We all want healthy and younger-looking skin. While women have been enjoying quality beauty products for decades, the market for men has only taken off in recent years. Because makeup and products to enhance the skin have been primarily made for women, they have a plethora of options to choose from. However, the men’s makeup market has ballooned into a billion pound (dollar) industry. When it comes to fashion and beauty, gender discrimination is a thing of the past.
Are facial products the same for male and female customers?
Men and women have very different skin types and skin issues and there are many things that cause skin problems: from various hormones to environmental issues.
Differences in male and female skin
- Men produce more collagen than women. Collagen is a protein that promotes elasticity. It slows the signs of aging and helps skin, nails, and hair looking their best.
- Men produce more facial hair than women. The facial hair helps the skin to feel tighter. Shaving the face makes the skin thicker. The act of shaving serves as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells.
- Men battle ingrown facial hair more than women.
- Women wear lotions with sunscreen before going out for the day. Men rarely do this which means their skin is exposed to sun damage.
Makeup and skin care products
Because of the differences in the skin of men and women, we need products that work with our bodies. Men’s makeup is specifically made for men. Men will use makeup to accent his features and camouflage problem areas. With proper application, a man can make his jawline look stronger, or his lips fuller. He wants to keep his young and sexy look for as long as possible.
Women’s makeup tends to soften the skin. Providing a healthy glow on the complexion diminishes the signs of aging. Women get fine lines, and sagging skin earlier than women.
Since women’s makeup has been an acceptable product line for decades, there are more products that are geared toward women. Men have access to some great products made for their skin, but there are fewer quality brands to choose from.
Note: there are few products and practices that will help both sexes. If you are looking at a brand that tells you it is perfect for both male and female in all areas, be cautious.
Tips that make the skin of both sexes stay healthy.
The following tips are common sense tips that will help your skin healthy. These are not miracle products that claim to be the holy grail of skin care. As you will see, these tips are healthy choices that are the foundation that works before you ever apply a product.
- Never sleep in makeup
It doesn’t matter how late it is or how tired you are. Curling up in bed with makeup on is not good. Makeup, dirt, and dead skin cells go deep into your pores. The deeper it is embedded, the more likely you are to have an acne flare-up. Also ,while you sleep you are rubbing all that stuff on your pillow. This means, you will be reapplying it in your sleep for several days .
- Drink more water
Skin cells are made up of water. Without adequate water, skin will be dry, flakey, and pale. It is recommended that adults drink a minimum of eight, 8-ounce (226.80 g) of water per day.
- Work out more
Exercise is good for all parts of the body. Your body produces more serotonin (feel-good hormone) and less cortisol (stress hormone). This means that working out lifts your mood while it’s toning your body. In addition, the act of sweating clears out the pores. This leads to fewer breakouts.
- Step away from the junk food
Dermatologists agree, eating carbohydrates, sugar, and fat has a direct effect on your skin. The reason why is complicated, but basically, carbs and sugar break down collagen. That speeds up the signs of aging. Your skin will look dull, and the abundance of oil in your body will cause some nasty pimples, that are hard to get rid unless you stop eating junk food.
Conclusion
It’s an exciting time in the world of cosmetics. Never before have so many quality products been available. More cosmetics companies are opening up the beauty industry to men and the fashion industry is leaning toward gender-neutral styles. Companies are rushing to include men-specific products in their product line. So, it’s easier than ever to take good care of your skin, regardless of your gender. Just don’t forget to follow these basic tips, and you’ll be laying a foundation for flawless skin.
Guest post by Lauren Webber. Lauren is a former HR manager and lover of psychology who now runs daintymom.com among her other pursuits. Her interests range from the corporate world to health and self-care to home improvement and parenting. Now if only someone came up with a way to extend the day by about 20 more hours, she could dedicate herself to all of these equally and constantly.
