Our skin, the body’s largest organ, works the same way for almost everyone: It’s our first line of defense against toxins and harmful pollutants, regulates body temperature, and manages the amount of water and electrolytes that enter. But despite this apparent uniformity, there are key differences between women’s skin and men’s skin — enough that men should consider following a skin care routine and using products specifically chosen for them.
Is male skin different from female skin?
So what is the difference between male and female skin? “Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than women’s and has a higher density of collagen in their skin,” explains Eminence Organic Skin care Product Support Team. Collagen levels also drop for men as they age, but it does so at a steady rate. In comparison, women’s collagen levels remain stable and then drop suddenly after menopause (which can make the change seem more dramatic). Men, on average, produce more sebum in their skin due to testosterone. Excessive sebum production makes men more prone to oily, shiny skin, large pores and acne.
Another factor? Shaving. Razors bring a whole host of skin problems that women don’t usually have to deal with, including razor burn irritation, 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 types of skin care products are best for achieving clear skin for men.
A simple skin care routine for men
Just like women, men should do all the basics: cleansing, eye care, moisturizing and sun protection. Add in the toning, exfoliating, masking and conditioning steps and you have a complete home care regimen that works to keep skin looking its best. Let’s dive into the details of this routine, designed specifically for men.
Product options
Gentle wash for all skin types
Cleanser
Stone Crop Gel Wash has loyal fans, including longtime Eminence Organics devotee Mark Ruffalo, who swears by Stone Crop Gel Wash to keep his skin in place. This gentle cleansing gel is infused with stone culture and shea butter to wash away impurities without over stripping the skin. You will find even more enthusiasts on our site, where the reviewer Jay gives the cleanser five stars, saying, “To all the guys out there… this is the best product I’ve ever used. Unscented, results oriented and clean feeling. Try shaving with this to reduce razor burn and irritation.”
For those with normal to oily skin, the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is infused with charcoal, malachite gemstones and matcha blue. Rich in antioxidants, this gel foam exfoliates and deep cleans pores.
Tonic
For the toning step, a healthy spritz of Stone Crop Hydrating Mist will leave skin feeling hydrated and refreshed at the same time. This refreshing toner is suitable for all skin types, especially those with uneven skin tone.
If you’re looking for a post-shave toning step, Pineapple Refining Tonique can boost the peeling that occurs when you use a razor. The formula contains gentle Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), bromelain and tranexamic acid, which visibly renew dull skin with a non-irritating texture.
Product options
Excellent nutrition and hydration
Vitamin C+E mask for all skin types
Exfoliating
After cleansing and toning, we recommend exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, clear congestion and bring new skin to the surface. Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ has microgreens, stone plants and rice flour to unclog clogged pores and protect against the visible aging effects of environmental stressors. Just add water to watch it turn from powder to foam.
Mask
Does it fight breakouts and large pores? The mask may not be every man’s style, but you’ll definitely love the freshness of the Clear Skin Probiotic Mask. Enriched with organic ingredients such as cucumber, yogurt and tea tree oil, this revitalizing face mask shrinks pores and improves the appearance of fine lines for soft and smooth skin.
The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Mask is another option: This treatment is packed with nutrients and antioxidants to improve the appearance of healthy skin. Contains stabilized vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Leafy greens (kale, spinach and broccoli) are rich in antioxidants that help improve the appearance of skin elasticity skin and skin hydration for youthful looking skin.
Serum & Concentrate
Follow the cover-up step with a selection of oils and serums — choose one or many! A drop of Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Light Serum tightens and plumps the appearance of skin and reduces the appearance 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 signs of aging and improves the appearance of skin elasticity.
Alternatively, consider a thin layer of our Bamboo Firming Fluid, our deeply hydrating coconut and bamboo deliver firmer, firmer and younger-looking skin. It also contains a Natural Alternative Retinol 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 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 Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream, which reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. This formula uses plant peptides and innovative algae extract, which provides extra hydration to visibly improve the under-eye area.
Moisturizing cream
The trick to finding the right moisturizer is knowing your skin type. For those with normal to oily skin, Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer is a popular choice. Its lightweight gel-cream formula melts beautifully into the skin and leaves a matte finish. Men with skin that tends toward the dry side can try Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. Stone crop is a succulent that hydrates and nourishes dry skin types. This creamy formula also contains a Biocomplex2™an antioxidant booster that restores the appearance of radiance, vitality and strength to the skin.
Sun care
Applying SPF daily helps protect the skin from harmful rays that contribute to skin irritation, premature aging, and the formation of some forms of skin cancer. We recommend Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, a lightweight all-in-one daily moisturizer containing cocoa bean extract and satsuma mandarin peel. In addition to full sun protection, these ingredients improve the appearance of 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 collection of men’s skin care products.
