Male skin has real biological differences from female skin — these aren't marketing differences. But these differences don't justify a separate product range with inferior ingredients. The problem with men's skincare isn't a lack of men's products — it's that most of these products are mediocre formulations exploiting the male market's resistance to becoming informed.

The Real Differences Between Male and Female Skin

• Higher sebum production — higher androgens result in oilier skin, enlarged pores, greater acne tendency
• Greater dermal thickness — ~25% thicker than female skin, with more baseline collagen
• Later but more pronounced ageing — lines and density loss appear later but progress more rapidly when they arrive
• Daily shaving — daily mechanical microtrauma that compromises the skin barrier without a repair protocol

The Effective Routine (Gender-Independent)

1. Gentle cleanser — especially after shaving, which alters skin pH
2. Prebiotic serum — restores post-shave barrier, regulates microbiome
3. Niacinamide gel — controls sebum and reduces enlarged pores
4. Mineral SPF — photo-ageing doesn't discriminate by gender

The Classic Aftershave Mistake

Most aftershaves contain denatured alcohol as the main ingredient. Applied to a barrier already compromised by shaving, it dehydrates, irritates and creates exactly the conditions for ingrown hair acne. The effective substitute: aloe vera gel or prebiotic serum applied immediately after shaving.