Understanding male hormones is the first step to explaining the differences in men’s skin. The androgens, and in particular testosterone attaches to receptors in the epidermis and dermis.
This testosterone action causes some noticeable differences in male skin physiology.
In the epidermis, testosterone increases the number of granular cells and in the dermis, testosterone increases the amount of collagen produced and stimulates blood flow. With sebaceous glands, testosterone stimulates the production of sebum and in the hair follicle, testosterone toughens the hair.
Men’s skin differs from women’s in essentially six ways
Men’s skin is oilier.
Even though men have smaller sebaceous (oil) glands, their skin has higher secretion levels of sebum. Oilier skin is prone to many issues that include acne and blemishes. Men’s products that factor in these common problems will offer more balance in the production of sebum.
Men have more facial hair.
Men’s facial hair is generally coarse and is toughened by testosterone. This can present skin concerns for men if they develop pseudofolliculitis (ingrown hairs). This is where the coarse hair curls back or grows sideways in the skin follicle and is mostly caused by shaving. Men’s skin care products that reduce cellular blockages and control infection will eliminate this problem.
Men’s skin is more sensitive.
Most men’s facial skin experiences some sensitivity such as being prone to redness and under eye puffiness. The irritating effects of shaving and other damaging conditions such as sun, wind, cuts, scratches, and chemicals result in more sensitivity. Quality male products that are designed to strengthen and soothe skin and offer daily protection will promote a healthier skin.
Men’s skin is more acidic.
A man’s skin is more acidic with a pH of 4.5 and an overall sweat composition that contains more lactic acid contributing to the skin’s acidity. Cleansing, the first step to any program, is most effective for men when using a cleanser that has a higher pH to achieve more alkalinity.
Men’s skin is thicker.
Male skin has a more active fibroblast, which increases collagen, resulting in a thicker epidermis. While thicker skin may give men an advantage, the downside is that the skin contains more and deeper facials lines as they prematurely age as well as more age spots (hyperpigmentation). With regular use of early sun protection and preventative repair and healing topicals, men are able to maintain skin strength, tone, vitality and a marked reduction in wrinkles.
Men have a higher rate of skin cancer.
Caucasian men usually have a higher rate of all forms of skin cancer, so the professional must recognize the signs of basil cell carcinoma and refer those cases to a physician. The most common skin cancer for men is melanoma - generally found on the upper back, neck, face and ears. For maximum sun protection, men must use a good sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that contains a naturally high occurring sun protection factor.
Men’s skin is different from women’s and does require special attention. Today’s top skin care companies have recognized these needs and are developing products specifically for a man’s skin. So teach your male clients (and women) the differences and let them know men have their own products for a good reason.