The ultra-fast skincare routine for gentlemen

In the past, men tended to use skincare for curative purposes, while women approached it from a preventive perspective. But times are changing! Taking care of and protecting the face is becoming increasingly common among men, particularly those in their forties. Men over fifty still often stick to applying an aftershave gel, instead of a proper lotion, to soothe irritation and inflammation caused by shaving.

Today, men are becoming more comfortable with skincare... and are discovering the pleasure of taking care of their bodies and skin. But should they approach skincare differently than women? That’s what we’ll explore.

Male Skin: Key Differences

Due to abundant androgen hormone production—testosterone and dihydrotestosterone—male skin is thicker, no matter the body area, more resilient, and tends to wrinkle later than female skin.

In fact, the thickness of a man’s epidermis is around 60 μm (in men aged 20–30), compared to just 50 μm for women—roughly 20% more!

As if that weren’t enough, male skin also contains more collagen fibers, which maintain firmness and explain why signs of aging appear later.

Sebaceous glands are larger and produce more sebum, giving male skin a greasier appearance. On the plus side, it’s naturally less dry, and the hydrolipidic film is thicker, offering better epidermal protection. Of course, this often comes with breakouts—because you can’t have it all!

Men also have denser facial hair, which creates a stronger natural barrier. However, frequent shaving damages this barrier, weakening the protective hydrolipidic film and causing dryness, irritation, tightness, redness, and more.

Why Does Male Skin Age Differently?

As with women, skin aging results from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, in women, the drop in estrogen levels during menopause is abrupt and its effects on the skin are quickly visible. For men, andropause develops more gradually. As a result, changes in male skin also occur more slowly over time.

Additionally, since men’s skin is more hydrated and protected by an abundant hydrolipidic film (made of sweat and sebum), it wrinkles less quickly. Yet as facial muscles contract with age, their thicker structure leads to more noticeable sagging and deeper wrinkles—especially the famous frown lines (glabellar wrinkles), which are often more pronounced in men.

Fat distribution also changes differently with age. Men often develop more prominent under-eye bags, which are actually fat deposits caused by pre-orbital fat shifting downward after age 50—giving a perpetually tired look. These are not to be confused with water retention bags due to poor lymphatic drainage.

Despite these biological advantages, men don’t fully benefit from them due to general negligence—though attitudes are slowly evolving. They tend to be less diligent with sun protection during outdoor sports, which means their skin is more affected by photoaging. They’re also exposed to stressors like smoking, pollution, and alcohol just as much—if not more—than women, often accelerating skin damage. Add to this the common presence of rosacea and dilated blood vessels…

Tailored Skincare for Men: Essential Treatments

Whether you’re a man or a woman, daily skincare is essential. However, men’s specific skin characteristics require more tailored advice. Here’s a minimalist routine that fits men’s skin needs efficiently:

• Tip 1: Cleansing is key. Cleanse and purify the skin morning and night to remove excess sebum and sweat, which promotes natural daily exfoliation.
• Tip 2: Avoid synthetic ingredients, especially mineral oils. These clog pores and irritate skin that’s already sensitized by shaving.
• Tip 3: Use anti-inflammatory products, such as our “Pure Merveille” lotion. Apply it after aftershave gel to soothe razor burn, restore the hydrolipidic film, and eliminate discomfort, tightness, and redness.
• Tip 4: Hydrate with a lightweight product. Choose a fluid, light, mattifying moisturizer that absorbs quickly for instant comfort.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions, doubts, or need help finding the skincare product that best suits you. Our range is designed for men too!