The skin is the body's biggest organ and serves a variety of purposes. The skin, regardless of gender, requires care and attention in order to remain healthy.
Did you know that the skin of men and women requires different forms of skincare? Men and women's skin differs not only in appearance but also in characteristics. As a result, men's skincare products may not always be acceptable for women. Both men and women should be aware of their skin types. If you want your skin to look and feel healthy, you must address issues including irritation, acne, ageing, dark spots, and others. Male and female skin varies in a variety of ways, including thickness, sebum production, and facial hair. Hormones are the most significant difference between men and women, and they are also responsible for the differences in their skin. Testosterone is the hormone that causes males to develop masculine features, which causes their skin to be rough and necessitates a unique method that is only suitable for male skin. Estrogen aids in the development of female features in women, including the softening of their skin. Male and female skin have a few distinct characteristics.
What are the differences in men’s and women’s skin?
1. Thickness
Men's skin is approximately 25% thicker than women's skin. The proportion changes from person to person, but the overall rate remains constant. That is why wrinkles appear differently in men and women. Fine lines appear less frequently in men than in women. Men, on the other hand, are more prone to deep wrinkles as a result of frequent facial expressions. Male skin collagen decreases at a consistent rate, whereas female skin is affected, particularly after menopause.
2. Sebum
Pores are the microscopic openings in your skin. They are important because they allow sweat, oil, and pollutants to escape through the skin. Men have pores that are bigger and more noticeable than women due to active sebaceous glands. As a result, men produce about twice as much sebum (oil) as women. Male skin appears oilier and shinier than female skin if you look closely. Men's sebum production remains constant throughout their lives, however women's oil production diminishes with age.
3. Ageing
Men, regardless of age, have higher collagen density. Collagen is important in determining the thickness of skin in both men and women. Collagen density, according to researchers, is to blame for women showing indications of ageing sooner than males of the same age. Men show indications of ageing later than women, but once they begin, they accelerate. Sagging skin, swollen eyes, and black circles are common in men, making them appear fatigued and unwell. Sun exposure is a major cause of skin ageing, and we rarely see males using protective measures such as sunscreen or protective gloves. UV radiation extends the life of a man's skin by a few years.
4. Facial Hair
Facial hair is a significant distinction between males and women's overall appearance. Because of testosterone, almost every adult guy has facial hair. Shaving has both beneficial and negative effects on a man's skin. It has the potential to irritate or inflame the skin.
Aftershave can cause redness, dryness, and even hypersensitivity in certain people. Shaving eliminates the upper skin barrier, exposing the skin to the elements. As a result, any product can simply penetrate your skin. Vitamin A aids in the formation of a protective barrier over the skin as well as the speeding up of skin cell renewal. Vitamin A supplementation can help your skin's natural defences last longer.
5. Hydration
Lactic acid levels in men's sweat are higher than in women's. Lactic acid is a natural humectant, which means it helps the skin retain moisture. As a result, male skin seems to be moisturised more than female skin. Surprisingly, men sweat twice as much as women and have a lower pH level.
6. Pigmentation
Adult females had consistently lighter skin pigmentation than males in the same population, according to researchers. Because females require a lot of calcium during pregnancy and nursing, there is a difference in pigmentation. Because women need to receive enough vitamin D and calcium for the fetus during pregnancy, natural selection may have pointed to females having lighter skin than men in some populations.
7. Skin PH
According to a study, men's skin pH is lower and more acidic than women's. However, according to another Zlotogorski's research (1987), the skin pH has nothing to do with gender. The pH of both men and women's skin is highest on the cheeks. The pH levels in women's foreheads and men's hands are the lowest. The pH value in men increases with age.
8. Skin texture
In comparison to men, women's skin is softer and smoother. Men's skin might become rough and dry as a result of facial hair and weekly shaving. Male skin is thicker than female skin, as previously stated, giving it a different texture. As a show of masculinity, testosterone makes male skin tougher.
Skincare tips for men?
Because male skin is distinct from female skin, it requires a specialised approach to skincare and products that take into account its biological characteristics. A basic routine for men to follow would be :
- It's best to use a cleanser like Beardhood Green Tea & Charcoal Face Wash For Man that removes dirt, bacteria, and oil while keeping your skin fresh and moisturised.
- Scrub off your dead skin once a week with Aminu Microdermabrasion Face Scrub to prevent your pores from getting clogged and polish your skin.
- When it comes to shaving gel, something that does noy create a lot of foam but yet gives you a close shave is perfect. 23 Yards Shaving Gel is a hydrating and conditioning shaving gel that leaves your skin silky after shaving.
- An aftershave is a must in order to have an irritation free shaving experience. The 23 Yards After Shave Lotion keeps your skin moisturised, hydrated and cool.
- Regardless of the skin type and gender, Sunscreen is the holy grail of skincare and should be applied by everybody, even men. A daily wear sunscreen like the Amayra Naturals Mini Oxybenzone Free Daily Wear Sunscreen SPF 30 which absorbs easily and is not greasy.
Shaving with care is essential, especially for persons with sensitive skin or skin problems like acne or Atopic Dermatitis, here are a few shaving tips to keep in mind:
- Shaving products protect and lubricate the skin. To avoid nicks and injuries, these should assist the razor glide easily over the skin. They should also be gentle and calming for sensitive skin, since strong lotions can strip the skin of its natural lipids, which are already under strain as the top layer of skin cells is removed. Shaving products with antibacterial qualities are also recommended to protect skin from shaving irritations.
- To get the closest shave and minimise razor burn or razor bumps, use a clean, sharp razor.
- Shave with the grain of the hair rather than against it.
- Men's moisturisers and anti-aging products should have a light texture. Rich, oily products may irritate skin that has been sensitised by shaving.
Skincare tips for women?
- Before going to bed, always remove your make-up with something that takes all your makeup and the dirt away like the Ilana Organics Lights Out Clean Rinse Makeup Cleansing Balm
- Use a gentle cleanser like the Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser on your face and follow with a toner like Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner Mini
- Vitamin C can help with half of your skin issues; look for a serum that has it something like Plum 15% Vitamin C Face Serum With Mandarin
- To avoid sun damage, always remember to apply sunscreen to your face, hands, and neck. The Fixderma Shadow SPF 50 Silicone Matte Cream is a non greasy sunscreen that helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- No matter what type of skin you have, you must use a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and supple in every season like the Detoxie Anti-Stress & Hydrating Youth Preserve Moisturiser
Conclusion
Men’s skin is thicker, oilier, and denser than that of women. Men's skincare products should preferably be created specifically to cater to their skin needs due to anatomical variances between men and women.
-Nishita Tahalramani
