AD | If you walk into any skincare and cosmetic store today, you’ll see aisle upon aisle of women’s and men’s skincare products from a range of brands. All of which claim to provide the best ever results for our skin types. However, what many of us don’t always think too hard about is what’s in those little bottles lined up on the shelves. There are so many different skincare products, some aimed at both men and women, that occasionally it can become a little overwhelming.
What are the Differences between Women’s and Men’s Skincare Ingredients?
Do both women’s and men’s skincare include the same ingredients? Is there really that much of a difference between the products different genders use? The real answer? It depends!
The Quality
Many people are split when it comes to which skincare to buy. Some tend to focus on how affordable a particular item is, whereas others only put their trust in products that are well known, and scientifically proven to make a difference to your skin, regardless of price tag. And of course still others are swayed by recommendations from celebrities, influencers, and friends 😉
Do you love a bargain and prefer to go for cheaper products to keep your bank balance happy? Then you might be surprised to hear that there’s actually very little to choose between women’s and men’s skincare ingredients. The only real difference is the fragrance. Products such as men’s moisturisers or aftershaves * for example, have a completely different scent to the more florally-fragranced moisturisers and lotions for women.
If you opt for quality whenever you buy skincare however, then you’ll have far more choice. And possibly even more personalised ingredients in your chosen skincare products.
Our Skin
Men’s skincare has different issues to address, not least of which is facial hair (or removal of said hair, of course). Other factors include:
- a man’s skin is naturally much thicker than a woman’s
- men’s skin tends to age better than women’s (sorry, ladies)
- men have larger hair follicles.
- a woman’s skin tends to be less oily than a man’s skin.
So it’s clear that we need products tailored to our skin, not just a one-size-fits-all unisex moisturiser filled with unnatural ingredients. The incorrect skincare product is very likely to cause irritation or breakouts – something to think about the next time you shop!
What does Men’s Skincare need to Address that’s Different to Women’s?
There are many things a man needs from a skincare product which women don’t, and also things women need that men don’t need. Here are a few ways brands cater for each individual skin type for both men and women:
- Shaving – before men shave their faces, they need to use a shaving cream or oil to soften the hair and help the blade run smoothly across the face, and to keep skin hydrated and irritation free. This type of skincare product is essential for men, yet is something women don’t require. (Although I have been known to pinch some of Alan’s shaving balm for my legs once or twice). Usually, when women shave, a lighter cream is needed, if any, but post-shave moisturising can prevent any discomfort. Top tip: use conditioner on your skin to help your razor glide more easily.
- Protection – women tend to cover up better than men in the colder months, so men’s skin is usually out in the open more. Because of the harsh effects of winter weather, men’s skincare needs to be able to penetrate through the thicker skin for the effects to be noticed or felt.
- Acne – as men’s skin tends to produce more oil than women’s, so products for men are usually much stronger. Moisturisers and other lotions for women are lighter and therefore much better for sensitive skin.
The Verdict?
Depending on whether you go for budget or premium skincare, there can be a significant difference between women’s and men’s skincare. So it all comes down to money in the end! Do you usually purchase based on budget, or are you happy to spend more money to get a product tailored to your specific skin type? Have you got a favourite brand or are you swayed by recommendations? What are your top skincare tips, for men and for women?
* This is a sponsored post.
Okay, so I am definitely one of those people that can be swayed by recommendations. Which sometimes is great and sometimes is terrible haha! I use proactive at the moment which is so expensive, but it is working well. Not that I have particularly bad skin, but it does help with breakouts. I think it is important to invest in things like skincare but also be aware of the ingredients, as some have the same ingredients and you end up paying more for the same product! I like the brand simple too. But heard good things about liz Earle and would like to try those products! Thank you for sharing this information Lisa, I found it so interesting. I never really thought about the difference and apart from the obvious hair situation I didn’t know the differences between female and male skin. Thank you for sharing xx
I’ve said it before many times (although not in this post!) that my skin is something I’m happy to invest in because I wear it every day. But you’re right about keeping an eye on the ingredients, sometimes they do whack the price up. And I’m swayed by recommendations and like to try new products too – sometimes they work, sometimes not so well. Actually Alan’s skincare regime is pretty much all Origins, after seeing me use so many of their products over the years! xx
I heard good things about origins! Do you recommend them then? Xx
Yes, definitely. I love trying new things, but I always return to Origins, they’re my go-to and always work for me xx
This was a really interesting read if I’m honest, I don’t actually know that much about men’s beauty. But I totally agree with your above comments that it worth investing in if you wear it everyday! That’s how I feel about good skincare x
Thank you – I know a bit because I had to learn about men’s skincare when I trained as a Beauty Specialist years ago – but investing in your skin is something I’ve always believed in, we’re worth it! x
Wow, I didn’t know there was so much difference between women’s and men’s skincare.
When it comes to my own skincare, I don’t have a favourite brand but I prefer to use products that are cruelty free and use natural ingredients.
Oh yes, there can be, it depends on the brands of course. And I agree, natural and cruelty free are so important, luckily there’s a wide choice nowadays.
To be honest no one ever taught me about skin care before so I’ve never used any products on my face. I wouldn’t even know where to start.
Something very gentle would be good – Simple skincare is a great option, and budget friendly too – hope this helps.
I always stick to the skincare products I’m familiar with. Recommendations don’t really work for me, at least not the skincare world! I used to use Clinique but I’m switching to a more cheaper brand since Clinique really got too expensive for me. I’m allergic to perfume so this girl gets an allergic reaction to almost everything, unfortunately!
Ah no, that’s such a shame! I would say try and find something with essential oils, such as frankincense and rosehip, both are brilliant at calming skin, and cheaper than Clinique too!
In all honesty, I enjoyed that post a lot more than I thought I was going too! please don’t take that personally it’s just a see a lot of posts about skincare which are always the same. This however, I really really enjoyed! I never thought about the different things that we do as men and women which makes our skin different!
I really enjoy NO 7 and Clinique skincare and my partner likes Nivea for men! not very adventurous. 😉
Thanks for an interesting read!
Ashleigh
Haha, none taken, honestly! It’s true, I know there are a lot of skincare posts out there but not many comparing the difference for men and women so thank you, I’m glad it was helpful. And No.7, Clinique and Nivea are all good brands, so if they work for you that’s great!
I have always wondered if there is an actual difference between mens and womens skincare and if so then what they are, so this post was interesting for me! The only difference I knew was the fragrance. I have such an oily face so I would never of thought that mens skin is normally oilier! Conditioner is amazing for shaving, if I use shaving foam I always get super itchy (sensitive skin problems). The only skincare tip I can think of is just to bear in mind that more skincare products doesn’t necessarily mean that its better for your skin xx
Oh, thank you, I’m so pleased this was interesting! And to find a fellow conditioner-for-shaving fan 🙂 I love your tip too, less is more, and a time saver too xx
I love reading about skincare – there were things you mentioned here about the differences between men and women’s skin that I had no idea about! It’s really interesting to read up on! X
Thank you, I’m so pleased you like the post, I found it fascinating too! x
This certainly gives some fodder for thought! I always knew, for example, that shaving cream is not ladies, but I never realized masculine products actually have a different ingredient build-up to be more suiting to a woman or man’s skin.
There is nothing like learning something new to improve one’s day. 🙂
Aw, that’s a lovely thing to say, Jaya, thank you, I’m so glad to help! X
This is such an interesting post. I kinda knew that there would be differences but it’s cool to know the exact things that differentiate between male and female skin. V informative, thanks for sharing!
Oh, thank you, that’s really good to hear, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I found this super interesting – as someone that has had pretty terrible skin for the best part of the last ten years 🙁 Recently, I have been using/stealing some of my partners face washes (men’s) – at first because I loved the smell, but I have found over the last month or so, quite a noticeable difference in my skin (for the better) – I had been wondering what was in the guy washes that had made a difference ♥
Oh wow, that IS interesting! You wouldn’t think that men’s skincare could have such a marked effect on a woman’s skin but there you go, that’s positive proof, how amazing 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this <3 x
I’ll admit I’m often persuaded by recommendations from my family, friends, or favourite influencers. But a lot of the time those products aren’t suitable for my skin type. I’m prone to dry sensitive skin. Funnily enough the best brand I’ve found is Nivea which is very affordable.
That’s interesting, I’ve heard lots of good things about Nivea, I think they’re a very gentle brand, ideal for many people 🙂
This is an interesting post. I have learned so much after reading this post about the different skincare for both men and women. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, I’m glad it was helpful 🙂