Walking down the personal care aisle of a pharmacy sends a clear message that men and women need different products. In 2009, the global men’s grooming market was worth nearly $20 billion. It is expected to rise to $28 billion within five years. If you include men who skip men’s products altogether in favor of unisex or feminine formulas, the total is expected to rise to nearly $85 billion by 2014.
In fact, it is a considerable amount of money.
But this is a question that no one in the marketing world wants to answer. Do skin care products really need to be gendered, especially something as universal as moisturizers? To find out, you need to look beyond the labels and understand your skin.
Anatomy of the skin
Our skin is not a single layer. It’s a stack. The deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue. This is the subcutaneous layer of fat. It protects us from temperature changes and prevents injuries.
The middle layer is dermis. This is where the machinery lives. Nerves. Blood vessels. Sweat glands. Hair follicles.
The outermost layer is the epidermis. It gives us our tone. Provides a protective waterproof barrier. The outermost layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum. This layer benefits from the creams and potions we use. It is the stratum corneum that needs help managing dryness.
Anatomy is the same for everyone, but physiology is different. We suspect gender differences exist between the sexes. From pH to hormones. Do these differences mean you should keep a “his and hers” moisturizer in your closet?
Acid mantle problem
The outermost layer of our skin has an acid mantle. It is produced from the secretions of sweat glands (eccrine glands) and oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands).
Researchers have observed differences in the protective function of the skin between men and women. Men’s skin is more acidic than women’s skin.
pH measures acidity or alkalinity. Values range from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic). Water sits is 7. neutral. The pH of the skin is about 4-7. The skin’s natural pH is estimated to be around 4.7.
However, there are differences in the averages.
The average for women’s skin is about 5.6 (± 0.4). The average for men’s skin is 4.3 (± 0.4).
Healthy skin has a healthy acid mantle. It controls moisture loss. It blocks dangerous microorganisms from penetrating of dangerous microorganisms. The healthiest skin has a pH level below 5. Daily moisturizing with pH-balanced products helps prevent moisture loss. It increases hydration. Keep the barrier intact.
Why does women’s skin age faster?
Women’s skin is not only slightly more acidic than men’s; It ages faster.
Sorry, ladies.
In a study published in Optics Letters, researchers found that women’s skin ages faster than men’s. This happens on the surface. It also occurs in the dermis (middle layer).
With age, the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases. Regardless of your gender, your body’s production of collagen and elastin naturally decreases with age. For women, however, the losses start earlier.
The skin starts to thin. It becomes drier. It loses its elasticity. That equals wrinkled and sagging skin.
Aging skin is also more sensitive to environmental influences. humidity. Bacterial infections. It benefits from moisturizers with anti-aging ingredients. Alpha hydroxy acids. Ingredients derived from vitamin A.
So does it make sense to market’s $85 billion split? Or is this just a way to sell more bottles? Science shows that the structure of our skin is identical. But the chemistry are different. Aging clocks tick at different speeds.
Hormonal factors and the reality of the skin
It’s not as simple as scrubbing harder or buying a more expensive jar. The real difference between male and female skin is often hormonal. Men and women process androgens and estrogens differently. These chemicals do more than just control reproduction. They determine the hair growth pattern. They change the physiology of our skin.
Studies show that high androgen levels in men can make the skin oily. This is not a moral failure. This is biology. However, oily skin still needs moisture. The purpose is not to find products labeled “for men” or “for women”. See the ingredients.
If you have oily skin, you need a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. These do not clog pores. Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help fight acne and keep your skin hydrated.
Aging is a game changer for everyone. As men age, their testosterone levels decrease. Their skin is usually dry. Dry skin needs moisturizing and softening ingredients. You want to seal the water under a natural moisture barrier. Look for petroleum jelly, lanolin, glycerin, shea butter, and fatty oils like olive and avocado. These attract moisture and keeps it there.
Fragrance and sunscreen
Let’s talk about the smell. One of the most obvious differences to commercial lotions is the scent. Men’s products often have pine or “sports” scents. Women’s products often have floral scents, such as lavender.
Don’t choose based on smell alone. Dermatologists do not recommend using perfumes at all. Fragrances are a common cause of allergic reactions, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Sunscreen is another non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter who you are. A daily moisturizer with added sunscreen is required. SPF is at least 15. This helps prevent wrinkles and aging while reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Here’s the hard truth from the American Academy of Dermatology. Men over 50 have the highest rate of melanoma. This is a serious skin cancer. Even sun worshipers are not immune. However, older men, take note. It is important to use SPF daily.
Use strategy
How you apply is as important as what you apply for. Regardless of your skin type, timing is everything.
Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Do this right after showering. Water helps lock in moisture. If you wait until your skin is completely dry, you’ll miss out on some of the immediate benefits.
Whether you’re a man or a woman, your goal is simple. Use a pH-balanced, fragrance-free cream that is suitable for your age and skin type. Do this every day. Keep your skin healthy. Look good. It feels good.
There is always more to learn. The next section will discuss your skin care routine in more detail.
