Is Men’s Skincare Different from Women’s Skincare?

Over the past decade, skincare has become a major focus in self-care routines. It’s even become a trend! And not just for women, but for men as well. As more men enter the skincare conversation and search for their holy grail products, one common question arises: Is men’s skincare different from women’s? 

The short answer? No — and also, yes. 

While there are some biological and lifestyle differences that can affect skincare needs, the core principles of healthy skin remain the same. What matters most is understanding each person’s skin type, concerns and goals.  

The Science Behind Skin

To start, let’s talk about what’s happening under the surface. 

Biologically speaking, men’s skin tends to be thicker — about 25% thicker, in fact — than women’s. Thanks to higher testosterone levels, men also usually produce more sebum (oil), which can contribute to larger pores and more acne-prone skin. 

On the flip side, men’s skin typically has a higher collagen density, which means it may age a bit more slowly than women’s. 

These differences don’t necessarily mean men need completely different skincare products, but they do highlight why customized care matters!  

Skincare Habits and Cultural Norms

Another layer of this conversation is lifestyle and behavior. Traditionally, women have been more likely to follow multi-step skincare routines, while men have leaned toward simpler, more utilitarian approaches (or avoiding it entirely). But that’s changing. 

Men are increasingly investing in their skin, from basic cleansing to advanced treatments like facials, exfoliation and serums. However, the products marketed toward men are often designed with quick use and matte finishes in mind, while women’s products are more likely to focus on hydration and glow. 

Packaging Is Only Skin-Deep 

As an esthetician, it’s important to look beyond the marketing and help clients choose products based on ingredients and results, not packaging or gender labels. For instance, some men are still afraid to seem feminine by purchasing products that don’t loudly proclaim their masculinity. And many women are looking to feel beautiful, not utilitarian — which might make them less likely to try products that feel masculine. 

Are Skincare Products Really That Different?

Here’s the truth: many skincare products for men and women use the same active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, retinol or vitamin C. The real difference lies in how they’re formulated (lighter vs. richer textures), fragranced (or fragrance-free) and marketed. 

This is where professional knowledge comes in. Estheticians are trained to recognize what skin truly needs — and that has much more to do with condition than gender. Even if women tend to have dryer skin, they’re going to need similar care to a man who also has dry skin. It’s about addressing the characteristics of the skin itself, not the person it belongs to. 

A Basic Skincare Routine for Everyone

Whether you’re oily, dry, acne-prone or somewhere in between, this simple routine is a great starting point for anyone: 

• Cleanser (Morning + Night):
  Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and impurities without stripping the skin.
• Moisturizer (Morning + Night):
  Keep your skin hydrated with a moisturizer suited to your skin type — gel-based for oily skin, cream-based for dry skin.
• Sunscreen (Morning):
  SPF is non-negotiable! Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days.
• Exfoliant (2–3 times/week):
  Use a gentle chemical exfoliant like AHA or BHA to slough off dead skin cells and boost radiance. (Gentle physical exfoliation with a loofah or similar is great for whenever you shower — just don’t go too hard.) 

This kind of flexible routine is easy to adapt based on age, lifestyle and skin goals, making it a great tool for estheticians to teach their clients. 

How Estheticians Personalize Skincare for Every Client

Every person’s skin tells a different story, and it’s your job as an esthetician to listen. 

Whether it’s a man with oily, breakout-prone skin or a woman experiencing dryness and sensitivity, a trained esthetician will assess skin texture, tone, hydration levels and more to recommend treatments and products that truly work. 

While there are some more specific considerations (like shaving irritation or hormonal acne), the ultimate goal is the same: healthy, balanced, glowing skin. 

The Future of Skincare is Gender-Inclusive

One of the most exciting trends in skincare is the shift toward gender-neutral and inclusive products. More and more, clients are seeking personalized, science-based care regardless of how they personally identify. This is creating a powerful opportunity for estheticians who are educated, open-minded and ready to serve a different clientele than in years past. 

Turn Your Passion for Skincare into a Career

If you’re fascinated by the science of skincare and love the idea of helping others feel confident in their skin, a career in esthetics might be the perfect fit for you. 

At Xenon Academy, our esthetics program teaches you everything you need to know — from skin analysis and treatment planning to product chemistry and client care. You’ll graduate with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience to build a rewarding career in a growing industry. 

Ready to become the expert your future clients trust?

Connect with our team at Xenon Academy today to schedule a tour, request more info and take the first step toward your dream career.