Just several years ago, when it came to skincare products, men didn't have much to choose from. For the average guy, it was a soap and water kind of world. Maybe you'd occasionally borrow your girlfriend or wife's face wash, but that's as far as those shenanigans went. Nowadays, however, the market is littered with men's skincare products. So why should you dig in?
- Testosterone
Because of men’s high testosterone levels, guys often have larger pores, increased oil production and more acne. Consequently, men’s skincare products are specifically designed to deep clean your face and provide less moisture than women’s products, along with minimal smells and fragrances.
So, reaching for your partner’s products can actually do more harm than good: ”A women’s product, which contains a lot of oil to treat women’s drier and thinner skin, can irritate men’s skin and clog their pores,” writes Peter Rubin for the New York Times.
For a basic, but effective face wash, try Johnson and Murphy Face Start.
Instead of choosing tons of products separately, go for an all-in-one package with Peter Thomas Roth Age Defense Kit, including cleansing gel, sunscreen, wrinkle cream, cellular cream and eye cream.
Thicker skin
According to a popular belief, men have thicker skin than women. While this expression usually refers to emotions, it’s actually a physical fact. Generally, your skin is 20 to 30 percent thicker than a woman’s, because of more collagen and elastin.
What does this mean for aging? Men’s skin is naturally more hydrated, so it ages at a slower pace than women’s skin. But guys, you’re not off the hook just yet: You still need a moisturizer, like Anthony Logistics All-Purpose Facial Moisturizer, which not only hydrates your skin but also reduces signs of aging.
Shaving stuff
With facial hair to tame, you’ve got another unique set of problems. Daily shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, irritation, razor burn and red splotches, making your skin extra sensitive. To combat shaving sensitivity, check out aftershave and balm products which are designed specifically for men.
Although shaving can cause irritation, it’s actually an important part of a good skincare regimen: With every shave, in addition to getting rid of facial hair, you also slough off the dead, dry skin cells.
No girly packaging
As a man, you probably wouldn’t reach for a cleanser in a cute, tiny pink bottle. Fortunately, skincare companies understand your position on product packaging. As such, your skincare products are efficient with straightforward names and casing, precise directions and minimum frills. Bottles also tend to be bigger, designed comfortably for a man’s larger hands.
But don’t be fooled. While the packaging might look and feel different, the powerful ingredients included in women’s products are still there. Active ingredients like vitamins A, C and E, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, grape seed extract, retinol and Matrixyl all appear in men’s products.
More time outdoors
Guys like to spend a lot of time staying active outdoors. Whether you’re mowing the lawn, shooting hoops with your buddies or coaching the kids’ T-ball game, you’re probably working up a sweat in the hot sun.
Unfortunately, UV rays can cause skin damage, aging and skin cancer. And as a man, you might be at even greater risk for sun damage. Some research suggests that men are more sun sensitive than women, possibly because men’s skin contains fewer antioxidants, according to WebMD. Take heed, guys – wear your sunscreen.
Your best bet is a product like Jack Black SunGuard Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30+.
With a number of good reasons why you need separate products, it’s time to stop raiding your partner’s beauty stash and invest in your own skincare.