Like many of the differences that exist between men and women, the skin is no exception. In addition to having facial hair, which is not typical for women but does happen in some cases, men have thicker skin (about 25 percent thicker) due to androgen stimulation. They also experience tougher skin, a higher sebum production after puberty, and a higher collagen density than women.
These physical differences mean that the skin of the male clientele should be, at times, treated differently than that of the female clientele. Because of their higher sebum production, men can be more prone to acne. As a result, it is often recommended that they avoid heavy, cream-based products that might clog pores. Furthermore, their consistent shaving and higher risk for skin cancer means that ingredients that help to repair the skin and provide sun protection are that much more essential. Luckily for men, their physical differences cause their skin to be less sensitive and able to handle stronger ingredients.
There are also many differences in mindset that affect how the skin care professional should approach the treatment of men's skin. For example, men prefer simplicity and are not as likely as female clients to follow a skin care regimen that requires six or seven steps. When recommending homecare to men, it is best to keep their routine to a maximum of three or four steps, including a lightweight cleanser and a moisturizer with SPF.
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