Should you secretly use your girlfriend’s or wife’s cosmetic products? No. A man’s skin is dramatically different than a woman’s and requires specialized men’s skincare and grooming products.
Structurally Different
Men’s skin is 25% thicker than women’s thanks to testosterone. This is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because your structural skin base is stronger, thus a lot less susceptible to wear and tear (aging) than a woman’s skin. Why do you think men gracefully age much better (the ones who take care of their skin that is) than women after the age of 25? Many men, well into their 40’s, still have incredibly sharp skin, while most women do not. It’s a curse because this means you need much more powerful men’s skin care and grooming products as women’s products are formulated for their delicate, thin skin.
Men also have higher collagen density than women. This is a good thing. Collagen is the structural protein that makes up skin. This is also a big reason why men’s faces hold up better over time.
Your Oil Patch
Due to testosterone, you produce significantly more sebum than women. Sebum is oily, waxy matter that lubricates and waterproofs your skin. This is what causes a man’s face to be more prone to oily skin, acne, clogged pores, and other skin issues. Even men in their 30’s and older need to be vigilant against the buildup of clogged pores. Women’s skin care products are traditionally not meant to combat skin that is more prone to being oily, so a good men’s skin care product will be able to keep your skin more clear.
Your Facial Hair
Sometimes, or perhaps most mornings, you curse for having to shave your face. The ability to grow a beard actually benefits you in many ways. Your facial hair follicles give your skin a stronger structure, thus preventing wrinkles and lines from forming as easily. If you choose to shave, you also naturally exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells that can clog pours and collect dirt and oil. Women’s facial skin care products are not meant to deal with whiskers and thick hair follicles. How many bearded women have you seen walking around lately?
The Bottom Line
The next time you think about swiping your girl’s products, remember you’re cutting your skin short on the benefits men’s skin care products offer. Another important thought is that her face moisturizer probably costs twice as much as yours would and you’re going to pay for it one way or another. Just buy your own!
