Men's and women's skin care products: is there a difference?

Clearly there is a completely different market for skin care products for men and womenbut when you really get down to business, is there a lot difference in recipes? If you ask any of our female beauty editors to exchange skin care procedures with men in their lives, most would laugh at the idea. Beyond the most obvious contrasts such as packaging, fragrance and product names, Dr. Another Ted, a Texas board certified dermatologist and Skincare.om consultant, says the formulas in men's goods often differ from those targeted at women. Read on to find out how. 

What is the difference between male and female skin?

"Men's skin has many properties that allow it to age differently than women's skin," says Dr. Lane. “Firstly, men's skin is 25% thicker due to the higher collagen content. Secondly, the sebaceous glands in men are more active, which provides more innate hydration in adulthood. The aging process in men is more gradual, starting at a young age, while women's skin retains thickness and moisture permanently until menopause, when a drop in estrogen levels causes dramatic changes."

Is there a difference between male and female cosmetics?

So what does all this mean when it comes to the products we buy? "Women's products are more hydrating-focused than men's in an attempt to make up for their lower sebum production," Dr. Lane says. Because women are more likely to develop adult acne due to hormonal changes, many women's products often attribute this to exfoliating, soothing, and acne-fighting ingredients. 

Dr. Lane recommends that men use retinol products earlier than women. “This is due to the gradual decline in collagen levels in men starting at a young age,” he explains.

Key takeaway? While some products are actually unisex, depending on the specific needs of your skin, you should always pay attention to who the product is intended for and what ingredients it contains.

For example, when it comes to toners, we recommend Lancôme Tonique Confort Hydrating Facial Toner for women because it contains ultra-moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, acacia honey and sweet almond oil. For men we like Baxter of California Mint Herbal Tonic because it wipes off excess fat without stripping the skin. 

Photo: Shante Vaughn

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