Are women and men really that different?
When you pay close attention, there is a distinct difference in the market for men’s and women’s skincare products. But what about the formulations themselves?
Do all of these skincare products differ all that much?
The answer appears to be yes. Along with packaging, fragrances, and product names, men’s products also have different formulas than women’s.
So can skin and skincare be categorized by gender?
According to dermatologists, the answer is yes. Female and male hormones happen to affect skin quite differently. That’s why it’s so important to understand why men and women have different skincare routines.
So, if you’re tired of your man always borrowing your moisturizer or naked sunshield peptide patch, then read on to learn all the reasons why he should buy his own.
What Are The Differences Between Male And Female Skin?
You may be wondering if there is a difference between men’s and women’s skin, what exactly is it?
Here are the top 4 differences between male and female skin that affect the type of skincare products you should be using.
1. Compared To Women, Men Produce Way More Testosterone
The dominant hormone in women is estrogen, while the dominant hormone in men is testosterone. The average adult male produces around 20 times more testosterone than a woman. These hormone differences have more impact on the skin than most people realize. As a result of all that testosterone in their bodies, a man’s skin is much oilier than a woman’s.
Men also tend to have larger pores and produce a lot more sebum than women, which can end up clogging their pores. One of the biggest differences between the two skincare regimens can be found here.
To combat the excess oil that their skin produces, men should typically use facial cleansers that contain salicylic acid. Women, on the other hand, can benefit from more soothing and mild facial cleansers. Using a cleanser made for men can be quite harsh on a woman’s skin.
2. Men’s Skin Ph Is Lower Than Women’s
The outermost layer of our skin is composed of natural oils, formally known as sebum, as well as lactic and amino acids. Your skin’s pH is the result of all these oils and acids, which should be between 4-6. Increasing your skin’s pH too high will result in extremely dry skin and lowering it will result in incredibly oily skin.
Interestingly, the pH of the skin differs slightly between men and women as men usually have a more acidic pH. Researchers have found that men have a higher pH than women, which may explain their tendency to develop dry skin.
Therefore, ceramides and fatty acids, are essential to women’s skincare. Ceramides lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Men, on the other hand, have higher rates of acne since their pH is lower. Their skin barrier is also stronger and more effective at retaining moisture. That’s why a highly hydrating facial moisturizer or serum isn’t necessary for men. Men should opt for mattifying moisturizers or those that contain no oils.
3. Many Men Experience Sensitivity Near Their Beards
A man’s beard is an area that may require additional attention. A man shaves 20,000 times in his lifetime, which equals about five months of his life. This makes the skin on his face more susceptible to irritation over time.
As a result of shaving his skin so frequently, he may suffer from ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and irritation from shaving. This is why men need to look for ingredients that will help to repair their skin.
4. Women And Men Age Differently
After turning 30, both men and women lose about one percent of their collagen per year. Despite this, male skin, which is denser, does not degrade collagen and elastin as quickly as female skin.
Therefore, men and women require anti-aging products that are specifically tailored to address these differences in their skin. Women, for example, benefit greatly from anti-aging treatments that are more hydrating and soothing to the skin.
In contrast, men’s skin can tolerate higher concentrations of active ingredients such as retinol. This is why he should be using different skincare formulas than you are as he will benefit from a more cellular skin turnover.
Key Takeaways
Women and men have different skin care concerns. As a result, skincare products are created differently. Since women’s sebum production is lower than men’s, their products tend to focus more on moisturization.
As women are more likely to experience adult acne due to hormonal changes, many women’s products also contain exfoliants, calming ingredients, and acne-fighting ingredients as well.
When it comes to men, it is essential to start using products with retinol earlier than women. The reason for this is that men’s skin is ‘thicker’ and able to handle and benefit from stronger anti-aging products.
So, what’s the big takeaway here?
Regardless of whether a product is made for men or women, depending on your skin’s needs, you should always pay attention to who the product is intended for and what its ingredients are.
About The Author:
Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate about writing about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest in health news for medical clinics and health magazines.
