Do You Need Special Men's Skincare, or Is It Just a Marketing Trick?

In recent years, male skin care regimen has emerged as one of the fastest-growing trends in the beauty industry. New brands appear every day, while established companies are launching specific skin care products designed for men. The phrase created specifically for male skin has proven to be a successful marketing strategy, but the question remains: do men really need their own skincare products, or is this just a clever marketing trick and one size fits everyone? 

At Meder by Dr. Tiina Meder, there is no dedicated men's line, and we have no plans to create one. Sure, it would be an oversight to ignore the difference between male and female skin well-documented by numerous broad-spectrum dermatologist studies over the years. Yet, this does not necessarily mean that men require entirely separate skin care products to create the correct routine.

• Men's skin is generally thicker and denser than women's, with a thickness difference of about 25%. This distinction is largely due to androgens, the male sex hormones that contribute to a denser and more voluminous dermis. As a result, men's skin often appears somewhat rougher but is simultaneously firmer and smoother.
• One of the key differences is that men have a higher collagen content in their skin. Collagen is the primary structural protein responsible for skin tone and elasticity, which is why men's skin often appears younger. However, collagen is susceptible to damage from various external factors, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Many men neglect adding sunscreen to their routine and do not consistently dedicate time to taking care of their skin, leading to a quicker loss of this natural advantage. 
• Both men and women lose collagen at a rate of approximately 1% annually as they age. However, since men typically start with a higher collagen baseline, the first signs of aging tend to appear significantly later in men than in women. Some researchers suggest that this difference can be as much as 8 to 10 years. 
• Despite these advantages, men's skin has its own challenges. Sebaceous glands in men produce more sebum due to higher levels of testosterone. This can lead to acne-prone skin outbreaks and more severe conditions like rosacea. 
• The stratum corneum, or outer layer of skin, in men, is thicker and contains more keratin. This can result in a rougher appearance and uneven complexion, especially if a regular skin care routine is neglected. Without proper care, men's skin may appear darker and more weathered over time. 
• Interestingly, men sweat almost twice as much as women. This increased perspiration can be beneficial for facial skin, as sweat contains lactic acid, which helps retain moisture and maintain skin acidity. Consequently, men's skin is often better hydrated and more protected from damage compared to women's skin.

Despite all these differences, men do not necessarily need their own skincare products. What they truly need is a better understanding of how to care for their skin. The first step is finding the right skin care products that will be most helpful and effective for them.

The landscape of aesthetic medicine has changed dramatically over the past 10-15 years, with a noticeable increase in male patients seeking treatments from a board-certified dermatologist. In some countries, male clients now make up to 10% of appointments at dermatologists. However, many clinic owners note that men do not visit as regularly as women, and treatments that are popular among women are often less in demand among male clients.

To understand this trend, it is essential to consider the differences in skincare habits, skin concerns, and expectations between men and women.

Women typically visit clinics to address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dry skin, and pigmentation disorders. The average age of a woman's first visit to a clinic varies depending on cultural and societal factors. In more progressive societies, women tend to seek aesthetic skin treatments later than in more traditional cultures.

While social factors play a significant role, the reality is that many skin characteristics change with age, and most women notice these changes by the time they reach the age of 40-45. Treatments aimed at adding moisture to the skin, evening out the skin tone, and correcting pigmentation and dark spots are consistently among the most sought-after services in both European and American aesthetic clinics.

Men often perceive signs of fatigue such as dark circles, under-eye bags, and puffiness around the eyelids as negative indicators of aging. Additionally, the sensation of heaviness in the face can result from a loss of jawline definition, the appearance of a double chin, and excess skin or fat in the lower third of the face.

Given these concerns, it is not surprising that skincare products designed to "lighten" and restore facial shape and volume are consistently popular among men in clinics and beauty salons. Eye care products with anti-puffiness claims and those targeting dark circles are only second in popularity compared to after-shave products.

Male clients are more likely to return for programs that involve sculpting or slimming treatments, focusing on reducing puffiness and redefining the jawline, rather than cleansers, moisturizers, rinses, as well as body, hair, and scalp wash products. Among aesthetic methods, techniques that promote lymphatic drainage, such as microcurrent therapy, are particularly popular, as are treatments aimed at refreshing the overall appearance of the face.