Why does men’s skin require specific skincare products?

Find out what makes men’s skin unique – and why it deserves a targeted approach.

Men’s skin is unique. It’s thicker, firmer and oilier, which makes it appear naturally more resistant. However, behind this apparent robustness lie some very real vulnerabilities.

Men’s skin, reacts more intensely to external aggressors and often ages more suddenly. Understanding what makes men’s skin different enables us to better identify which Skincare products are truly suited to it.

Nic Von Rupp using Sisleÿum toning lotion

The invisible mechanisms of men’s skin: 3 key pillars

Later to age, but occurs more abruptly

The signs of ageing generally appear later in men. However, when they do occur, they tend to be more pronounced and obvious than in women. This results in deeper wrinkles and a more severe and visible loss of firmness.

Limited protective abilities

Epigenetics demonstrates how lifestyle and environment impact skin quality. Men have a lower antioxidant defence capacity, meaning that aggressors such as UV rays, pollution, shaving, stress and lifestyle factors can weaken the skin barrier, causing discomfort and redness.

Skin governed by hormones

Male skin function is strongly influenced by testosterone, a hormone that stimulates the sebaceous glands and promotes denser, thicker hair growth. These characteristics make it more prone to shine, blemishes and ingrown hairs.

These three pillars all point to an obvious conclusion: To meet their skin’s specific needs, men require a Skincare routine and Skincare products designed specifically for them.

Targeted daily steps to help support skin

Cleanse and purify

Cleansing is essential for eliminating excess sebum, impurities and pollution particles that can disrupt the balance of male skin. It must be effective yet gentle in order to prevent dryness and discomfort.

Soothing after shaving

Shaving weakens the epidermis, causing hot sensations, tightness and micro-cuts. Using Skincare products that contain soothing key ingredients can help to calm skin reactions and restore comfort.

Moisturise or nourish

All skin types need the right daily moisturiser to keep them balanced and radiant. Men’s skin is generally oilier and can lack moisture. A moisturiser that contains sebum-regulating key ingredients can help to restore comfort, limit dehydration caused by external aggressors and strengthen the skin barrier, without adding shine.

In some cases, if the skin feels tight or has dry patches, it may need a nourishing moisturiser that is rich in lipids and restructuring key ingredients to restore its suppleness and boost the resilience of its hydrolipidic film.

Prevent and correct signs of ageing

Although signs of ageing appear later in men, they also become noticeable more quickly. Anti-ageing products formulated for men’s skin offer both a preventive and corrective action while respecting its physiology.