Have you ever wondered why men often seem to have clearer skin, while many women struggle with acne or dryness, even after following detailed skincare routines? According to dermatologist Dr. Aanchal Panth, the reason lies in biology and hormones.
Men’s skin is naturally thicker than women’s, which provides better protection from environmental damage. It's about 25% thicker and contains more collagen, a protein that keeps skin strong and firm. Men also have larger sebaceous glands, which produce more oil. This extra oil keeps their skin moisturized, reducing dryness and the appearance of wrinkles.
Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology supports this, highlighting that men typically have higher sebum production due to their larger sebaceous glands.
Dr. Aanchal explains that men’s skin is thicker, so they have larger sebaceous glands, which is why they tend to get more blackheads on their noses compared to women. Additionally, facial hair acts as a natural cover-up, helping hide pimples and acne scars. When men grow a beard, it covers any acne or scars in that area, she says, making their skin appear smoother.
Women face different skincare challenges due to constant hormonal fluctuations, such as during their menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can make the skin oilier or more sensitive, leading to acne breakouts.
Research published in Dermatologic Clinics highlights that hormonal shifts can increase oil production and skin sensitivity, contributing to acne flare-ups in women.
As the hormones of women shift, the skin of women reacts differently. This doesn’t happen to men, Dr. Aanchal explains. These hormonal changes mean women’s skin requires more care to maintain balance. When estrogen levels drop, women’s skin can become drier and more prone to acne and other problems.
Many people believe that using more skincare products will help, but Dr. Aanchal warns that too many products can actually harm the skin. Using too much makeup or skincare can disturb the skin’s natural balance and damage the skin barrier, she says.
Here are some simple tips to keep your skin healthy:
Keep It Simple: Stick to a basic routine. You don’t need lots of products.
Watch Your Hormones: Notice how your skin changes during your menstrual cycle and adjust your routine if needed.
Don’t Overdo It: Using too many products can irritate your skin. Less is more!
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Cover-Up Tricks: While men can hide skin imperfections with facial hair, women can achieve clear skin with a simple, balanced routine.
Men’s thicker skin, larger oil glands, and facial hair give them a natural advantage when it comes to having clear skin. Women, however, have to manage their skin through hormonal changes, which can complicate matters. By keeping skincare routines simple and adjusting for hormonal shifts, women can still maintain healthy, glowing skin. Dr. Aanchal’s key advice? Don’t overdo it—stick to the basics for the best results.
Zouboulis, K. E. H. (2014). Sebaceous gland. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Dinh, Q. H., et al. (2018). Hormonal modulation of acne. Dermatologic Clinics.