Our skin, the largest organ in the body, works the same way for almost everyone: It is our first line of defense against toxins and harmful pollutants, regulates body temperature and manages the amount of water and electrolytes coming in. But despite this seeming uniformity, there are key differences between women’s skin and men’s skin — enough that men should consider following a skin care routine and use products specially selected for them.
Is Men’s Skin Different From Women’s?
So, what is the difference between men’s and women’s skin? “Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s and has higher collagen density in their skin,“ explains the Eminence Organic Skin Care Product Support Team. Collagen levels do go down for men as they get older too, but it does so at a constant rate. In comparison, women’s collagen levels remain steady and then suddenly plummet after menopause (which may make the change feel more dramatic). Men, on average, produce more sebum in their skin because of testosterone. Excess sebum production makes men more prone to oily, shiny skin, large pores and acne.
Another factor? Shaving. Razors bring a whole set of skin problems women typically don’t have to face, like irritation from razor burn, inflammation, and sometimes, infection. Men are also more likely to develop rosacea, which makes blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, causing redness. Keep reading to find out what kinds of skin care products are best to achieve clear skin for men.
A Simple Skin Care Routine For Men
Like women, men need to do all the basics: cleansing, eye care, moisturizing and sun protection. Add in toning, exfoliating, masking and treatment steps, and you have a full home care regimen that works for maintaining the skin in its best condition. Let’s dive into the details for this routine, designed specifically for men.
Product Picks
Gentle wash for all skin types
Cleanser
Stone Crop Gel Wash has a loyal fan following, including long-time Eminence Organics devotee Mark Ruffalo who swears by our Stone Crop Gel Wash to keep his skin on point. This gentle gel cleanser is infused with stone crop and shea butter to wash away impurities without over-stripping the skin. You’ll find even more enthusiasts on our website where reviewer Jay gives the cleanser five stars, saying: “For all the guys out there … this is the best product I have ever used. Fragrance-free, results-oriented and a squeaky-clean feeling. Try shaving with it to reduce razor burn and irritation.”
For those with normal to oily skin, our Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is loaded with charcoal, malachite gemstones and blue matcha. Rich in antioxidants, this gel lather unclogs and deep cleans pores.
Toner
For the toning step, a healthy spritz of Stone Crop Hydrating Mist will make the skin feel hydrated and refreshed all at once. This revitalizing toner is suitable for all skin types, particularly those with uneven skin tone.
If you’re looking for a post-shave toning step, the Pineapple Refining Tonique can boost the exfoliation that occurs when using a razor. The formula contains gentle Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), bromelain and tranexamic acid, all of which visibly renew dull, textured skin without irritation.
Product Picks
Ultra nutrition and hydration
Vitamin C+E mask for all skin types
Exfoliant
After cleansing and toning, we recommend exfoliating the skin to slough off dead skin cells, clear congestion and bring new skin to the surface. The Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ has microgreens, stone crop and rice flour to de-gunk clogged pores and protect against the visible aging effects of environmental stressors. Simply add water to see it transform from powder to foam.
Mask
Battling breakouts and large pores? Masking may not be every man’s style, but you’re bound to love the fresh feel of our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque. Infused with organic ingredients like cucumber, yogurt and tea tree oil, this refreshing face mask shrinks pores and improves the look of breakouts for a soft and smooth-looking complexion.
The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is another option: This treatment is packed with nutrients and antioxidants to improve the appearance of skin health. It contains stabilized Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid, a potent antioxidant that helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Leafy Greens (kale, spinach and broccoli sprouts) are rich in antioxidants to help improve the appearance of skin elasticity and skin hydration for younger-looking skin.
Serum & Concentrate
Follow up your masking step with a selection of oils and serums — choose one, or many! A drop of the lightweight Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum firms and plumps the appearance of skin and reduces the look of redness and inflammation. With star ingredients like Vitamin C, leafy greens (kale, spinach, broccoli sprouts), Vitamin E and botanical ferulic acid, the serum targets the signs of aging and improves the appearance of skin elasticity.
Or, consider a thin layer of our Bamboo Firming Fluid’s deeply hydrating coconut and bamboo delivers tauter, tighter, younger-looking skin. It also contains a Natural Retinol Alternative Complex designed to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Eye Care
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes requires daily use of an eye cream. Why not try our Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum Neroli oil and coconut water are designed to provide hydration around the delicate skin around the eye area.
Or try the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream, which reduces the look of dark undereye circles. This formula uses plant peptides and innovative algae extract, which provides extra hydration to visibly improve the undereye area.
Moisturizer
The trick to finding the right moisturizer is knowing your skin type. For those with normal to oily skin, our Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer is a popular go-to. Its lightweight, gel-cream formula melts nicely into the skin and leaves a matte finish. Men with skin that tends towards the dry side can try the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. Stone crop is a succulent that hydrates and nourishes dry skin types. This creamy formula also contains a Biocomplex2™, a booster of antioxidants that restores the look of radiance, vitality and strength in the skin.
Sun Care
Applying SPF daily helps to protect the skin against the damaging rays that contribute to skin irritation, premature aging and the formation of certain skin cancers. We recommend the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, an all-in-one lightweight daily moisturizer containing cocoa seed extract and satsuma mandarin peel. In addition to all-mineral sun protection, these ingredients improve the appearance of the skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution.
Looking for even more skin care suggestions? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to speak with a licensed esthetician and browse our selection of skin care products for men.
