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Each skin type, irrespective of gender or age, has its own set of unique characteristics and needs but there are numerous myths when it comes to men’s skincare. Find out more with the help of the dermatologist Luís Uva. 

"A man’s skin is about 20% thicker than a woman’s, which is due to the fact that men produce more collagen than women".

SKINCARE ROUTINE

Do men tend to have oilier skin?

Men’s skin is not necessarily oilier, but it has more sebaceous glands than women’s skin, which accounts for a better lubrication and less water loss. This happens not only because of the higher levels of testosterone produced by men but also because production of sebum is also greater causing the skin to appear oily and shinier. That is why men are less prone to dry skin but, on the other hand, because of the fact that their skin is oilier, they are more likely to have acne.

What is the ideal skincare routine for men?

Because their skin is thicker and has larger pores, men should use proper products such as a good moisturizer for oilier skins, regular exfoliations and masks so as to keep skin healthy and smooth.

What steps and products should be used?

In addition to the previous tips, the facial shaving routine must be done with great care so as not to cause damage to the skin, and the products with antibacterial ingredients are highly recommended to help reduce sebum secretion.

SHAVING

How should the pre-shave prep be made?

Besides a complete daily routine, shaving should always be made in the direction of the grain of the hair, never against the hair growth and, as a rule, it is recommended to exfoliate every week. In addition, a good moisturizer should be used to help keep the skin hydrated and smooth and avoid cuts and scrapes.

While shaving, a gel or foam should be used according to taste and skin needs to enable the razor to glide across the skin without irritating or harming it.

As a suggestion only, many men cannot have their beard as they would like because they use the same products for hair and beard. The truth is that head hair and beard hair are different and, when it comes to wild and unruly beards, they need specific products like a beard shampoo.

What ingredients and products should be used after shaving?

After shaving, and depending on each person’s preference and type of beard, it is important to apply a balm or an oil. The latter is usually used on longer beards because it moisturizes and conditions adding shine to the beard hair.

Beard oils are a great ally by preventing dryness of hair ends and beard balms not only moisturize the beard but also nurture and soften the skin.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIN

Is men’s skin more “resistant” to ageing?

Men’s skin appears to be more resistant to ageing because their body produces more collagen.  Greater production of collagen and the few alterations over their lifetime account for a more gradual ageing process. However, when the first ageing signs start appearing, the changes tend to evolve quickly.  Prevention and early treatment are essential both for women and for men.

Does men’s skin need less care?

The answer is no. The signs of ageing on a male skin appear later than in women and so men just have to keep their skin healthy and the sebum and oiliness levels controlled.  In the case of women, the concern with early ageing is recurrent.

Are there differences between male and female beauty products?

Apart from the different chemical composition, male and female products differ in their purpose: men’s skin are usually more prone to acne and oiliness and women’s skin have multiple functions like fighting the ageing process, recovery of components such as estrogen, collagen, dry skin, oily skin among others.

In addition, smell and other components are frequently associated to female beauty products.