Male skin
While there is no distinct skin type that applies exclusively to men, it’s worth noting that there are some genetic differences between male and female skin. Being aware of these variations can assist men in taking better care of their skin and addressing any specific concerns.
What are typical
male skin characteristics?
On average, male skin is 20-25% thicker than women’s skin, making it more resilient. Moreover, male skin contains a greater amount of collagen, which imparts a tighter and firmer appearance. However, as men age, their collagen levels decrease gradually, leading to looser and more wrinkled skin.
Male skin also has larger pores, produces more oil, and is more susceptible to impurities and acne, due to more active sebaceous glands. Consequently, men have more pores that are larger than those of women.
How can you support male skin health?
While these tips are helpful for general skin care, for more targeted advice, we recommend checking out our other specific skin concern pages. If you require more personalised guidance, you can get in touch with us directly and our team of experts would be happy to assist you.
Manage sun exposure and wear sunscreen
Excessive sun exposure can lead to premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Regular exfoliation
Exfoliation helps remove dirt and dead skin cells, preventing build-up that can cause breakouts, redness, or inflammation. Opt for gentle exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid, gluconolactone, or enzymes that can effectively buff away dead skin cells and excess oils without stripping your skin. Avoid over-exfoliation, as it can trigger the skin to produce more oil.
Get sufficient sleep
Poor sleep can lead to dull and tired-looking skin, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to allow your skin to regenerate and repair.
Moisturise
Moisturising your skin helps maintain its natural moisture barrier, keeping it hydrated and healthy. Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type and apply it daily.
Stay active
Regular exercise can boost blood flow and oxygen supply to the skin, improving its texture and tone. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Minimise stress
High levels of stress can lead to acne breakouts and premature ageing. Manage your stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
Maintain a healthy diet
A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help keep your skin healthy. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals.
Avoid smoking
Smoking can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Quit smoking to protect your skin’s health and appearance.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Incorporate a grooming routine for your facial hair:
If you have facial hair, it’s important to keep it clean and well-groomed to avoid irritation and infections. Use a beard oil or balm to keep your facial hair soft and hydrated.
What ingredients are typically beneficial for male skin?
When it comes to male skin, there can be certain ingredients that are particularly beneficial. Here are some ingredients that are great for managing oily skin types:
Exfoliating acids
Opting for gentle acids that work to exfoliate the skin is great for oily skin types. These acids can slough away dead skin cells and control the production of excess oils to keep pores healthy and clear.
Retinol
This ingredient is commonly known for its age management benefits, but it was actually first introduced as an acne management ingredient. Retinol can help manage oily skin types by preventing pore blockages and reducing potential spot formation. It can also strengthen the skin barrier to prevent excess oil production, maintaining the harmonious balance of oil and hydration for oilier skin types.
Salicylic acid
This ingredient works similarly to AHAs as a chemical exfoliant, but is also oil soluble so it can penetrate into the pores and help to regulate sebum production for clear and renewed skin.
Glycolic acid
This is the strongest form of chemical exfoliant and can be effective for thicker, oilier skin types. However, it’s important not to overuse this AHA and strip the skin of essential oils.
Lightweight hydration
A common misconception amongst oily skin types is to skip on hydration, but this can actually damage your skin’s barrier and dehydrate your skin, increasing chances of breakouts and clogged pores. Hydration (in the form of water) is essential for skin health and can minimise breakouts by balancing oil production and minimising clogged pores. This can be found in humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, polyglutamic acid, lactic acid, and sodium PCA.
Skin-barrier strengthening
A damaged skin barrier increases skin irritation, reactivity, and sensitivity which can amp up oil production, but can also lead to dry, flakey skin. A healthy skin barrier can retain moisture levels, maintain balanced oil production and keep irritants out for optimum skin protection.
