The difference between male and female skin

Sex hormones are involved in the biology of the skin; therefore, men's and women's skin have different characteristics and needs. This is why gender-specific skin care products are more effective.

Thickness

Men's skin is on average 20% thicker than women's skin. However, this thickness decreases more with age in men than in women, due to the loss of collagen, which level remains almost constant in women.

Oiliness

Men's skin is typically oilier because its sebum production is higher. Indeed, men have on average a greater number of sebaceous glands than women, as well as larger pores (see "The skin : Layers and their functions"). This is due to the fact that the sebaceous glands are activated by testosterone from puberty. As a result, men are on average more likely to develop acne, but less prone to dry skin than women.

Aging

Men are more affected by skin sagging and their wrinkles are on average deeper although appearing later than in women.

Shaving

Shaving eliminates the cells of the uppermost layer of the epidermis, which weakens the barrier function of the stratum corneum (see "The stratum corneum"). The skin is then more sensitive to external aggressions. Shaving can also cause irritation, burns or cuts. Gentle shaving products and a sharp razor can reduce friction and therefore stress put on the skin caused by shaving.

References :

Rahrovan, S., F. Fanian, P. Mehryan, P. Humbert, et A. Firooz. 2018. « Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know ». International Journal of Women’s Dermatology 4 (3): 122‑30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.03.002.

Bailey, Steven H., Georgette Oni, Spencer A. Brown, Natalie Kashefi, Salim Cheriyan, Michael Maxted, Collin Stewart, et al. 2012. « The Use of Non-Invasive Instruments in Characterizing Human Facial and Abdominal Skin ». Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 44 (2): 131‑42. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.21147.

Pochi, P. E., et J. S. Strauss. 1974. « Endocrinologic Control of the Development and Activity of the Human Sebaceous Gland ». The Journal of Investigative Dermatology 62 (3): 191‑201. https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12676783.

Par Valentine Du bois

Master's degree in medical biology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Valentine holds a Master's degree in medical biology from the University of Lausanne, following a Bachelor's degree from the University of Geneva. During her Masters, Valentine specialised in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology, focusing on applied laboratory research for the development of new treatments.