Skincare is for everyone, but is it different between men and women? We’re all familiar with the saying “skincare is for all ages”, but how about skincare for all gender? 

To find out, let’s first know the structural differences between male and female skin.

1. Oil/sebum production
   • Men have greater oil production. Androgen, known as the “male hormones”, increases the size of oil glands & stimulates oil secretion. 
   • Due to increased oil, the male skin is more prone to impaired barrier function. Excess sebum is also associated with appearance of larger pores. 
   • This also makes men less fond of applying skincare products due to the sticky feeling on the face as compared to women. 

2. Sweat production
   • Men perspire more and have greater sweat production
   • The sweat glands found in the axilla and genital areas are subjected to hormonal influences and become active just before puberty. 
   • Though sweat is odourless, the bacteria microflora in the skin is responsible for odor production
   • In men, the increase in sweat production makes them prone to harbour bacteria. So, they develop body odor more as compared to women

3. Skin thickness
   • Men have thicker skin in general, but a gradual decrease in thickness can be observed starting at 40 years old. 
   • Due to hormonal changes from menopause, women have less hydroxyl-proline content that causes decrease in collagen. With collagen breakdown, the skin becomes thinner in women. 
   • Given men’s thicker skin, a higher strength and a more potent formulation of skincare products may be needed for better penetration

4. Hair growth

• Hair growth on face & axilla (but no on eyebrows and eyelashes) is affected by male hormones. Hence, men have thicker and more hair on these areas. 
• Facial hair removal differs tremendously. Men perform facial hair shaving more often than women. This regular mechanical exfoliation can make their skin prone to skin trauma or irritation. 
• Hence, men must have proper pre- and post-shaving care. 

5. Skin tone
   • Skin tone is influenced mainly by melanin (main pigment responsible for skin color). Though melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) do not differ among gender, the melanin produced is suggested to be higher in men. 
   • Aside from melanin, skin color is also affected by haemoglobin (blood pigment). Based on studies, men have more haemoglobin. Both these factors contribute to men’s darker skin tone 
   • These structural variations also explain why men retain pigmentation after sun exposure longer than women

Now that we know the structural differences between men & women, must there be a difference when it comes to skincare?

• In terms of routine
  • Men and women have the same basic skincare must haves– cleanser, moisturizer and sun protection
• In terms of formulation
  • Lightweight formulation gel-based or foam-based products can be more suited for men given their oilier skin type. 
  • As for female, the type of formulation depends on their skin type (oily vs dry vs combination skin).
  • This applies to choice of cleanser, moisturizer & sunscreen
  • Some but not all men tends to be reluctant to apply skincare due to the sticky feeling, hence, formulation matters.
• In terms of actives
  • The need for actives depend on the skincare concern
  • Acne is a common enemy for both gender due to hormonal influences especially when puberty starts. So, starting on retinoids early can be helpful in controlling and managing zits

Unique skincare need for men: Facial hair

• Shaving facial hair (reference: AAD)
  • Shave regularly to avoid irritation and bacterial growth 
  • Apply shaving cream, oil or gel before shaving 
  • Clean razors right after use
  • Change razor blade every 5-7 shaves
  • Apply moisturizer after shaving 
• Washing facial hair
  • For short facial hair- may stick to facial cleanser 
  • For long and thick beard – use shampoo to wash

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     Caring for one’s skin   is all about taking care of one’s self. It is not considered an indulgence but more of a necessity. The main goal of having a skin care routine is to maintain the skin’s function at its best, with no irritation or any signs of skin disease.

     Before starting a skin care routine, it is important to identify and understand one’s skin type. This will help in one’s choice of products to use. 

As dermatologists we agree that more is not always better and a basic skin care routine is as easy as a three-step procedure of cleansing, moisturizing and protecting.                                                                                 

CLEANSING – Washing the face is the most basic and essential step in any routine. Our skin is constantly exposed to pollutants, dirt, oil, make up and all of these should be gently removed. Washing the face two times a day (morning and night) is basic. Finding the right cleanser with the right formula is important. A product that is fragrance free, gentle and cleanses without stripping the essential moisture of the skin is ideal for everyday cleansing according to skin type.  Here is a simple guide;  

NORMAL skin –   Soap free cleanser or a micellar water is suitable for most people with normal skin

OILY or Acne prone skin-   Look for a foaming liquid with no added emollients and one which can decrease sebum from the skin 

DRY skin – Look for cream cleansers that are formulated with emollients to help hydrate the skin

MOISTURIZING- Moisturizing the skin is an important step in a skin care routine.  A moisturizer traps water in the skin and is best applied to damp skin at least 2 x daily. They can also complement the naturally protective oils within the skin. It is recommended to moisturize one’s skin regardless of skin type because the skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture especially as we age. Or as we engage in daily activities such as washing the face frequently can strip off the natural moisture from the surface. 

Here is a guide on how to choose a moisturizer according to skin type:                                  

For OILY Skin –   Choose a gel moisturizer, it is usually water based, lightweight and has quick absorption.

For   DRY Skin –    a cream moisturizer is ideal 

For NORMAL Skin- Lotion form is the classic moisturizer level which absorbs well

PROTECTION – Protecting the skin with sunscreen is a crucial part of a skin care routine. Daily and consistent use of sunscreen helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and certain skin cancers. In choosing the ideal sunscreen look for a product that is broad spectrum which means it can provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays and with little risk of irritation or health concerns. It is recommended to use sunscreen with a minimum spectrum SPF of at least 30.

 Sunscreen application 101

       Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and re apply at least every two hours. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen to appropriately cover the entire face and exposed areas of the body  

      Besides the basic steps of cleansing, moisturizing and protecting additional   extra steps can be done as needed. These are products which one can add to the basic skin care routine mentioned above. These can be in the form of toners, serum, exfoliants, or masks to target a more specific skin concern. A general rule of thumb I s to apply the products with thinner consistency underneath the thicker ones. Face masks can be used periodically not more than once or twice per week.

As you choose products for your skin care routine, stick to key, important active ingredients and avoid experimenting too much, be consistent and wait for the skin products to work on the skin by maintaining for at least 2-3 months. Except if it causes allergic or adverse reaction, then it is warranted to stop the product right away.

Consistency or doing the skin care routine regularly is key to having a good, well-maintained skin.

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