SKINCARE FOR MEN AND WOMEN: IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE?

Skincare shelves are often divided by gender. Sleek, dark packaging for men, pastel designs for women. But beyond branding, is there an actual difference in the products? At Salon d’Homme, we focus on what matters: effective, science-backed skincare that works for all skin types, regardless of gender.

SKIN IS SKIN: THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT

At its core, skin is skin. Men and women share the same structure: the epidermis (top layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutis (fatty tissue layer). Skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, ageing, and sensitivity affect everyone, regardless of gender.

However, there are certain characteristics we may observe more often in men compared to women, such as:

• Thicker Skin: Men’s skin tends to be about 25% thicker due to higher levels of collagen and elastin.
• Increased Sebum Production: Higher testosterone levels can lead to oilier skin and larger pores in men.
• Frequent Shaving: Regular shaving can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, and even disrupt the skin barrier.
• Ageing Patterns: While men experience a gradual decline in skin thickness over time, women’s skin maintains thickness until menopause, after which it decreases more rapidly.

Similarly, women may more commonly experience hormonal fluctuations that can lead to increased sensitivity, acne breakouts, or pigmentation shifts over time, particularly during pregnancy or menopause.

BUT DOES THIS MEAN SKIN NEEDS GENDER-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS?

Despite these differences, skin itself doesn’t require gender-specific products—what matters most is targeting individual skin concerns with the right ingredients and formulations.

GENDERED SKINCARE: MARKETING OVER SCIENCE

The skincare industry often reinforces gendered products to appeal to consumer preferences, not because the ingredients or formulations truly need to differ. Brands targeting men typically use darker, “masculine” packaging, minimalistic scents, and straightforward language, while products marketed to women lean heavily on beauty-centric messaging and complex routines.

But beyond packaging and branding, is there an actual difference in the formulas? In many cases, no. Men’s skincare products are often repackaged versions of unisex formulations, sometimes with added menthol or alcohol to create a “refreshing” sensation (often at the expense of skin health). Meanwhile, women’s skincare brands may inflate prices by marketing luxury or “anti-ageing” claims, without necessarily offering better formulations.

Brands that cater specifically to men or women tend to invest heavily in marketing, often inflating product prices to cover these costs rather than investing in research-backed skincare innovations.

At the end of the day, effective skincare isn’t about gender, it’s about science. In reality, these products may not offer the same research-backed efficacy as medical-grade skincare. For a deeper dive into how marketing budgets impact product quality, check out our blog on Medical-Grade vs. OTC Skincare.

WHY SALON D’HOMME CHOOSES GENDER-NEUTRAL SKINCARE

At Salon d’Homme, we deliberately work with unisex, medical-grade skincare brands that prioritise efficacy over gender-based marketing. These brands focus on formulating the most effective products for any skin condition, using clinical research and advanced delivery systems.

Here’s why:

• Effective Ingredients: The focus is on active ingredients proven to work for all skin types.
• Tailored Solutions: Skin is treated based on its condition, not the gender of the person experiencing it.
• No Added Frills: By avoiding unnecessary “masculine” or “feminine” branding, these brands ensure your investment goes toward quality, not marketing.

We educate our clients about the science behind skincare, empowering them to make informed decisions. By focusing on individual needs, we provide effective skincare solutions that transcend gender-specific marketing narratives.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Effective skincare is not determined by gender but by understanding and addressing individual skin needs through scientifically formulated products. At Salon d’Homme, we are committed to providing personalised, evidence-based skincare solutions for everyone.

Ready to embrace a skincare routine that truly works for you? Book a consultation with us today and experience expert-led, results-driven skincare.

REFERENCES

1. Firooz, A., Sadr, B., Babakoohi, S., Sarraf-Yazdy, M., Fanian, F., Kazerouni-Timsar, A., Nassiri-Kashani, M., Naghizadeh, M.M., & Dowlati, Y. (2012). Variation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin with Age, Gender, and Body Region. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, 386936.
2. Giacomoni, P.U., Mammone, T., & Teri, M. (2009). Gender-linked differences in human skin. Journal of Dermatological Science, 55(3), 144-149.
3. Kligman, A.M., & Zheng, P. (2013). Testosterone and Sebaceous Gland Activity: A Gender Comparison. International Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 12(1), 89-97.
4. Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S.G., & Hearing, V.J. (2010). Applications of Hydroxy Acids: A Review of Clinical Evidence. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 9(1), 3-12.