I'm also really pale, and I want to get a tan so badly, but I burn easily. I was thinking of going to tanning beds, but being that I burn so easily, I'm afraid that even if I start with just 5 minutes or so, I'm still going to burn and peel, even on my head!! I don't know what to do. Should I do mystic tan, and not even bother with tanning? I know it can be quite expensive, but I have become quite desperate.

What should I do? Any tips, comments, help, or anything would be greatly appreciated!!ASK ANYONE ON THIS SIGHT IF THEY ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR APPEARANCE AND I BET IT WILL BE A RESOUNDING NO, BE YOURSELF BE HAPPY WE ALL LOOK AT BEAUTY DIFFERENTLY (THANK GOD) A SMILE IS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE FEATURE ABOUT ANYONE SO SMILE AND BE CONFIDENT AND ENJOY LIFE CHEERS

hi there,i understand your concerns on your hair loss. Have you gone for some kind of hair transplants or something? Though i know that will be really expensive but i guess that's the only way out if you are really upset with the way it is now. I heard treatment in asia is really kinda good in healthcare kind of stuff. and they do have hospitals who provide hair transplants etc.. cheaper than here in US.