For centuries now, people have debated about the differences between men and women. Today, we know that even our skins are different, hence the need for gender-based skin care. There are a wealth of products advertised separately towards men and women, this being valid for moisturizers as well. In the paragraphs that follow, we will talk about the differences between men’s and women’s moisturizers. These are going to be based on the skin care requirements that exist for each gender. Be sure to read this information and talk to your partner about the importance of using a moisturizer suitable for your gender.
You might not think that men are interested in a good moisturizer, but the truth is that there are many gentlemen out there looking for such products. It is a known fact that men have a skin that is thicker with about 25% than women. Their skin is characterized by an increased quantity of collagen, the hair follicles are more numerous and have a larger size. It seems that all of these characteristics, along with the increased sebum production, are due to the increased testosterone levels.
Men’s moisturizers are created by taking into account all of these characteristics of the masculine skin. As the skin is thicker, this means that it will be less sensitive to irritation; for this reason, stronger ingredients are used in men’s moisturizers. However, many men’s moisturizers are fragrance-free, which is an advantage for those guys who have sensitive skin and thus are more prone to irritation. The increased sebum production at the level of men’s skin increases the risk of acne; according to expert skin care tips, using a moisturizer recommended especially for men can reduce the risk of acne breakouts (method of protection).
There is one more thing that you should know when it comes to men’s moisturizers. As many situations have proven out, men are the ones who spend a large amount of their time in the open outdoors. This means that they are more exposed to the damaging action of the sun, as opposed to women. A good men’s moisturizer should be able to provide protection against the harmful UV rays; in fact, studies have demonstrated that men present a higher risk for skin cancer. Men’s moisturizers often have SPF included, so as to provide the desired protection.
From what has been said so far, you have probably understood that ingredients actually make the difference between women’s and men’s moisturizers. Some of the most common ingredients that are used for the making of men’s moisturizers include: water (main ingredient), glycerin (humectant), petrolatum (occlusive), TEA (emulsifier), magnesium aluminum silicate (filler) and mineral oil (moisture maintenance at the level of the skin).
Women’s moisturizers differ from men, in the sense that they are often filled with fragrances. Even though ladies love the way their moisturizer smells, it has been proven that the usage of such fragrances might actually irritate the skin. Advertisers are aware of the fact that women use moisturizer in larger quantities than men and on their entire body for that matter (men are more likely to apply it solely on their face). The packaging of women’s moisturizers is always more appealing than the ones seen in men’s product, with soft nuances and feminine colors being used.
As for the ingredients, women’s moisturizers might contain any of the ingredients that were mentioned for men’s moisturizer, with the exception that the quantity might differ. However, there are certain ingredients that are specifically used for women’s products. Many women’s moisturizers contain vitamin A, either in the form of retinol or retinoid acid, as it has anti-aging properties. Vitamin A can stimulate the production of collagen at the level of the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less visible.
Both vitamin C and E are added as ingredients to such products; these antioxidants can contribute to the rejuvenation of the skin, reducing the damage incurred through the exposure to the sun & pollution. Such substances might also offer the necessary protection against oxidative stress and the damage done by free radicals. Last, but not least, women’s moisturizers might include urea and lactic acids as humectants. These serve a very important purpose; by ensuring the necessary moisture at the level of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), they prevent dehydration (it is a known fact that the skin of women presents a higher risk for dryness, in comparison to men’s skin).
The next time you find yourself shopping for moisturizers, makes sure that you select a different product for you and your husband or partner. From what has been said above, you have probably understood that men’s and women’s skin have different requirements when it comes to moisturizing. It’s not for nothing that gender-based products are advertised on a regular basis!
