Skincare Broken Down and Gendered
Is skincare something that only engages girls? Do guys have no interest in skincare? Do they perhaps not even need it?
I argue that this couldn’t be further from the truth. I would assert that everyone benefits from skincare; even if it’s just cleansing your skin, that still counts as skincare.
So, if you’re a guy reading this—be a real man and embrace skincare. Your skin will thank you.
Now, what should guys consider when diving into the enchanted world of skincare?
First, let’s analyze: Is there a difference between male and female skin? Yes, there is. The primary differences are in thickness and texture. Men’s skin is generally 20-25% thicker with larger and more visible pores.
If there is a difference, do we need skincare specifically designed for men and women? I believe we don’t. The reason is that skin still reacts to the same things, even though thickness and texture may differ. What’s important is to use skincare suited to your skin type. The push for gendered skincare is largely about profit.
Skincare targeted specifically at men generally costs more than the same products marketed toward women. I have several examples of products from well-known skincare brands that are marketed as feminine.
To entice the male audience to buy skincare, the contents are often repackaged in a more "masculine" design and sold as male skincare—at a higher price. Why does male skincare cost more? Generally, men don’t shop as much or as often as women, so companies want to maximize their profits by making the products more expensive.
Understanding Skincare Choices for Men
It's not so simple to solely blame companies for product pricing; it’s also about societal structures and gender roles. However, I do see a positive change happening—guys are becoming more interested in skincare. They want to learn and take care of their skin just like girls do.
What Products Should Guys Choose?
As I mentioned earlier, start by figuring out your skin type. The easiest way to do this is by feeling your skin.
Here’s how to start:
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Touch Your Forehead: Place your finger in the middle of your forehead and drag it down between your eyebrows and along your nose. Does your skin feel dry, or is it oily and slick? If your finger looks shiny from oil, that’s a sign.
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Feel Your Cheeks: Use your fingertips to touch your cheeks. How does it feel? Is it dry, oily, or somewhere in between?
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Check for Redness: When you touch your skin, do you notice red marks that linger for a bit? This might indicate that you have sensitive skin, which requires gentler products without many active ingredients.
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Examine Your Skin in the Mirror: Look at your face. Is it shiny? Are there areas with flaky, dry skin?
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Acne and Blackheads: Do you find that you’re prone to acne and blackheads? If so, you’ll need skincare products designed to combat those issues.
By understanding your skin type and its specific needs, you can make informed choices about which products to incorporate into your routine. Whether it’s a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, or a targeted treatment for acne, selecting the right products can make a significant difference in your skin's health and appearance.
When determining your skin type, keep in mind that you don’t have to have the same type all over your face. It’s common to have an oilier forehead and nose (often referred to as the T-zone) while having drier cheeks.
Once you know your skin type, it’s time to shop for products. If you're a beginner, I recommend starting with a basic routine:
- Cleanser: To cleanse your skin morning and night.
- Acid Toner: To help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
- Moisturizer: To hydrate your skin.
- SPF: To use during the day, every day, year-round.
Once you’re comfortable, you can start experimenting with serums, essences, acids, masks, and all the other products on the market. But for now, stick with the basics. Below, I’ve listed products that many of my male friends enjoy, along with the skin types they suit. All of these products are suitable for all genders.
Cleansers
- All Clean White Clay Foam by Heimish: Great if you have oily skin.
- Low pH Good Morning Gel by CosRx: Both my husband and I love this one. Works for nearly everyone.
Toner
- Natural BHA Skin Returning Emulsion by CosRx: A great and effective toner with salicylic acid that deeply cleans pores and helps combat acne and blackheads. Suitable for most skin types.
Moisturizers
- Green Tea Balancing Cream EX by Innisfree: A fantastic cream that hydrates without making the skin shiny. Works well for most, especially those with combination skin.
- Centella Green Level Recovery Cream by Purito: Perfect for sensitive skin that reacts to shaving. This cream calms and protects.
SPF
- Centella Green Level Safe Sun by Purito: A perfect SPF. This can be used during the day instead of a regular moisturizer if you have oily skin. If you're dry or sensitive, use it in combination with your day cream.
- Addicted to Sun by Darling: Another excellent SPF. The pink bottle has a lower SPF, while the blue one offers higher protection. Suitable for all skin types.