Buzz
Men tend to have oilier skin than women, but their choice of moisturizer should be determined by their skin type rather than their gender. View more personal care images.
Comstock Images/Getty ImagesA trip down the personal care aisle at the pharmacy might suggest that men and women need distinct skin-care products. But is this true? The market for grooming products tailored specifically for men, ranging from moisturizers to razors, was worth nearly $20 billion globally in 2009 and is expected to increase to $28 billion in five years. If you factor in that not all men exclusively use male-focused beauty products, with many opting for unisex or female-targeted products, the overall market is projected to reach nearly $85 billion by 2014 [source: Packaged Facts]. So, is there a real demand for gender-specific skin-care products, especially something as essential as moisturizer? To answer that, we first need to understand the basics of our skin.
Our skin consists of three layers. The deepest, the subcutis (or subcutaneous fat), helps protect against temperature fluctuations and injuries. The dermis, the middle layer, houses nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles. The outermost layer is the epidermis, which determines our skin tone and forms a protective, waterproof barrier. At the very top of the epidermis lies the stratum corneum, which is where moisturizers come into play to help manage and prevent dry skin.
Although the basic structure of skin is the same for everyone, there are some potential gender-based differences in skin physiology. From pH levels to hormonal influences, let’s explore if these differences justify keeping separate moisturizers for men and women.
Gender Studies
Our skin’s outermost layer, known as the acid mantle, consists of secretions from our sweat (eccrine) and oil-producing (sebaceous) glands. Studies reveal that the functionality of this barrier differs between men and women. What does this mean? Men’s skin tends to be more acidic than women’s, based on the pH scale, which measures acidity from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). Water, for example, has a neutral pH of 7. Skin pH typically ranges from 4 to 7, with an average skin pH of around 4.7 [source: Lambers]. Women’s skin averages around 5.6 (± 0.4), while men’s is closer to 4.3 (± 0.4) [source: Kunin]. Healthy skin relies on a balanced acid mantle to regulate moisture and protect against harmful microorganisms. The ideal skin pH is just below 5, which makes using pH-balanced moisturizers essential to maintaining hydration and a healthy skin barrier.
Not only is women’s skin slightly more acidic than men’s, but it also tends to age faster. A study published in Optics Letters shows that women’s skin ages more rapidly than men’s, both on the surface and within the dermis, the middle skin layer. As we age, both collagen and elastin levels in the dermis decrease, but women experience these changes earlier. Skin thins, becomes drier, and loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Aging skin also becomes more vulnerable to environmental factors, like humidity and bacterial infections, and can benefit from moisturizers containing anti-aging and anti-wrinkle ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin A derivatives.
Hormonally Challenged
Hormones also play a significant role when discussing skin differences. Men and women have varying levels of hormones in their bodies, with androgens and estrogens influencing many bodily functions, from reproduction to hair growth patterns, and even skin physiology. Research has shown that the higher androgen levels in men’s bodies contribute to oilier skin compared to women’s.
Oily skin should still be moisturized just like dry skin, but the key difference lies in the ingredients suited for oily versus dry skin. People with oily skin should seek oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizers, which won't clog pores. Acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can also be beneficial.
As men age and their testosterone levels decrease, their skin often becomes drier. Those with dry skin should look for moisturizing products containing hydrating and emollient ingredients, which help retain moisture under the skin’s natural barrier. Effective ingredients include petrolatum, lanolin, glycerin, shea butter, and fatty oils such as olive and avocado.
One of the most obvious differences is how moisturizers for men and women smell. If you're picking a moisturizer based on whether it smells like lavender, you might want to rethink. Dermatologists often suggest avoiding fragrances altogether, as they can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Dermatologists recommend combining your daily moisturizer with sunscreen, regardless of gender. Men, take note: The American Academy of Dermatology reports that the highest rates of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, are not found among sun-worshipping women, but rather among men over the age of 50 (though this doesn’t mean that those bronzed women are off the hook) [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. A sunscreen-infused daily moisturizer (with at least SPF 15) helps prevent wrinkles, age spots, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Regardless of gender, daily moisturizing with a pH-balanced, fragrance-free lotion that suits your skin type and age is essential to keep your skin both healthy and radiant.
Curious about skin care? Head to the next page for a wealth of additional tips and insights.
Whether moisturizing male or female skin, timing is key. For optimal results, apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, like right after a shower.
