There's that moment in the bathroom most of us know: a woman, a man, a sink, a jar of cream. After a quick glance, there's usually a shrug: the man thoughtlessly dips his finger into the whitish mass. "It'll be fine." And here begins a misunderstanding that occurs every day all over the world: the assumption that skincare is gender-neutral. Skin is skin, after all – or so many (most?) men argue. Far from it. Biologically speaking, skin differs as significantly as gender. And that's precisely why skincare doesn't work the same way for both!
Robust, but not invulnerable
First, the facts: Men's skin is, on average, 15 to 20 percent thicker than women's skin. Why is that? The collagen content is higher, and the structure of the dermis is denser. This makes men's skin more resilient (mechanically speaking), and wrinkles often appear later. At the same time, the sebaceous glands function more efficiently: The skin stays supple for longer and is better protected from external influences. But this advantage is limited. As we age, testosterone levels drop, and collagen production decreases. To make matters worse, the sebaceous glands also become less active. Therefore, anyone who has relied on water, soap, and a towel until then will soon notice the difference. The skin loses its elasticity, becoming duller and drier.
Hormones are in control
Gender neutrality is therefore simply inconceivable. But let's turn to the crucial difference between male and female skin: the hormonal balance. As just mentioned, testosterone promotes sebum production and leads to a thicker skin structure. In women, on the other hand, it is estrogen that influences moisture retention and skin elasticity. This also explains why women tend to show fine lines on their faces earlier, while men are more likely to struggle with blemishes or, later in life, acne.
These differences consequently have a direct impact on how the skincare used works. For example, a rich cream formulated for women's needs can quickly over-moisturize men's skin. This can result in clogged pores, shine, or inflammation. Neutral, rich products with a clear formulation, such as... Day and Night Rich Cream, They can then be used well by both genders.
Sebum is not a substitute for moisture.
Just a quick note on a common misconception: A lot of sebum automatically means a lot of moisture. Yes, sebum does protect against moisture loss. But it doesn't replace moisture. The unfortunate paradox: Men's skin can already be dehydrated beneath the surface – yet still appear oily on the outside. A feeling of tightness after showering and small, flaky patches (despite the shine) are typical signs. Skincare for men, therefore, works differently. More hyaluronic acid (which retains water) and more antioxidants (like vitamin C) support regeneration.
It all comes down to needs.
Reaching for your partner's cream might not sound wrong ("it helps her too"), but it needs to be considered more carefully. Products for women's skin are designed to address different needs: less sebum, thinner skin, and greater moisture loss. Men's skin often reacts to this with overreactions, i.e., irritations. The reverse is also true. What does this mean? Skincare works best when it's suited to the skin – and not to the person who bought it.
Maintenance is not time-consuming.
A common objection from men is: grooming is so time-consuming. Wrong. In reality, it only takes a few minutes. Cleansing – to remove dirt and excess sebum.Skincare – to provide moisture and stabilize the skin barrier. That's all it takes. Those who follow this advice will look their best for longer. Sure, a wind-swept face can be quite sexy – mostly in beautifully photographed Hollywood films. But in reality, different rules apply. And both men and women should abide by them.
