MAXD — The Complete Looksmaxxing Guide | Skincare, Hair, Fitness & More

01 — Most cited method on the entire site

SKINCARE

"Tret and SPF. That's the entire routine." — That single line appears across dozens of men's aesthetics forums. Tretinoin at night, SPF 50 PA++++ every morning. Nothing else is needed until these two are automatic every single day.

"I've been using Tretinoin for 2 months and it does miracles. Given enough time it completely transforms your skin quality. The results speak for themselves."

Men's Aesthetics Forum · Tretinoin Guide · 300+ replies

🧴

The Core 4 — Full Daily Routine

From BOTB skincare threads and the benignice guide pinned for 5+ years. Everything else is secondary until these are locked in.

Start Here Softmax ~$50/mo

AM · Step 1Gentle Water-Based Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating is the single most cited cleanser across every looksmax skincare thread. The BOTB benignice guide specifically calls out water-based cleansers with ceramides. Avoid harsh foaming agents or daily salicylic acid — the forum documents how these destroy skin barriers.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

~$14 · Ceramides + glycerin, doesn't strip barrier

★★★★★4.8 · 110,000+ reviews

↗

AM · Step 2Ceramide Moisturizer

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (tub, not pump) is the gold standard moisturizer on the forum. Ceramides + hyaluronic acid + cholesterol in correct ratios actually repairs the moisture barrier.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (tub)

~$16 · Most recommended moisturizer on forum

★★★★★4.8 · 135,000+ reviews

↗

AM · Step 3SPF 50 PA++++ — Non-Negotiable

The forum specifies PA++++ not just SPF 50. SPF measures UVB only. PA measures UVA — what causes aging, tanning, and hyperpigmentation. Korean sunscreens hit PA++++ without white cast. Biore UV Aqua Rich is cited more than any other SPF product across looksmax skincare threads.

Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF50+ PA++++

~$14 · Most cited SPF across men's skincare communities — no white cast

★★★★★4.7 · 22,000+ reviewsforum #1

↗

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50

~$12 · Alt SPF, ultra gentle formulation

↗

PM · CoreTretinoin — The Game Changer

The most recommended skincare product across men's aesthetics communities. Builds collagen, clears acne, fades hyperpigmentation, renews skin. Protocol: cleanse → 20min dry-down → rice grain amount → 20min → moisturize. Start 2–3×/week and build. Prescription in most countries — AllDayChemist and Skinorac are the two most-cited no-Rx sources across the forum. Adapalene (Differin) is the OTC entry point.

AllDayChemist — A-Ret Tret Gel 0.025/0.05/0.1%

~$8–15 · Forum's #1 cited no-Rx tretinoin source

forum #1

↗

Skinorac — Tretinoin Gel

~$10 · Second most cited forum source for tret

↗

Differin Adapalene 0.1% Gel (OTC — start here)

~$28 · No prescription needed, gentler retinoid

★★★★☆4.5 · 35,000+ reviewsFDA approved

↗

WeeklyNiacinamide + BHA Exfoliant

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc is the single most mentioned skincare product by name across the forum — pore reduction, sebum control, post-acne fading. Paula's Choice 2% BHA 2–3×/week for blackheads and texture. Never same night as tret.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

~$8 · Most mentioned skincare product name on site

★★★★★4.7 · 78,000+ reviewsforum #1

↗

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

~$34 · Forum's top-cited chemical exfoliant

★★★★★4.7 · 42,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

4–16 weeks

💊

Acne (Accutane) + Advanced Peptide Stack

Forum is explicitly pro-Accutane for moderate–severe acne. For the advanced stack: GHK-Cu copper peptide is the most cited peptide across all skincare threads.

Derm Required Advanced

Severe AcneAccutane — The Nuclear Option

Forum verdict repeated in nearly every acne thread: if your acne impacts your looks, Accutane is the only real answer. 5–6 month course, often permanent results. Requires prescription + monthly blood tests. Guaranteed side effects: severely dry lips (Aquaphor is mandatory) and sun sensitivity. For mild acne: niacinamide + adapalene first.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

~$7 · Apply to lips constantly during Accutane course

★★★★★4.9 · 90,000+ reviews

↗

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

~$14 · Fragrance-free for Accutane dry skin

★★★★★4.8 · 28,000+ reviews

↗

AdvancedGHK-Cu Copper Peptide + Dermarolling

GHK-Cu is the most mentioned topical peptide across every looksmax skincare thread. Stimulates collagen, promotes healing, supports hair follicles. Community protocol from the 42k-view peptide BOTB guide: tret Mon/Wed/Fri nights + GHK-Cu Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun — never stack same night (acids degrade copper peptides). Derma roll 0.25mm daily for serum absorption boost. 0.5mm stamp 1×/week for collagen induction.

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1

~$55 · Most potent OTC GHK-Cu available

★★★★☆4.4 · 3,800+ reviewsforum pick

↗

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper (Budget)

~$17 · Same copper peptide at lower concentration

★★★★☆4.4 · 12,000+ reviews

↗

Derma Roller 0.25mm (daily absorption)

~$15 · 30× boost in serum penetration

↗

Impact

3–6 months

02 — Brightening · Texture · Dark Spots · Under Eyes

SKIN DEEP

Beyond the core routine. This section covers the specific skin concerns that affect how your face looks in person and in photos — uneven tone, dark spots, dull skin, rough texture, and dark circles. Each problem has a targeted fix.

✨

Skin Brightening — Vitamin C + Alpha Arbutin

Dull, uneven skin tone is one of the most visible attractiveness detractors. Vitamin C is the most discussed brightening ingredient across men's skincare communities — works by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin.

AM routine 4–8 weeks

Best IngredientVitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) — The Gold Standard

L-ascorbic acid is the only form of Vitamin C with strong clinical evidence for brightening and collagen stimulation. The community's Vitamin C guide identifies that pairing Vitamin C with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid increases its efficacy 8× according to published research — this is why SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is the most discussed serum. Apply every morning after cleansing, before SPF. Vitamin C oxidises quickly — store in a dark cool place and replace every 3 months once opened. Avoid combining with niacinamide in the same application (apply one AM, one PM).

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum

~$25 · Most recommended budget dupe for SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

★★★★☆4.5 · 14,000+ reviewscommunity pick

↗

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum (Premium)

~$166 · Patented formula — gold standard, clinically studied

★★★★★4.7 · 8,000+ reviews

↗

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

~$12 · Budget brightening combo — highly cited

★★★★☆4.4 · 19,000+ reviews

↗

BoosterAlpha Arbutin — Targeted Dark Spot Fading

Alpha arbutin is a gentler, more stable alternative to hydroquinone. Works by inhibiting tyrosinase — the enzyme that produces melanin. Particularly effective on post-acne dark marks (PIH). Use at 2% concentration in PM routine after cleansing. Works synergistically with Vitamin C. The Anua niacinamide + arbutin + tranexamic acid serum is specifically called out in community discussions as doing "absolute wonders for dark spots." Results in 4–8 weeks.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

~$10 · Most recommended standalone arbutin serum

★★★★☆4.4 · 28,000+ reviewstop pick

↗

Anua Niacinamide 10% + Tranexamic Acid 4%

~$22 · "Absolute wonders for dark spots" — community review

★★★★★4.6 · 6,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

4–8 weeks

🎯

Hyperpigmentation & Post-Acne Marks

Post-acne dark marks (PIH), sun spots, and uneven patches. These respond well to targeted topicals — the key is combining a melanin inhibitor with a chemical exfoliant and strict SPF.

Targeted treatment 6–12 weeks

ProtocolThe 3-Step Hyperpigmentation Stack

Community consensus on the most effective combination for fading dark marks:

AM: Vitamin C serum → SPF 50 PA++++ (SPF is non-negotiable — UV exposure undoes all progress)
PM: Chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) → Alpha Arbutin or Azelaic Acid → Moisturize

Azelaic acid is specifically called out in the most-cited skincare guides as the best ingredient for PIH — it inhibits melanin production AND has anti-inflammatory effects. 10% OTC, 15–20% prescription. Apply after cleansing in PM, alternate with tretinoin nights.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

~$11 · Best OTC azelaic acid — widely recommended

★★★★☆4.3 · 22,000+ reviewscommunity pick

↗

Dr. Althea 20% Vitamin C Serum

~$28 · Specifically cited for dark spots — "did absolute wonders"

★★★★☆4.4 · 3,500+ reviews

↗

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

~$38 · Premium option, highly stable formulation

★★★★☆4.4 · 7,800+ reviews

↗

Chemical ExfoliationAHA + BHA — Accelerate Cell Turnover

Chemical exfoliants dramatically accelerate the rate at which hyperpigmented skin cells are shed and replaced. Glycolic acid (AHA) is best for overall brightening and texture. Mandelic acid is the most recommended for acne-prone or sensitive skin as it has a larger molecule size and penetrates more slowly. Use 2–3× per week max — never same night as tretinoin. Lactic acid is the gentlest option and also hydrates while exfoliating.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

~$12 · Entry-level AHA — use 2–3× per week

★★★★☆4.4 · 47,000+ reviews

↗

Stridex Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid Pads

~$9 · Budget BHA — great for oily/acne-prone skin

★★★★☆4.5 · 31,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

6–12 weeks

🔬

Skin Texture, Pores & Glass Skin

Rough texture and large pores make skin look unhealthy and older. Glass skin — smooth, poreless, luminous — is achievable with consistent use of the right exfoliants and barrier-supporting ingredients.

Texture Glass skin

Key FactPores Don't Open and Close — But You Can Minimise Them

The most-cited skincare guide is clear: pores are not doors. Products that claim to "open" or "close" pores are misleading. What actually minimises pore appearance: keeping them clear of sebum (BHA), tightening surrounding skin (retinoids, niacinamide), and reducing overall oil production. BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble — it enters the pore and dissolves the sebum and dead skin buildup that makes pores look large. Niacinamide 10% reduces sebum production and is the most cited pore-minimising ingredient across all skincare communities.

Glass Skin StackLayering for Maximum Luminosity

The glass skin protocol from the most-viewed men's skincare guides: double cleanse (oil cleanser first to break down SPF/sebum, then water-based cleanser) → hydrating toner → hyaluronic acid serum → lightweight moisturizer → SPF. The double cleanse is the most underrated step — SPF is designed not to wash off and requires an oil-based first step to properly remove. Hada Labo hyaluronic acid is the most consistently recommended hydration product across skincare communities.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

~$14 · Most recommended HA toner — plumps and hydrates

★★★★★4.6 · 11,000+ reviewscommunity pick

↗

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil

~$12 · Step 1 of double cleanse — removes SPF properly

★★★★☆4.5 · 8,200+ reviews

↗

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

~$22 · Lightweight gel moisturizer — great for oily skin glass skin

★★★★★4.6 · 38,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

2–6 weeks

👁

Dark Circles & Under-Eye Area

Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes make you look tired regardless of how well-rested you are. The cause determines the fix — vascular, pigmentation, or structural hollowing all need different approaches.

High impact Identify cause first

Diagnose3 Types — Different Fixes

Vascular (blue/purple tint): caused by blood vessels showing through thin skin. Fix: cold compresses, caffeine eye cream, better sleep, cut alcohol and sodium. Colour corrector (peach/orange) conceals effectively.

Pigmented (brown): caused by melanin accumulation — often genetic or from sun damage. Fix: SPF daily, Vitamin C serum extending to eye area, retinol eye cream, alpha arbutin.

Structural hollowing (shadows): caused by volume loss or bone recession creating a shadow. The only real fix is filler (tear trough filler from a skilled injector) — topicals cannot address this. Losing body fat can worsen this temporarily.

TopicalsCaffeine + Retinol Eye Cream Stack

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is the most consistently recommended eye treatment across skincare communities — caffeine constricts blood vessels, temporarily reducing puffiness and dark circles within 15–20 minutes of application. Use every morning. For long-term improvement in skin thickness and tone around the eye area: a gentle retinol eye cream 3×/week PM. The eye skin is thin — never apply standard-strength tretinoin directly to the eye area.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

~$7 · Most recommended eye depuffing product

★★★★☆4.3 · 32,000+ reviewstop pick

↗

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

~$14 · Niacinamide + ceramides — gentle enough for eye area

★★★★☆4.4 · 21,000+ reviews

↗

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

~$22 · Retinol specifically formulated for delicate eye skin

★★★★☆4.4 · 18,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

Days → weeks

🗂

Skin Type Routines — Oily / Dry / Combination

The core routine works for everyone but the specific products within it need to match your skin type. Wrong products for your skin type will undo everything else.

Personalise Foundational

Oily SkinControl Sebum — Don't Strip

The biggest mistake with oily skin: using harsh cleansers to strip oil, which causes the skin to overproduce sebum in response. Use a gentle foaming gel cleanser, skip heavy creams, use oil-free moisturizer. BHA (salicylic acid) 2–3×/week is essential for oily skin — it's oil-soluble and clears pores from inside. Niacinamide 10% daily significantly reduces sebum production over 8 weeks. SPF should be gel or water-based, never thick cream.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser

~$18 · Top-cited cleanser for oily skin

★★★★★4.6 · 14,000+ reviews

↗

COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

~$16 · Non-greasy moisturizer — won't clog pores

★★★★☆4.5 · 9,400+ reviews

↗

Dry SkinBarrier Repair First, Actives Second

Dry skin needs barrier repair before you layer any actives. If your skin is flaky, tight, or reactive — your barrier is compromised. Fix it first: rich moisturizer with ceramides (CeraVe tub), Vaseline as the final occlusive PM layer (slugging), and avoid any acids or actives until skin is stable. Once barrier is healthy, introduce retinoids slowly with heavy moisturizer buffer. Hyaluronic acid serums on damp skin before moisturizer dramatically increase hydration retention.

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly (Slugging)

~$6 · Apply as final PM layer — locks in all moisture

★★★★★4.8 · 62,000+ reviews

↗

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

~$9 · Apply on damp skin before moisturizer

★★★★☆4.4 · 44,000+ reviews

↗

CombinationZone-Based Approach

Combination skin (oily T-zone, normal or dry cheeks) needs a zone-based approach. Use a gentle cleanser everywhere. Apply BHA only to oily zones (nose, forehead, chin). Apply richer moisturizer to drier zones (cheeks). Niacinamide works well for the whole face. For SPF: a lightweight gel formula balances oily zones without drying out the rest. Avoid using the same thick product uniformly — your T-zone and cheeks have genuinely different needs.

Impact

2–4 weeks

⏳

Anti-Aging & Collagen — Long Game

The community's anti-aging guide is explicit: tretinoin + SPF is the proven foundation. Everything else is an addition. Collagen supplements and peptides are the most discussed add-ons.

Long-term Proven ingredients

ProvenTretinoin — The Only Proven Anti-Aging Topical

Retinoids are the only topical ingredient with decades of clinical evidence for actual collagen stimulation and skin cell renewal. Everything else is supplementary. Tretinoin 0.025% started 2–3×/week and built up over months produces measurable collagen density increases. The community anti-aging guide specifically recommends adding GHK-Cu peptide on alternating nights — it further stimulates collagen production through a different mechanism and doesn't conflict with tretinoin.

SupplementCollagen Peptides + Vitamin C Oral — Inner Stack

Oral collagen peptides (10g/day) combined with Vitamin C (which is required for collagen synthesis) is the most discussed oral supplement stack for skin quality in the community. Take with Vitamin C for maximum collagen synthesis support. Results at 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use. Red light therapy (630–660nm) is also discussed extensively as a home device that stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production — 10 minutes daily.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

~$30 · Most cited collagen supplement — 10g/day

★★★★☆4.4 · 73,000+ reviewstop pick

↗

Red Light Therapy Face Device (660nm)

~$45 · 10 min daily — stimulates fibroblast + collagen

★★★★☆4.3 · 4,200+ reviews

↗

Impact

8–12 weeks

02 — Prevention is everything

HAIR & HAIR LOSS

The most-shared truth in men's hair loss communities: "Prevention is EVERYTHING when it comes to hair loss." Two mandatory products: Finasteride + Minoxidil. Start before you see visible loss — miniaturization begins years before thinning is visible.

"Just popped my first Dutasteride pill at 20, even though I haven't noticed any balding yet. Why? Because starting FIN or DUT early can be the difference between KEEPING your hair and LOSING it. You lose a lot of density BEFORE visible thinning even appears."

Men's Aesthetics Forum · Hair Loss Prevention thread

💊

The Big 3 Hair Loss Protocol

Fin + Minox + Microneedling. Forum's most recommended hair stack. These three combined are the strongest non-surgical protocol available.

Act Early Fin needs Rx

1stFinasteride 0.5mg/day — DHT Blocker

Blocks testosterone → DHT conversion. Forum's detailed guide: 0.25–0.5mg/day achieves ~70% scalp DHT reduction — nearly identical to 1mg but significantly fewer sides. Start immediately at first sign of thinning. Prescription required. Keeps and Hims both offer telehealth access. Side effects in ~2% of users. Dutasteride is stronger and discussed in advanced threads.

Keeps — Finasteride Subscription

~$25/mo · Most cited telehealth source on forum

forum #1

↗

Hims — Finasteride + Minoxidil Combo

~$30/mo · Online doctor consultation included

↗

2ndMinoxidil 5% — Regrowth Stimulator

FDA-approved. Opens blood flow to follicles, stimulates regrowth. Works significantly better combined with finasteride. Apply to dry scalp 2×/day. Initial shed weeks 4–8 is normal — old hair being replaced. Visible results at 3–6 months. Kirkland is the exact same active ingredient as Rogaine at a fraction of the price.

Rogaine Men's 5% Minoxidil Foam (3mo)

~$42 · FDA-approved topical gold standard

★★★★☆4.4 · 25,000+ reviewsFDA approved

↗

Kirkland Minoxidil 5% (6-month supply)

~$25 · Same active ingredient as Rogaine

★★★★☆4.4 · 14,000+ reviews

↗

3rdNizoral + Scalp Microneedling

Nizoral ketoconazole shampoo is mentioned in nearly every BOTB hair guide: use 2×/week alongside fin/min — reduces scalp DHT. Derma stamp scalp 1×/week with 0.5–1mm stamp independently stimulates follicle blood flow and dramatically boosts minoxidil absorption. Protocol: stamp day 1, wait 24h, apply minox day 2.

Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo

~$15 · Use 2×/week — mentioned in every hair guide

★★★★☆4.5 · 31,000+ reviewsforum staple

↗

Derma Stamp 1.0mm — Scalp/Hairline

~$15 · Stamp > roller for scalp microneedling

↗

StylingHaircut (Face Shape First) + Styling

The forum's "HAIR IS LAW" guide: copying viral styles without matching your face shape is a "fatal mistake." Match cut to face shape first. For styling: matte clay is the most recommended across all forum posts — natural hold, no grease. Apply to towel-dried hair only.

American Crew Fiber (Matte Clay)

~$16 · Forum's most cited styling product

★★★★☆4.4 · 21,000+ reviewsforum #1

↗

Impact

3–12 months

04 — BOTB Sleepmaxxing Playbook · 139k views

SLEEPMAXXING

The Sleepmaxxing Playbook (139k views) opens with: "What if I told you scientists discovered a pill that increases your lifespan 10 years, makes your face more attractive, boosts IQ, lowers depression, increases testosterone — and it's completely free? That pill is sleep."

"Magnesium Glycinate: makes your dreams wild and vivid; increases your sleep time and quality. Probably the most impactful supplement from this stack. Take 400mg before bed."

Men's Aesthetics Forum · Sleepmaxxing Guide · 139,000+ views

🌙

Sleep Protocol — From the 139k View Guide

Direct from "The Sleepmaxxing Playbook" — one of the site's most bookmarked BOTB threads. Environment, timing, supplement stack, and debloat protocol.

Free Immediate Impact

EnvironmentDark + Cool + No Blue Light After 9pm

Blue light suppresses melatonin by up to 80% — the most important sleep variable according to multiple forum guides. Room temp 60–67°F. Complete darkness. No screens 1h before bed. The BOTB guide: "Blue light = 80% melatonin suppression. Red light = 40%." Sleep on your back — multiple forum guides recommend this explicitly to prevent facial asymmetry from pillow pressure.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses (evening use)

↗

Contoured 3D Sleep Mask

~$12 · Total blackout without face pressure

↗

Wedge Pillow (head elevation)

~$40 · Elevate 10–15° to reduce morning facial puffiness

↗

SupplementsThe Exact BOTB Guide Stack

Directly from The Sleepmaxxing Playbook (139k views):

• Magnesium Glycinate 400mg before bed — "probably the most impactful supplement from this stack"
• Glycine 1g at night — body temperature regulation
• KSM-66 Ashwagandha 500mg evening — reduces cortisol, promotes GABA
• L-Theanine 100mg before bed — relaxation without sedation

The guide explicitly advises against supplementing melatonin directly long-term. Use this stack to boost natural production instead.

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate

~$30 · BOTB guide's #1 most impactful sleep supplement

★★★★★4.8 · 12,000+ reviewsBOTB pick

↗

NOW Glycine 1000mg

~$10 · 1g at night per guide protocol

↗

KSM-66 Ashwagandha 500mg

~$22 · Most bioavailable form — take in evening

↗

L-Theanine 100mg (Suntheanine)

~$14 · Before bed per guide stack

↗

DebloatMorning Gua Sha + Cut Sodium + Alcohol

The forum's debloat guide (Hollow Cheeks and Ogee Curve) primary culprits: excess sodium, alcohol, and refined sugar. Cut sodium to 1,500mg during active debloat. Eliminate alcohol entirely — the single biggest facial puffiness driver. Cold water face splash on waking (vasoconstriction). Gua sha with chilled stone: jaw → ear → neck downward. Visible results in 3–5 days.

Mount Lai Rose Quartz Gua Sha

~$28 · Store in fridge overnight for cold use

★★★★★4.7 · 8,400+ reviews

↗

BAIMEI Ice Roller Face

~$10 · Immediate morning depuff vasoconstriction

↗

Impact

Days (immediate)

05 — Eyelash guide · 94k views BOTB

GROOMING & STYLE

A widely-shared men's grooming guide with 94k views — one of the most-read grooming resources online. Eyebrow grooming is cited across dozens of threads as "the single most overlooked softmax." Zero wait time. Fastest wins available.

"Literally the most free and underrated softmax. I groomed my eyebrows properly for the first time and got more compliments that week than in the previous 6 months combined. Takes 10 minutes and costs nothing."

Men's Aesthetics Forum · Grooming Guide · 94,000+ views · 435 replies

👁️

Eyes, Teeth, Beard, Scent & Style

Fixing all of these in one week is a visible transformation. Zero waiting for results — immediate impact from day one.

Immediate Softmax

Brows + LashesEyebrow + Eyelash Maxxing (94k BOTB Guide)

The 94k-view BOTB guide covers both together. For brows: remove unibrow completely, clean below the arch with tweezers only — defined not feminine. For lashes and sparse brows: castor oil nightly with a clean spoolie thickens and darkens both over 8–12 weeks. Forum guide: "Every single prettyboy has a good eye area. The trinity is eyebrow, eyelash, and expression."

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

~$18 · Professional precision — most cited tweezers

★★★★★4.8 · 45,000+ reviews

↗

Organic Castor Oil (Hexane-Free)

~$10 · Apply nightly with spoolie — 94k view guide rec

★★★★☆4.4 · 18,000+ reviews94k guide

↗

TeethElectric Toothbrush + Whitening

Teeth affect the smile triangle — a core facial attractiveness factor discussed repeatedly in forum threads. Electric brush is 2× more effective than manual for plaque removal. Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects is the most named whitening product across forum posts. 30–45 min sessions daily for 2–3 weeks produces visible whitening.

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

~$50 · Best value electric brush

★★★★★4.7 · 52,000+ reviews

↗

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

~$44 · Most cited whitening product on forum

★★★★☆4.5 · 44,000+ reviewsforum #1

↗

BeardClean Neckline + Minoxidil for Patches

A defined neckline (1.5 fingers above Adam's apple) instantly sharpens a beard. For patchy beards: multiple before/after threads document derma roller + minoxidil applied 3×/week producing visible density over 6–12 months. Use topical minox solution (not foam) for beard application.

Philips OneBlade Pro Beard Trimmer

~$55 · Precise neckline definition

★★★★☆4.4 · 29,000+ reviews

↗

Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil

~$18 · Softens texture, prevents itch

↗

ScentSignature Fragrance — The Invisible Multiplier

Scent is processed in the same brain region as memory and emotion — immediate subconscious impression. Dior Sauvage is consistently the most recommended fragrance across men's style communities. 2–3 sprays to pulse points only. Goal: detectable at close range only.

Dior Sauvage EDT 100ml

~$100 · #1 recommended fragrance across men's style forums

★★★★★4.8 · 28,000+ reviewsforum #1

↗

Bleu de Chanel EDP 100ml

~$130 · Second most cited fragrance on forum

↗

StyleFit Over Everything — Tailor First

Forum consensus: a $40 shirt that fits beats a $200 shirt that doesn't. Tailor what you own for $15–25/item before buying anything new. Shoulders fit, sleeves to wristbone, no billow. Monochrome outfits visually elongate the body. Clean white leather sneakers — easiest footwear upgrade. No oversized fits, no visible logos.

Adidas Stan Smith White Leather

~$90 · Forum's most cited clean casual shoe

★★★★★4.7 · 31,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

Immediate

06 — Highest-viewed advanced threads on BOTB

ADVANCED METHODS

These come from the most-viewed advanced men's aesthetics guides online. UC is the most discussed at-home device on the entire forum with multiple dedicated BOTB guides. Read fully before attempting anything here.

"13 sessions in. My face is unrecognizable compared to when I started. The buccal fat reduction is real and permanent. The debloat alone would have been worth it but the actual fat loss on top exceeded my expectations. This is the most underrated method on the site."

Men's Aesthetics Forum · UC Results thread · Advanced Methods

〰️

Ultrasonic Cavitation (UC) — Hollow Cheeks

The most discussed at-home facial fat reduction method across men's aesthetics forums. Targets buccal fat and submental fat that don't respond to diet alone.

At-Home Device ⚠ Bone = hearing risk

ProtocolSession Guide (from forum's 13-session thread)

40kHz ultrasound ruptures fat cell membranes — triglycerides release into lymph and are cleared by the body. Targets buccal and submental fat resistant to caloric deficit.

1. Mark fat areas with pen — away from all bone.
2. Apply thick conduction gel — never use dry.
3. Start at Level 1 only — never begin at high intensity.
4. Slow circular motion — never hold static near bone.
5. 10 min per side maximum. Once per week only.
6. After: 2L water, EMS drainage, elevated head sleep.
Post-session puffiness 4–5 days = triglycerides processing. Skin temp target: 42–43°C.

⚠ WarningBone Proximity = Permanent Hearing Risk

Never hold the probe against facial bone. The resonance travels directly into the ear canal. When too close to bone, the sound noticeably increases — move immediately. Puff cheeks out during treatment to push fat away from bone. Any muffled hearing after a session = too close. Permanent damage is possible. This warning is stated explicitly in every UC guide on the forum.

DeviceFreyara 40K Mini — Forum's #1 Cited Device

The Freyara 40kHz mini is the most consistently recommended UC device across men's aesthetics communities. ~$120, 5 intensity levels, compact for facial use. Must be 40kHz specifically — body cavitation machines use different frequencies not suitable for thin facial tissue.

Freyara 40K Mini Ultrasonic Cavitation

~$120 · Forum's #1 cited UC device

★★★★☆4.3 · 2,800+ reviewsforum #1

↗

Ultrasound Conduction Gel 500ml

~$12 · Never use device without this

↗

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer

~$18 · Monitor skin temp 42–43°C target range

↗

After UCRF Tightening + EMS Lymphatic Drainage

Always pair UC with RF — heats dermis to 42–43°C to tighten skin and prevent looseness after fat removal. EMS microcurrent mimics lymphatic peristaltic pulses. Forum guide: "EMS microcurrent is way better than manual massage for drainage since it mimics the lymph drainage pulses." Use EMS within 24–48h post-UC. Direction: jaw → ear → neck downward.

NuFACE Trinity (RF + Microcurrent)

~$349 · FDA-cleared at-home RF device

★★★★☆4.4 · 6,200+ reviewsFDA cleared

↗

NuFACE Mini+ Microcurrent (EMS drainage)

~$199 · Most cited EMS device for post-UC drainage

★★★★☆4.4 · 4,100+ reviews

↗

Impact

6–12 sessions

🏛️

Mewing + Posture — Free Foundation

Most discussed long-term facial development practice on the site. Poor posture makes every other improvement look worse in photos and in person.

Free Long-term

MewingEntire Tongue Flat on Palate — Always

Entire tongue (including back third) rests flat on the roof of the mouth. Teeth lightly together. Lips sealed. Nasal breathing only. This is the correct anatomical resting position. Discussed as a foundational long-term habit for forward craniofacial development — referenced in every facial development thread on the forum. Cannot replace surgery for structural deficiencies but is the universal baseline.

PostureDaily Chin Tucks + Face Pulls 3x/Week

Chin tucks (draw chin straight back, hold 5s, 3×15) directly strengthen deep cervical flexors that hold proper head position. Face pulls 3×/week with resistance band resets scapular and shoulder position. These are the two posture corrections most frequently cited in forum training threads. Poor posture makes every other improvement look worse in every photo.

Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set

~$12 · Face pulls, posture work

★★★★★4.7 · 56,000+ reviews

↗

Impact

Weeks → months

07 — Hardmaxxing — After full softmax only

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Only after being fully softmaxxed. Board-certified surgeon required. Not sure which procedures are right for your face? Get a free personalized protocol from Face IQ Labs first →

💉

Non-Surgical — Temporary & Reversible

Test a desired look before committing to surgery. Hyaluronic acid fillers are fully reversible with hyaluronidase.

Medical professionalTemporary

FillersJawline / Chin / Cheeks — $600–2,500

HA injected to add projection and definition. Jawline sharpens jaw angle. Chin adds forward projection (biggest profile improvement). Cheek fillers lift midface. Lasts 6–18 months. Reversible. Male aesthetics specialist required — results differ hugely from general injectors.

BotoxMasseter Slim / Brow Lift — $300–800

Masseter Botox shrinks masseter over 4–8 weeks creating a slimmer lower face. For men whose jaw looks wide from muscle not bone. Brow tail lift improves canthal appearance slightly. Lasts 3–6 months.

KybellaSubmental Fat Dissolving — $1,200–3,600

Deoxycholic acid permanently destroys chin fat cells. 2–4 sessions, 6 weeks apart. Permanent result. Significant swelling 1–2 weeks post-session. Surgical alternative to UC for guaranteed results.

Impact

Immediate (temp)

🏥

Surgical — Permanent Structural Changes

Board-certified plastic / maxillofacial surgeon required. Research surgeon more than procedure — results vary enormously by skill level.

Board-Certified SurgeonPermanent

NoseRhinoplasty — $7,000–20,000

Most discussed facial surgery on the forum by post volume. Full results at 12–18 months after swelling resolves. Surgeon must specialize exclusively in rhinoplasty. Revision rate is 5–15%.

ChinGenioplasty / Chin Implant — $3,000–10,000

Often highest ROI facial surgery for men with recessed chins. Sliding genioplasty moves bone in 3D — most versatile option. Implants simpler but can shift over time. Dramatic profile improvement.

JawBSSO / Jaw Advancement — $15,000–40,000

Moves mandible forward — forum's most discussed jaw surgery. Often combined with Le Fort I + orthodontics. 12–24 month total treatment. General anesthesia. Insurance may cover if functional bite issue documented.

CustomPEEK Custom Implants — $8,000–25,000

CT-scan designed implants for jaw, cheekbones, orbital rim. Superior to off-the-shelf because designed for your skull geometry. Multiple detailed before/after case threads in forum's Surgerymax section.

First StepGet a Roadmap Before Any Consultation

Know what you actually need before walking into any surgeon's office.

Face IQ Labs — Free Personalized Surgery Protocol

faceiqlabs.com/r/BRYER · AI facial analysis + custom roadmap

→

Impact

12–24 months total

THE
LOOKSMAXXING
GUIDE

Don't guess what surgery you need. Get a real protocol.

SKINCARE

SKIN DEEP

HAIR & HAIR LOSS

FITNESS & LEANMAXXING

SLEEPMAXXING

GROOMING & STYLE

ADVANCED METHODS

Stop guessing what
surgery you need.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

COMMUNITY GLOSSARY

THELOOKSMAXXINGGUIDE

Don't guess what surgery you need. Get a real protocol.

SKINCARE

SKIN DEEP

HAIR & HAIR LOSS

FITNESS & LEANMAXXING

SLEEPMAXXING

GROOMING & STYLE

ADVANCED METHODS

Stop guessing whatsurgery you need.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

COMMUNITY GLOSSARY

THE
LOOKSMAXXING
GUIDE

Stop guessing what
surgery you need.