Man skin ageing
Men’s skin doesn’t age like women’s skin. The reason is simply that male skin is different: It’s thicker and has a greater number of pores, which in turn produce more sebum, a natural lubricant. While that can often mean oilier-looking skin, the good news is that more sebum means signs of ageing often appear later in life for men. The downside? Those wrinkles are much deeper set once they do materialise.
That’s why it’s especially important to use skin care specifically designed for men’s skin and its particular needs. In addition to looking for products with anti-wrinkle properties, the key to combating the signs of ageing is taking proper care of your skin on a daily basis.
Differences between male and female skin
There are no major histological differences between male and female skin, although men have more active sebaceous glands (androgens stimulates sebum production) often resulting in an oilier skin type. This accounts for slower ageing.
Another primary consideration is the fact that men shave their facial hair thus resulting in sensitivity.
Shaving rituals aggravates the skin, destroying the protective film on the skin’s surface, thereby increasing dryness and reducing the skin’s natural protection.
Men spend about 40% more time outdoors, which metabolically creates a greater environmentally damaged and neglected skin.
Type of Man skin damage:
- Mild environmental damage
- Enlarged pores, oiliness, sensitivity, redness, fine lines and dehydration.
- Advanced environmental damage
- Enlarged pores, oiliness, sensitivity, redness, persistent wrinkles, dryness and discolouration.
Causes and subsequent changes in the man skin
- UV radiation exposure
- Climatic conditions & air pollution
- Smoking & alcohol
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Chemical influences: incorrect product and treatment applications
- Incorrect shaving methods
- Biological skin ageing
- Hormonal changes
- Diseases e.g. psoriasis, diabetes