Men’s skincare is a thing, but a good men’s skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. Here’s why.

Some people have great skin effortlessly. Despite subpar eating habits, they don’t break out. Despite not catering to their complexion, they have minimal signs of aging. That must be nice, but having healthy, youthful-looking skin requires a bit more effort for most people.

For most of us, we have to rigorously wash, moisturize, and apply sunscreen to maintain healthy skin. That might mean having two routines—a morning routine and an evening routine—and a dozen different skincare products.

Have you ever wondered why the majority of people with strict skincare routines are women? Surely it’s not just marketing. It’s actually biology.

Men’s skin is biologically different than women’s skin. Therefore, a proper men’s skincare routine looks different than women’s skincare.

Men’s Skin Care vs. Women’s Skin Care

First, let’s discuss why men’s skin is different from women’s skin. It comes down to three main factors:

1. Men’s skin is thicker. Researchers say that men’s skin is up to 25% thicker than women’s skin. Since the Stratum Corneum (a.k.a. the skin barrier) is thicker, men’s skin appears firmer and tighter than women’s skin.

2. Men’s skin has a higher collagen density. We all know the importance of collagen, which is why men are lucky to have so much of it. The higher collagen density in men’s skin set them up for delayed intrinsic aging.

3. Men’s skin is oilier. Some people say that oilier skin ages better than dry skin. While this is debatable, the fact that men’s skin is oilier than women’s skin is not. Men have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands than women. This makes them more prone to breakouts yet less prone to dehydrated skin.

Knowing the biological differences between men’s and women’s skin makes it clear why their skincare routines should target different skin issues.

Men have the advantage of a thicker skin barrier and more collagen, but they struggle with overly oily skin. Men’s skin care can balance their moisture levels and prepare for a clean shave, while women’s skincare targets hydration, anti-aging, and protection.

Why Men’s Skincare is Important

If men biologically have thicker skin, is a proper men’s skincare routine even necessary? The answer is yes.

It’s especially important for men to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and use SPF protection.

Cleansing and exfoliating are important steps in a typical men's skincare routine because it regulates oil. This can prevent clogged pores and acne. Exfoliation is especially important because shaving a regular part of men’s grooming, and exfoliating removes dead skin cells to make for a cleaner shave.

Despite having a thicker skin, moisturization is an essential step in a proper skincare routine for men. After shaving, men’s skin can feel dry and rough. Although they have more oil than women, they still need to replenish hydration levels with a water-based moisturizer.

Finally, one of the most important steps in a men’s skincare routine is to apply sunscreen. Many people, women included, skip this vital step. Incorporating a daily face SPF product can protect skin from external factors like UV radiation, free radicals, and other environmental stressors that cause premature aging.

While women are more adamant about caring for their skin, the importance of skincare routines for men can’t be ignored. Men’s skincare products are becoming increasingly popular as men become aware of the importance of caring for their skin. While they do have a slight advantage, men still have to put in a bit of effort to maintain healthy skin.