How Male Skin Differs from Female Skin

Interest in men’s skincare is growing — healthy, firm, and even skin is important for everyone, regardless of gender. But what really sets male skin apart?

Thickness & Structure

Male skin is generally 20% thicker, denser, more elastic, and oilier than female skin. The stratum corneum is thicker due to androgens and frequent shaving, which slows natural exfoliation and triggers hyperkeratosis.

Sebaceous Glands

Men have larger and more numerous sebaceous glands, producing more sebum. This contributes to oilier skin and a higher tendency for comedones and acne. The thick stratum corneum and rich lipid layer reduce water loss, making male skin appear fuller and firmer.

Sweat Glands

Androgens also stimulate sweat glands, which are larger and more numerous in men. This explains why men sweat more and have higher demand for antiperspirants. However, antiperspirants should not be used during intense exercise, as pore blockage can cause fluid retention under the armpit.

Takeaway: Male skin differs in structure, function, and aging processes. Skincare should be adapted to these physiological differences for optimal results.

How does male and female skin differ?

Men's skin has many attributes that allow it to age differently than women's skin.

~ First, men's skin is 25% thicker due to higher collagen content.

~ Second, the oil glands in men are more active, allowing for greater innate moisturization over the adult years. The aging process is more gradual from a young age in men, whereas women's skin maintains thickness and moisture content consistently until menopause when decreasing estrogen levels cause dramatic changes.

So what does this all mean when it comes to the products we buy?

Women's products focus more on moisturization than men's, in an attempt to compensate for their lower sebum production. Because women are more likely to experience adult acne from hormonal changes, many women's products often account for that by including exfoliants and calming, and acne-fighting ingredients in the formulations.

For men recommends using products that contain retinol earlier than women. This is because of the gradual decline in collagen levels starting at a young age in men.