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What makes men’s skin so different from women’s that it needs a special cream? We will answer this question, and at the same time we will tell you about the best cosmetics for men, according to the editors of Healthy-Food.
Why men’s skin needs special cosmetics
Men’s face creams, contrary to popular belief, are not an invention of marketers, but a scientifically based category of products. Because men’s skin really needs special care.
“It differs from the female, first of all, in its physiology, because from adolescence it is influenced by male sex hormones – testosterone and its derivatives,” says Marina Kamanina, an expert dermatologist at L’Oréal Paris.
As a result, men’s skin becomes more porous, oily, prone to clogged pores and the formation of comedones. The skin of men is denser due to the greater number of collagen fibers.
Check out everything you know about men’s skin.
Irina Vavaeva, Lancôme skin care expert, lists the main differences between men’s skin and women’s skin:
Men’s skin is on average 24% thicker than women’s, the density of collagen fibers in the dermis in men is higher, and elasticity is much greater. These differences persist throughout life.
Biologically, men’s skin ages more slowly than women’s, but active smoking and prolonged exposure to the sun without SPF products lead to the early appearance of signs of photoaging in the form of folds and wrinkles.
The production of sebum in men’s skin is much more intense, which often leads to acne. Sebum is actively produced in the T-zone.
On the other hand, the condition of the skin of the cheeks, chin and neck is affected by the shaving process, during which the hydrolipidic film is constantly damaged. The process of natural renewal of the epidermis is disrupted, the skin loses its protection and becomes dehydrated.
Regular shaving increases the sensitivity of the skin.
The pH level in men is on average 5,4, and this fact is taken into account when creating men’s cleansers.
Due to the structure of the skin, men prefer non-greasy and light textures that do not contain oils at all or contain them in a small amount.
How to choose a men’s face cream
Here is an algorithm for choosing a male face cream offered by Irina Vavaeva.
Determine your skin type: dry, oily, normal or combination.
Consider the frequency of shaving: the more often you do it, the softer the composition of the cream should be and the lighter its texture.
Assess the condition of the skin. Is there peeling, a feeling of tightness, discomfort? You need a nourishing cream. If nothing bothers and shaving does not cause problems – moisturizing. If the skin is sensitive, prone to irritation, choose hypoallergenic products with a calming effect.
Focus on age: starting from 30 years old, you will need a cream from the first wrinkles, after 40 years old – a rejuvenating or smoothing agent with a lifting effect.
Types of creams for men
The table below shows the classification of the main types of creams for men’s skin. In general, they are no different from women’s, but this does not mean that girls can borrow cosmetics from boyfriends. Remember: for men formulas are more intense.
| Type of cream | Skin type | functions | Main Components |
| moisturizing | any skin type | Moisturizes, retains moisture inside the skin. | glycerin, aloe extract |
| nutritious | dry thin skin prone to flaking | Restores the barrier functions of the skin, softens, eliminates peeling. | shea butter, squalane |
| anti-aging | skin with visible signs of aging | Reduces wrinkles, evens out the relief of the face, tightens the skin, improves elasticity. | peptides, antioxidants, vitamins E and C, retinol |
| after shaving | skin prone to irritation and redness after shaving | Soothes the skin, eliminates irritation. | allantoin, panthenol, chamomile extract |
Men’s skin, although thicker and rougher than women’s, is often sensitive due to frequent shaving.
The composition of the men’s cream
The composition of men’s face creams is determined by the needs of the skin.
“Men most often need moisturizers, but without the sticky effect,” says Marina Kamanina. “They are fundamentally different from women’s ones in that they are lighter, with fresh minty, woody perfume notes that are typical for men’s fragrances.”
Men with sensitive skin, prone to irritation, need products without alcohol, perfumes and dyes in the composition. These components can become additional irritants. It’s good if the product contains soothing ingredients – for example, chamomile and aloe extracts.
“Since shaving is a stressful process for the skin (and some men shave twice a day), the composition of the cream must include components with an anti-stress and regenerating effect that relieve irritation and heal possible cuts. These are panthenol, allantoin, shea butter,” recommends Irina Vavaeva.
Rules for applying men’s face cream
“The algorithm for using cosmetics for men differs little from that for women, but there are some nuances,” explains Marina Kamanina. “The basis of men’s skin care are moisturizing and toning products with caffeine, vitamin C. Such care improves blood microcirculation and fights dark circles under the eyes.”
It is recommended to apply a male cream from the center of the face to the periphery with massage movements.
Shaving cream Apply to areas affected by shaving.
Daily cream – all over the face. It is better to do this immediately after washing. Distribute a small amount of the product with light smoothing or patting movements from the center of the face to the periphery.
Eye cream apply to the area around the eyes along the bony edge of the orbit, avoiding the moving eyelid: from the skin fold of the upper eyelid to the temple and under the eyes towards the bridge of the nose. If the skin around the eyes is prone to swelling, use the cream only in the morning, after washing. You can start using such products after 30-35 years, when the skin becomes thinner and more prone to wrinkles.
Top 7 best products for men’s skin
In our selection, we have included the best, according to Healthy-Food, products for the care of men’s skin.
Moisturizers
Hydra Energetic Moisturizing Facial, L’Oréal Paris Men Expert
Face cream “Moisturizing care 24h, Hydra energy”, L’Oréal Paris Men Expert
The formula is enriched with nourishing shea butter, it perfectly protects the epidermis from dryness, has a non-greasy and non-sticky texture.
Matting
Cleansing Charcoal + Black Tea Leaf Black Sheet Mask, Garnier
Cleanses and moisturizes, regulates the production of sebum. In addition to coal and black tea, it contains hyaluronic and lipohydroxy acids.
Anti-aging
Anti-aging care “Vitallifting 5. Daily moisturizing”, L’Oréal Paris Men Expert
After shaving
Hydra Sensitive After Shave Cream, L’Oréal Paris Men Expert
After Shave Gel “Hydraenergetics. Icy effect, L’Oréal Paris Men Expert
Softening balm after shave, eliminating irritation, Sensi Baume, Vichy
Soothes and protects the skin, enriched with Vichy thermal water, eperua bark extract and calcium.