It is well known that men and women have fundamentally different skin. The hormone testosterone determines the masculine characteristics of male skin and gives it a different structure to female skin.
Understanding skin – How does male and female skin differ?
Men’s skin is not exposed to the same hormonal variations as women’s. Immune responses differ between genders, not only do men have distinct dermal microflora, they are more prone to both bacterial and viral infections of the skin. Part of that increased susceptibility to infection is related to their grooming routines.
Thickness - Is men’s skin thicker than women’s
Men have oilier and thicker hair follicles, more active sebaceous glands, and therefore more pores, than women. Men’s skin is also around 25% thicker due to androgen stimulation.
Men's skin is naturally thicker (around 25% due to androgen stimulation) and oilier, due to higher levels of sebum, caused by a 10-times-higher level of testosterone than women.
It is also tighter, and has firmer appearance due to a greater quantity of collagen.
Ageing - Does men's skin age better than women's?
Research has discovered that women’s skin ages faster than men's, collagen production declines in both sexes but it is faster in women. When collagen weakens the skin loses its firmness resulting in wrinkles, creases. However, from the age of 40, aging features accelerate, and deep wrinkles can appear relatively quickly starting right from under the eye.
Men are most affected by sagging skin combined with puffy eyes and dark circles that make them appear tired. Similarly men get wrinkles later than women, but they have a deeper appearance.
How does shaving affect the skin?
Regular shaving makes male skin more stressed than female skin. On average, men shave 15000 plus times in their lives. The repetitive, often daily, trauma during shaving can lead to patterns of skin inflammation and infection rarely seen in women. Daily shaving stresses the skin and causes sensitivity in most cases.
When men shave, it acts as an exfoliant, getting rid of dead skin cells. Each shave removes the uppermost layer of skin cells, exposing new younger skin that is particularly sensitive to external influences, like environment, pollutants and products that you apply.
30-40% of men have shaving-related skin problems. If one is not careful then a blunt razor, insufficient lubrication while shaving can lead to nicks and cuts, razor burn and razor bumps.
Why is Skin Care for Men important?
The skin is the largest organ and performs several different functions. Regardless of gender, the skin needs care and attention to stay healthy.
Men’s skin too benefits from a dedicated approach to skincare and from products that respect its unique attributes.
The tradition of self grooming and outward appearance in men has quickly changed over the time from not being important to a part of a daily regimen. Being well groomed has gained popularity, thus Men have become very conscious about their appearance and hence skin care for men has assumed importance.
Why do Men shy away from skincare products?
One potential barrier to gender neutral skincare is fragrance which is by and large considered feminine in the beauty/grooming category.
Vya Naturals products are fragrance free and hence they are great for men too.
What are the skin problems typically faced by Men?
Men sweat a lot, A 2010 study by the journal Experimental Physiology confirmed that men generally sweat more than their female counterparts. Men also sweat more efficiently due to larger size of glands.
However during adolescence, acne vulgaris is more common in males than in females. In adulthood, acne vulgaris is more common in women than in men.
Thicker skin scars deeper. Thinner skin forms better scars than thicker skin.
Do men and women really need different skin care products?
The needs of men’s and women’s skin are quite similar. Men’s facial skin loses elasticity in a fashion similar to women’s, so products that help build collagen, accelerate the skin’s repair functions by stimulating tissue growth, and help minimize large pores, wrinkles and fine lines are highly recommended for men too. Men can use stronger skin treatments with higher concentration of actives and still be okay.
What is a good skin care regimen for Men?
Men’s skin needs the exact same things that women’s skin does. I tend to be of the opinion that everyone, regardless of gender, should follow the same skincare routine - use gentle cleansing, hydration, a dose of antioxidants and sun protection.
- So men should cleanse in the morning and at night, use serum and moisturizer before bedtime, and an SPF during the day.
- Products that help build collagen, particularly Vitamin C Serum, Peptides should be used daily. Niacinamide serum, accelerates the skin’s repair functions by stimulating tissue growth, helps in minimizing large pores, wrinkles and fine lines can be used at night.
- Men can use stronger skincare products with higher concentration of actives more often than women.
- A moisturizer once a day can be beneficial for a healthy skin.
Why do men need moisturizers and serums?
Shaving foams, aftershaves and shaving balms can dehydrate the skin and strip it of its barrier function.
Men should also NOT use mechanical exfoliators (like scrubs, brushes or tools) and should exfoliate using acids like glycolic or lactic acid - yes, the skin is thicker but grits can still cause damage to the surface of the epidermis that will last for much longer than that initial smooth, post-grit feeling does.
A Peptide Moisturizer and Hyaluronic Acid Serum are beneficial in keeping the skin hydrated, while serums like Vitamin C and Niacinamide help repair the skin barrier and even out the skin tone.
Is Men's Skin More Sun-Sensitive?
Men are more likely than women to have outdoor jobs. They are less likely to protect their skin with sunscreen, umbrella etc. Due to UV exposure and outdoor activities, men have a tendency to produce more melanin and therefore the skin appears to be dark. To help maintain and protect the skin from dirt and grime a regular face wash with ingredients like vitamin c, turmeric, and salicylic acid can help. A good SPF product can keep the skin protected from further sun damage.
Do men have Sensitive skin problems?
Although men have thicker skin, their thicker dermal layer is actually more sensitive to environmental conditions than thinner female skin. Men have drier skin than women and have a greater need to moisturize, Men’s skin also is more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation than female skin.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the blog are for information purposes and have been collated through information available in public domain. Reproduction of the same without the permission of the author is not permitted.