The skin is the largest organ of the body and performs many functions. Regardless of your gender, the skin needs care and attention to be healthy.
Did you know that male skin demands a different skincare approach than female skin? Male and female skin differ not just in their appearance, but also characteristics. Hence, the skincare products used for women may not be ideal for men.
In this article, we discuss the differences between male and female skin and provide useful skin care tips for healthy skin. Read on to learn more.
Highlights:
Understanding Your Skin
Knowing your skin type is necessary for all genders. If you want your skin to look and feel healthy, you need to resolve skin issues like sensitivity, acne, aging, dark spots, etc.
Male skin has certain features that differ from female skin. It is often rough in texture and requires a tailored approach that is only suited to male skin.
What Are The Major Differences Between Male And Female Skin?
Testosterone [1] is responsible for the development of masculine characteristics in men. Similarly, in women, estrogen [2] plays a role in the development of female features.
The following are some significant differences between male and female skin [3] :
1. Skin Thickness
Dermatologists have found that men's skin is approximately 25% thicker than female skin. Though the percentage varies from person to person, the general rate remains the same. That is why men and women develop wrinkles differently.
Men usually get fewer fine lines than women. However, men tend to be more prone to deep wrinkles due to repeated facial expressions.
Collagen in male skin reduces at a steady rate while the female skin gets affected, especially after menopause.
2. Sebum
The tiny openings in your skin are known as pores. Pores are crucial as they allow the body to release sweat, oil, and toxins through the skin.
Due to active sebaceous glands, men have pores which are larger and more prominent than women. Thus, sebum (oil) production in men is almost double that of women.
If you notice carefully, male skin looks oilier and shinier than female skin. The sebum production remains the same for men throughout their life, whereas oil production decreases in women as they age.
3. Aging
Men have higher collagen density, irrespective of their age. Collagen plays a key role in determining the thickness of skin among males and females.
Researchers believe that collagen density is responsible for women developing aging signs faster than men of the same age.
The signs of aging appear late among men, but once they start, they occur more quickly. Men are often seen with sagging skin, puffy eyes, and dark circles, making them look tired and unhealthy.
Sun exposure is a critical factor in skin aging, and very rarely, we see men taking precautions like wearing sunscreen or protective gloves. UV radiation adds up a few more years to men’s skin.
4. Facial Hair
A considerable difference between men and women's overall appearance is facial hair. Almost every adult man has facial hair, owing to testosterone. Shaving can promote both positive and negative results for male skin. It may cause skin irritation or inflammation.
Sometimes the aftershave may lead to redness, dryness, and even hypersensitivity. Shaving removes the upper skin barrier and leaves the skin unprotected. Therefore, any product can be easily absorbed into your skin.
Vitamin A helps create a protective barrier over the skin and speed up skin cell renewal. Regular use of vitamin A can help maintain your skin's natural defenses over time.
5. Hydration
Men have higher amounts of lactic acid in their sweat than women. Lactic acid is a natural humectant for the skin, known for its ability to retain moisture.
Thus, male skin often appears to be more hydrated than female skin. Surprisingly, men have a lower pH level than women, and they sweat twice as much.
6. Pigmentation
Researchers have observed that adult females have consistently lighter skin pigmentation than males of the same population.
The difference in pigmentation is because females primarily require high amounts of calcium during pregnancy and lactation.
Natural selection may have pointed to females having lighter skin than men in some populations because women need to get enough vitamin D and calcium for the fetus during pregnancy.
7. Skin pH
A study [4] reported that skin pH is lower and more acidic in men than in women. But Zlotogorski's research (1987) [5] showed that skin pH has nothing to do with gender.
Skin pH is highest on the cheeks for both genders. Women's foreheads and men's hands have the lowest amount of pH. The pH value in men increases with age.
8. Skin Texture
Women have softer and smoother skin compared to men. Facial hair and weekly shaving can leave men's skin feeling rough and dry.
As mentioned above, male skin is thicker than female skin, which gives it a different texture. Testosterone makes male skin even tougher as a sign of masculinity.
Also, only a few men follow a proper skincare routine to support their skin health.
Skincare For Men Vs Skincare For Women
Skin care is not just for women. Men also need to fight acne and control oil. Your skincare routine does not need to be complicated. A simple and consistent routine can keep your skin looking fresh and youthful.
Skincare Tips For Men
1. Use quality products for smooth and safe shaving. Make sure the product suits your skin type for a soothing experience.
2. Use an antibacterial cleanser every time you shave.
3. Always shave with a clean, sharp razor to avoid razor burns and bumps.
4. Include cleansing and moisturizing in your skincare routine.
5. Consider applying sunscreen when you step outside.
6. Drink enough water.
7. Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking to get the best version of your skin.
8. Invest in skincare products that suit your skin type and cater to your specific needs.
Skincare Tips For Women
1. Always remove your make up before going to bed.
2. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and follow with a toner.
3. Vitamin C can solve half your skin problems, try a serum that is enriched with it.
4. Never forget to use your sunscreen on your face, hands, and neck to avoid sun damage
5. Applying a moisturizer is essential, no matter what kind of skin you have.
6. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for healthy skin.
7. Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water.
Wrapping Up
Men have thicker, oilier, and denser skin than women. Owing to the anatomical differences between men and women, men's skincare products should ideally be formulated specifically to cater to their skin requirements.
SkinKraft offers a customizable skincare routine for men and women. It personalizes products based on your skin's unique needs and characteristics.
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