Does a man's skin contrast enough to require different treatment? Yes and no. Men typically have a thicker dermis and epidermis, higher sensitivity, produce more sebum, and have larger pores than women. Their pH is also more acidic, and they tend to form a greater number of deeper facial lines and hyperpigmentation issues. Additionally, men continually battle a number of skin challenges as a result of shaving (including ingrown hairs, dryness and razor burn). While many of the products and treatments we use today still work on men's skin, those specifically designed for men will be more effective – simply because the formulations and levels are more targeted. For example, since men have thicker skin and beard growth, using a daily toner with acetylsalicylic acid that specifically aims to reduce curvature of the hair to eliminate ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis) will decrease irritations and sensitivities. Before treating a man's skin, it is important to understand how their skin differs and the role testosterone plays. In the epidermis and dermis, it is responsible for increasing the number of granular cells, collagen production and blood flow. With sebaceous glands, testosterone stimulates the production of sebum and toughens hair in the follicle. For any treatment or formula to be effective, it is important that it addresses the sebum, hair and sensitivity factors, as well as the thicker epidermis and lower pH level. Finally, as the incidence of skin cancer continues to grow in the U.S., particularly among men, it is imperative to educate the male clientele on the importance of protecting their skin. Natural blockers like zinc oxide provide good protection as well as skin-fortifying antioxidants to guard against free-radical damage. Fast Facts Ingredients like sake (rice wine), totarol (natural phenal), Rooibos (tea extract), tea tree oil, and salicylic acid work well with men's skin to moisturize, detoxify, regenerate and reduce ingrown hairs, excess oil and skin build-up. Testosterone stimulates the production of sebum and toughens hair in the follicle, which means for any treatment or formula to be effective, it is important they address the sebum, hair and sensitivity factors, as well as the thicker epidermis and lower pH level. Men typically show signs of aging with deep-set wrinkles on the forehead, pronounced lines on the sides of the nose, slackened cheeks, a double chin and thickening of the neck. Rhonda Allison, a pioneer in the skin care industry, is the founder and CEO of Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals and RAW Skin Care for Men. She is also an author and internationally known speaker with more than 30 years' aesthetic experience. www.rhondaallison.com and www.rawmethod.com Pevonia® - Aqua-Gel Foam Cleanser Pevonia® - Aqua-Gel Foam Cleanser Circadia - Vitamin Veil Cleanser Circadia - Vitamin Veil Cleanser De La Terre Skincare® - Herb Rich Mist De La Terre Skincare® - Herb Rich Mist Dermalogica® - Pre-Shave Guard Dermalogica® - Pre-Shave Guard Elina Organics - Distinguished Collection for Men Elina Organics - Distinguished Collection for Men GlyMed Plus® FOR MEN GlyMed Plus® FOR MEN Hydropeptide Cleanse: Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliating Hydropeptide Cleanse: Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliating iS CLINICAL Hydra-Cool Serum iS CLINICAL Hydra-Cool Serum Kyoku's Eye Fuel Kyoku's Eye Fuel Miracle Skin Transformer MEN-SPF 20 Miracle Skin Transformer MEN-SPF 20 Murad Man Murad Man Otter Creek Snake Skin Body Lotion Otter Creek Snake Skin Body Lotion PFB Vanish Chromabright PFB Vanish Chromabright PHYTOMER Facial Control Hydra-Matifying Cream PHYTOMER Facial Control Hydra-Matifying Cream PHYT'S MEN PHYT'S MEN Repêchage® Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser Repêchage® Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser Sothys USA Homme Detoxifying Active Sothys USA Homme Detoxifying Active wilma SCHUMANN Liposome Eye Contour wilma SCHUMANN Liposome Eye Contour View the embedded image gallery online at: https://www.dermascope.com/resources/mens-skin-care#sigProIdd7d6c9b71c Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.