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The Ultimate Guide to Male Skincare: Tips for Healthy, Youthful Skin
Male skin is thicker and oilier than female skin and has to cope with regular shaving, so it needs a tailored approach. This guide covers how male skin differs, the most common concerns, and a simple routine to support healthy skin.
Contents of this article
Key takeaways from this article
- Male skin is thicker than female skin, men typically sweat more, and facial hair means regular shaving.
- Common concerns include breakouts, shaving-related issues such as razor burn and ingrown hairs, and sun damage.
- A simple routine covers gentle cleansing, moisturizing, regular exfoliation and a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Male skin vs female skin
Male skin has distinct characteristics that differentiate it from female skin, influencing how it ages and its susceptibility to certain conditions. Here are some key differences.
Thickness: Men's skin is generally thicker than women's; one study of facial skin found it about 10 to 20% thicker (Rahrovan et al., 2018), and men's skin contains more collagen at every age (Shuster et al., 1975). This contributes to deeper wrinkles as men age, compared to the fine lines more common in women.
Sweat production: Men typically sweat more than women, creating an environment that supports more bacterial growth and can lead to body odor.
Facial hair: The growth of facial hair requires regular shaving, which can cause issues such as razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation.
Common skin concerns for men
Acne and breakouts
Men's skin produces more oil than women's at every age (Luebberding et al., 2013), which can make it more prone to acne. Acne can continue into adulthood, although after the teenage years it is more common in women than in men (Collier et al., 2008). Facial hair can trap oil and bacteria, further clogging pores and making breakouts worse.
Shaving-related issues
Regular shaving can cause skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. In pseudofolliculitis barbae, shaved hairs curl back and grow into the skin, causing itchy bumps and dark marks, especially in men with curly beard hair (Ogunbiyi, 2019). Proper shaving techniques and skin preparation are essential to minimize these problems.
Sun damage
Men are generally less vigilant about using sunscreen, which increases their risk of sun damage, age spots, and skin cancer.
Skincare recommendations for men
To care for their skin, men can follow these tips.
Daily cleansing and moisturizing: Use a gentle facial cleanser and a moisturizer to manage oiliness without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
Regular exfoliation: Exfoliating can help reduce ingrown hairs and allow for a closer shave by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
Sunscreen application: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin, especially when spending time outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
How is male skin different from female skin?
Men's skin is generally thicker than women's, by about 10 to 20% in one study of facial skin. Men also typically sweat more, and facial hair means regular shaving.
How can men reduce razor burn and ingrown hairs?
Proper shaving techniques and skin preparation help minimize these problems. Regular exfoliation can also help reduce ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
What is a simple skincare routine for men?
Use a gentle facial cleanser and a moisturizer daily, exfoliate regularly, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin.
Authors
References
- Rahrovan S, Fanian F, Mehryan P, et al. Male versus female skin: what dermatologists and cosmeticians should know. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. 2018;4(3):122-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.03.002
- Shuster S, Black MM, McVitie E. The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. British Journal of Dermatology. 1975;93(6):639-643. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1975.tb05113.x
- Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M. Skin physiology in men and women: in vivo evaluation of 300 people including TEWL, SC hydration, sebum content and skin surface pH. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2013;35(5):477-483. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12068
- Collier CN, Harper JC, Cafardi JA, et al. The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58(1):56-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.06.045
- Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2019;12:241-247. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s149250
Contents of this article
- Male skin vs female skin
- Common skin concerns for men
- Skincare recommendations for men
- Frequently asked questions
Authors
