Debunking common skincare myths and misconceptions (Part 2)

Should men and women use different skincare products?

While there are differences between male and female skin, does this warrant gender-specific skincare products?

Yes we get it: Men are from Mars and women are from Venus. But do men and women really need different skincare products? While dermatologists provide conflicting answers to this question, the general consensus is that men and women don’t need separate skincare products.

When you have an ear infection and need to go to the doctor, does your physician prescribe male and female specific antibiotics? A reputable doctor will prescribe the right antibiotic to treat the infection—and this has nothing to do with your gender. The same logic applies to skincare.

On the other hand, there are some differences between men and women’s skin, and these differences are often used to justify the dichotomy between men and women’s skincare products.

Men really do have thicker skin

Men’s skin is roughly 25% thicker than women’s and contains more collagen, the bodily protein responsible for giving our skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells. Men also have larger and more abundant hair follicles, and their skin produces more sebum, all of which is mostly due to increased testosterone production.

These structural differences makes guys’ skin less sensitive and better able to handle strong ingredients. However, these same characteristics also makes their skin more acne prone, which is why men are generally advised to avoid heavy cream-based moisturizers.

Aside from being thinner and more sensitive, women’s skin also ages more quickly. This happens not only on the surface layer of the skin (known as the epidermis), but also in the middle layer of the skin (known as the dermis).

Regardless of gender, the collagen and elastin present in the dermis shrinks as we age, though the process takes place earlier in women. In other words, both men and women need to use reparative skincare products as they advance in years, not only to keep the skin youthful and hydrated, but to boost collagen production as well.

Are gender-specific skincare products necessary?

While there are some minor differences between men and women’s skin, the differences aren’t significant enough to warrant separate skincare lines. Yes men have a thicker dermis, but skincare products can only penetrate the outermost layer of the skin, which means the dermis remains unaffected.

The truth of the matter is that skincare companies produce and market different products to men and women because of the different ways the genders approach skincare. Men generally aren’t willing to spend too much money on their skincare products (which is why men’s products tend to be cheaper than women’s). Men also don’t like laborious skincare routines and tend to prefer “one-stop-shop” cleansers and moisturizers that perform a variety of functions.

Women, on the other hand, prefer longer and more ritualized skincare regimens and don’t mind investing more money in toners, cleansers, exfoliants, and the like. Other factors involved include packaging and the scents that appeal to men and women. Despite these superficial differences, the same basic ingredients that can be found in men’s skincare can also be found in women’s skincare.

Shift your focus to your skin type

To successfully target your skin’s needs, whether it’s clearing acne-ridden skin or minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, you need to shift your focus from gender-specific skincare to understanding your skin type.

If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free and noncomedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. If you’re struggling with acne, look for skincare products that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are well-known acne fighting ingredients. If dry skin is your issue, look for products with hydrating and emollient ingredients to help seal in water below the skin’s moisture barrier.

The genders can swap skincare products

Men and women can use each other’s skincare products, as the formulations are likely to be the same. Sharing skincare products is also a great way to save money. A great strategy is to invest in unisex skincare products, which focus solely on addressing the needs of the various skin types without catering to the perceived differences between men and women.

Wildleaf carries a wide range of unisex and organic skincare products—including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and body lotions. These products focus on helping users achieve optimum skin health, and don’t contain harmful chemicals like parabens, formaldehyde, or sodium lauryl sulfate.

Interested in achieving radiant and blemish-free skin that looks more youthful? The Hydration Care Set can help you achieve these goals and more. Consisting of the Aloe Herb Face Wash, Alcohol-Free Toning Mist, Vitamin C Serum, and Herbal Facial Oil, this set helps balance the skin’s pH and promotes healthy cell renewal by reversing damaging environmental effects. 

Interested in discovering more unisex skincare products free of harmful chemicals? Discover more products by visiting our online store. To find out what our customers think of our products, click on #wildleafstory.