MALE SKIN

Table of Contents

Male skin

updated: 02/04/2024

We want our skin to look and feel healthy. Just like women, we deal with issues such as skin sensitivity, acne, and ageing, but skin varies according to gender. Our skin – on both the face and the body – has some features that differ from female skin, and with regular shaving, it is often treated differently, too.

Because of this, men benefit from a tailored approach to skincare to help keep their skin at its natural best. Read the ultimate guide here by Zenith Spectrum.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE SKIN

The hormone determines the masculine characteristics of male skin and gives it a different structure to female skin. While every man’s skin is unique, in general, male skin – on both the face and the body - is thicker, oilier and ages differently.
THICKNESS OF OUR SKIN
  • Our skin is, on average, approximately 25% thicker than female skin. It contains more collagen and has a tighter, firmer appearance.
  • The collagen content of male skin reduces at a constant rate. Female skin is affected later in life, especially after the menopause. Female skin thins more dramatically, and the effects are more pronounced than in males.
OILINESS
  • Men have more active sebaceous glands and, therefore, more pores than women. Both their sebaceous glands and their pores are larger than those of women.
  • Sebum production is double that of women, so male skin is oilier and shinier than female skin. As a result, its pH is lower than that of female skin and is prone to impurities and acne.
  • Adult males are less prone to dry skin than adult females.

SKIN AND AGEING

  • Signs of ageing appear later in male skin, but changes occur more quickly once they start. 
  • Men are most affected by sagging skin combined with puffy eyes and dark circles that make them look tired. 
  • Men get wrinkles, too, though they are often less of a concern than for women. Male wrinkles occur later than female wrinkles, but they are fully grooved when they appear.

SKINCARE TIPS FOR MEN

When it comes to skincare, men have traditionally kept it simple. However, more men are now pursuing healthier, younger-looking skin, making it a great time to evaluate their skincare routine and learn more about caring for their body’s largest organ.

First, it’s essential that everyone, including men, identify and understand their skin type:

  • Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use

  • Normal skin is clear and not sensitive

  • Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough

  • Oily skin is shiny and greasy

  • Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.

Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to care for your skin and select skin care products that are right for you.

To help men develop healthy skin care routines, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

  • Consider product labels and ingredients. The skin care products you choose will depend on your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, look for cleansers and moisturizers that say “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, use mild, “fragrance-free” products, as products containing fragrances can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. 

    However, beware of products labelled “unscented,” as many contain masking fragrances that can still irritate your skin.

  • Wash your face daily and after exercise. Because regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can dry the skin, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm — not hot — water.

  • Watch your shaving technique. For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead, and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. 

    Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each razor swipe, and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.

  • Moisturize daily. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger. For the best results, apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering, or shaving while the skin is still damp.

  • Check your skin regularly. New spots or moles that itch, bleed or change colour are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Men over age 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than the general population. However, when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

  • Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors. To help prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer, before going outdoors, apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin, including your scalp, ears, neck, and lips. For best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

    You can also protect your skin by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. Select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label for more effective sun protection.

3 Simple Steps to Improve Your Skin

Step 1: Cleanse

When it comes to caring for your skin, cleansing is the first step and a critical one. Drugstore soaps can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance and strip your skin of moisture.

Upsetting your skin’s pH can worsen many skin problems over time. If you want to smooth things out, it helps to tackle imbalanced pH head-on. Let’s start by talking about the skin’s acid mantle.

The acid mantle is a protective layer on the surface of your skin that keeps your skin’s microbe healthy. This acidic layer protects the deeper layers of your skin from harmful pathogens and bacteria. 

We formulated our CHARCOAL FACE WASH to purge your skin of oil, debris, and impurities while maintaining your skin’s pH balance.

This cleanser removes excess oil, clears clogged pores, and cleanses your skin more deeply than bar soap or drugstore cleansers can. Even better? Charcoal deep cleansing action works effectively without drying out your skin. Zenith Spectrum provides you with the best skincare products for men.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Using our EXFOLIATING FACE SCRUB is the third step in our suggested skincare regimen, but you don’t need to use it every day — two to four times a week is just right. Regular exfoliation is vital to getting the best skin possible.

By removing dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, your cleanser and moisturizer can work more deeply. Regular exfoliation enhances your skincare regimen and makes the process more effective.

Our exfoliator also removes embedded dirt from your pores, so this product can help keep breakouts at bay. Bonus? Exfoliation feels super refreshing and gives your skin an incredible glow. There’s no downside to giving your skin that extra scrub a few times a week, so don’t skip this step. 

It makes sense if you’ve struggled to find an effective routine for your skin since most products are for women. Men’s skin is thicker, tougher, and more acidic than women’s, so you need products that balance pH and address your skin’s unique structure. Key takeaway? Zenith Spectrum Skincare for men can help you get your best results. 

Step 3: Hydrate

Step two in your ultimate skincare routine is all about sealing in moisture. You’ve cleansed and clarified your skin; now it’s time to moisturize. A moisturizer designed for your skin can help balance your complexion, prevent premature ageing, and soothe irritation and breakouts. 

Our COMFORT+ FACE CREAM can help keep your skin looking clear and fresh, and it can help strengthen your overall skin structure over time. This antioxidant-rich formula helps fight damage and promotes cell turnover, so regular use gives you fresh, younger-looking skin.  

Shaving

Regular shaving makes our skin more stressed than female skin.
  • On average, men who shave subject their skin to 16,000 shaves in a lifetime.
  • Skin becomes more sensitive and reacts faster.
  • Daily shaving stresses the skin and can irritate it. It removes the uppermost layer of skin cells, exposing immature skin that is particularly sensitive to external.
  • Up to 40% of men have shaving-related skin problems. Younger and fair-skinned men are particularly prone.
  • While shaving, a blunt razor and insufficient lubrication can lead to nicks and cuts, razor burns, and razor bumps.

HOW TO SHAVE YOUR FACE: A GUIDE TO MEN’S SHAVING

  1.  Hydrate.
    First hydrate, to help minimize nicks, cuts, and irritation while shaving. We recommend you shave right after your shower, or if it allows, even in the shower. Hydrating softens the hair and makes the razor move through it easier. Use a face scrub or wash to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin, preparing your skin for a comfortable shave.
  2.  Apply Shaving Cream
    Apply shave gel or foam and work into a rich lather all over the hairs to prepare the face for a close, comfortable shave while retaining protection against razor glide and irritation. Find more information here on why you need shaving cream and the differences between gels and shave foams.
  3. Check for Dull Blades. Check lubrication strips; if they appear faded or worn down, or if the blades seem to pull at your hair as if dull, it’s probably time for a new cartridge.
  4. Shave With Light, Gentle Strokes.
    Take soft, light strokes, letting the razor do the work.
  5. Rinse Your Blades Often.
    Rinse your blades often. Do not shave without cream or over the same spot, as this irritates. Tapping your razor against the sink can seriously damage the precisely engineered parts of your razor.
  6. Shave Both With and Against the Grain. So, against or with the grain? Both. Facial hair grows in completely every direction, so at different points, you should be shaving both with and against the grain. And the way that you shave should be the direction that is most comfortable for you. An advanced multi-blade razor like ProGlide Shield will help you get a comfortable shave even against the grain.
  7. Edge with the Precision Trimmer works great for areas that are hard to reach, such as under the nose.
  8. After drying your skin by patting it with a soft towel, apply an emulsion-like after-shave lotion and rub it in to enable your skin to feel soft and comfortable.

You Have Just Mastered How to Shave Your Face!

The Zenith Spectrum Skincare Routine

CHARCOAL FACE WASH by Zenith Spectrum
Step 1:

Cleansing with Charcoal Face Wash

Begin your routine with our Charcoal Face Wash, designed to deeply cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Perfect for all skin types, it effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities, setting a clean foundation for the next steps.

EXFOLIATING FACE SCRUB by Zenith Spectrum Men´s skin care.
Step 2:

Exfoiliating with a Face Scrub

Two to three times a week, follow up with our Exfoliating Face Scrub. This step is crucial for removing dead skin cells, promoting cell renewal, and preparing the skin for better absorption of subsequent products. Our scrub is formulated with natural charcoal to detoxify and rejuvenate your skin.

RECOVERY FACE SERUM By Zenith Spectrum | 30 ml Bottle and Box
Step 3:

Hydration with Recovery Face Serum

After cleansing and exfoliating, apply our Recovery Face Serum to hydrate and repair the skin. This lightweight, potent formula penetrates deeply to deliver hydration and active ingredients, promoting a smoother, firmer complexion.

COMFORT FACE CREAM by Zenith Spectrum | 50ml | 1.69 fl. Oz
Step 4:

Moisturizing with Comfort Face Cream

Lock in the moisture with our Comfort Face Cream. Designed for daily use, it provides long-lasting hydration and protection against environmental stressors. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves your skin soft, supple, and ready for the day ahead.

COMFORT FACE CREAM by Zenith Spectrum | 50ml | 1.69 fl. Oz
Step 5:

Protecting with Daily Protect SPF50

Never skip the sunscreen. Our Daily Face Protect SPF50 offers high-level protection against UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature aging and skin damage. Lightweight and non-greasy, it's the perfect final step for your daytime routine.

COMFORT FACE CREAM by Zenith Spectrum | 50ml | 1.69 fl. Oz
Optional to 5:

3 in 1 Face Cream for Night Use

For night-time care, consider our 3 in 1 Face Cream. It works overnight to nourish, repair, and rejuvenate your skin, combining the benefits of multiple products in one.

ZENITH SUPPLEMENTS FOR MEN
Crafted with Nature, Perfected by Precision
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