In honor of Father’s Day and the everyday male heroes in our lives, we’re delving into men’s skin, and how to maintain a healthy glow on those handsome faces. Today, men’s grooming routines involve so much more than just a razor and some aftershave!
While women still account for the lion’s share when it comes to time and money spent on skincare products (ahem, half trillion dollar beauty industry!), men are increasingly aware of the importance and benefits of taking care of their skin too. Sales of men’s personal care products are expected to hit $166 billion by 2022, up from $53.6 billion globally in 2019, according to Allied Market Research.
Skin care is also becoming less gender focused and more ingredient focused. Popular ingredients in skincare products for both men and women include Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Retinols. But while beauty is only skin deep, there are actually some fundamental, physical differences between men’s and women’s skin. Here is a list of our top 3 attributes that make men’s skin so unique, and some of our recommended skincare products.
- Thicker in Structure
Men’s skin is approximately 25% thicker due to higher collagen content, which explains why women show more signs of pre-aging than men. Due to men’s thicker stratum corneum, their skin is tougher and generally not as smooth.
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin C Serum can help brighten, clarify and and smooth the skin, while also protecting against free radical damage from environmental stressors such as the sun or pollution. Vitamin C also assists in maintaining a healthy, even skin tone, particularly for men concerned with hyperpigmentation or the infamous ‘5 o’clock shadow’.
- More Oily + Active
Men have more active oil glands, and sebum production does not decrease with age the way it does for women. Since men tend to have oilier skin and larger pores, a water-based serum could work better for daily use, versus an oil-based cream or lotion. Especially after shaving, using a calming serum, like the Vitamin B5 Serum can encourage healing and reduce redness, along with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and help regulate oil production. Another acne-fighting moisturizer is a ‘dry oil’ called Squalane Oil. The 100% pure vegan oil is lightweight and anti-bacterial making it ideal for acne-prone skin while also sealing in moisture.
- More Gradual Decrease in Collagen
Menopause drastically changes women’s skin compared to men. The sharp drop in collagen affects female skin’s thickness and moisture content. In contrast, as men age, their collagen declines gradually, and they don’t need as much moisture replenishment.
Esthetician and Timeless Product Education Specialist recommends CoEnzyme Q10 Serum as a great treatment for men’s fine lines and wrinkles. The medium weight consistency is ideal for men’s porous skin and is easily absorbed.
She further notes, “African American men may have more problems with ingrown hairs relating to the natural curl pattern of the hair. Exfoliating with either a mild physical exfoliant, such as a facial scrub or using a serum to promote healthy cell turnover, such as the Timeless Coenzyme Q10, is a natural anti-oxidant that can help promote healthier skin for better shaving results.
To sum up, a simple, yet effective skin care routine for men can include the following:
- Cleanser
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Physical sunblock (sometimes combined into moisturizer)
Here’s to helping men achieve their best skin yet, Happy Father’s Day everyone!
