Mostly when you see an anti-aging commercial or an anti-aging product being promoted, women are usually the target audience. However, just because they advertise to appeal more to women, doesn’t mean that men can’t use them as well.
When shopping for skincare products, whether a man or woman, you just need to keep in mind what your particular skincare needs are.
Here you will find out the differences between men’s and women’s skin and how men can have their best skin.
Tip: The biggest mistake men make is not taking care of their skin!
What makes men’s skin different?
Have you ever noticed that men show their age later in life than women? Usually, anyway. That’s because they have thicker skin than women and have a richer blood supply to the face.
Why?
Because of their facial hair. Their skin has to sustain the hair follicle.
The follicle also secretes more natural oils and shaving helps exfoliate their skin.
Sebaceous glands are more abundant as well as pores in men. Therefore, even more oil production is on the face.
Men don’t have hormonal fluctuations, either, that affect the way their skin behaves. Aren’t they lucky?
However, they lose elasticity in their skin, just the same as women.
Source: Men’s Journal
When should men start an anti-aging routine?
Even though men don’t start showing signs of aging as early as women, they should still take care of their skin. Men should start an anti-aging routine around the late 20s to early 30s.
Before any of you men reading this start thinking “ugh!”, don’t worry, your routine doesn’t have to be as complex as women’s.
What should a man’s routine look like?
I can answer this in a couple of different ways.
Men can have just a basic routine or make it as complex as women’s routine. It depends on what his goals are for his skin.
For a basic routine, he would use a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen for the day, and a cleanser, serum, and night cream for the night.
For a more complex routine, a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen during the day, and a cleanser, toner, serum, night cream, and eye cream during the night.
Also, read The Unparalleled Guide To Anti-Aging Skincare For Men.
Can men use women’s retinol?
As a form of vitamin A, retinol speeds up skin cell turnover and boosts collagen production. And, yes, men can use women’s retinol. It will be just as effective.
Retinol comes in different strengths and if you are new to it, you will want to start with the lowest, 0.3%, because it can cause some irritation. Once you have worked your way through the over-the-counter strengths, you can have a professional prescribe retinoids, the stronger version of vitamin A.
Retinols and retinoids are also great for getting rid of shaving bumps and acne.
When using retinol or retinoids, always remember to use it at night and always wear sunscreen.
Shop Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
Do men need to exfoliate?
Yes, at least twice a week. Men produce more oil and have 20%-30% thicker skin than women. Exfoliating will get rid of the dead skin cells that would otherwise get trapped (along with trapping the oil) and clog the pores, and cause dark spots and rough skin.
Men should also exfoliate before shaving to shave with less pressure, have less chance of irritation, and avoid ingrown hairs.
Should men use face masks? 
Yes. Whether you opt for a wash-off, peel-off, or sheet mask, they make a great addition to your routine.
For men who are prone to acne and blackheads, a charcoal mask would be best. If dry, irritated, or inflamed skin is a problem, then a hydrating mask will help.
If you are looking for a deeper clean, then clay will suit you. For anti-aging results, there are a variety of sheet masks to choose from.
When using a face mask, if you shave, you should before applying the mask. If you have facial hair and want to use a peel-off mask, only apply it where there is no hair or you will have a helluva time getting it out!
I will tell you about another kind of mask, shortly. So keep going!
What’s the difference between men’s and women’s skincare?
While the basic skincare rules apply to both, products for men should address certain aspects of men’s skin.
While women should use chemical exfoliators, men should use face scrubs. Face scrubs help lift hairs up away from the skin and make for a better shave.
Also, a man’s face wash should soothe shave worn skin. As well as moisturizer and aftershave.
Since men produce more oil, a woman’s moisturizer is going to be too moisturizing for a man and can cause clogged pores and breakouts. However, if you suffer from dry, irritated, or inflamed skin, a woman’s moisturizer could solve the problem.
Boost your skincare
Because more men are paying attention to their skincare needs, there are more options to choose from now.
One of those options is a favorite of mine: LED therapy.
With clinically proven results to help calm irritation, redness, and inflammation from shaving, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, correct age spots, uneven skin tone, and texture, and improve the look of under-eye bags and dark circles, the Omnilux Men LED Therapy Mask will compliment your routine perfectly.
Conclusion
Although men can use women’s products with no harm, most of the time it’s unnecessary. It will depend on the unique needs of your skin.
The thing to consider is that men’s products come with their thick skin, facial hair, oil production, and shaving in mind.
The best way to choose which products to use is by knowing your skin’s particular needs and researching which products will benefit you best.
Find this helpful? Let me know in the comments!