When it comes down to sleeping over his place, the idea of using his products (when you left yours at home!) can be totally tempting. However, unlike our typical skincare goodies, men’s products are made with completely different skincare concerns in mind. To give us the beauty breakdown on how men’s skincare works, we’ve consulted Dr. Adam Geyer, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist, to answer all your burning questions. From differing biological factors, to men’s skincare essentials we totally love, prepare to be schooled in all things men’s skincare right now!

Believe it or not, men and women’s skin differ greatly due to biological factors that are out of our control. For starters, men’s skin is usually thicker due to the fact that it contains more collagen than women’s skin.

“If we look at key physiologic differences dictated by our genetic code, men’s skin is typically thicker with 25% more collagen throughout life. Both sexes experience a similar rate of decrease in the thickness of their collagen (1% per year), but the thickness of a man’s skin remains proportionately thicker throughout life,” explains Adam Geyer.

Collagen aside, other noteworthy differences for men’s skin include a greater production of sebum (leading to inflammatory/non-inflammatory acne and facial pores), sweat (which has a lower pH balance resulting in a dehydrating effect) and hair. With these outlined skincare factors in mind, there’s no real surprise why men products differ greatly than ours.

“Although the active ingredients used to target specific concerns can be similar in skincare products designed for men and women, there are definitely significant differences in the vehicles, texture and concentrations of these ingredients to make them more suitable, functional and appealing for the different sexes.

This goes well beyond a higher alcohol and/or menthol content in men’s products and can include different delivery systems to help actives penetrate through thicker skin as well as inclusion of botanicals and ingredients with greater appeal for men in terms of texture, weight and fragrance,” Dr. Geyer adds.

Despite the fact that using men’s goodies might be handy when you’ve left that favorite moisturizer at home, Dr. Geyer finds that women should really think twice about using their beau’s skincare stash.

“In a pinch, it is usually not a problem to use a men’s product, but I wouldn’t make a habit out of it. Due to the differences between the skin of men and women, skincare companies will often take this into account when developing their formulations for men.

In addition, companies will often recognize that men have a preference for lighter-weight moisturizers and gel-based formulations over thicker creams and heavier night creams, so they produce products with textures and scents designed to appeal to men,” Dr. Geyer concludes.

We may have our peeling gels and hydrating overnight masks, but the latest products for men help keep his (and sometimes our) skin moisturized and totally healthy. Check out our 10 favorites below for some seriously amazing skin.

1. Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle: This Kiehl’s favorite gets that essential shaving job done without any hangups. Plus, it’s made with menthol and camphor. Sosay “buh-bye” to unwanted irritation.

2. Clinique Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer: We all have our moisturizers, so why can’t he enjoy this shine-free and lightweight formula?

3. LUSH Ocean Salt-Self Preserving Face And Body Scrub: Best used before shaving, this heavy-duty sea salt exfoliant is loved by both sexes alike.

4. Daily Concepts Your Stretch Wash Cloth: In need of some shower tools? Treat him to an easy-to-use wash cloth that reaches all those hard-to-reach angles.

5. American Crew Shave Post-Shave Cooling Lotion: Sometimes a shave doesn’t go as well as he’d hoped. That’s why this post-shave cooling gel is crucial for soothing irritated skin.

6. The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Energetic Face Protector: SPF protection is important for both sexes, so make sure he protects his complexion with this skin protector with added SPF 15.

7. Dove Men + Care Clean Comfort Deodorant: This odor-busting pick-me-up makes a great post-gym workout staple.

8. Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser with Kaolin Clay & Volcanic Ash: When he’s in need of a cleanser, treat his skin to this multi-functioning pick, which employs kaolin clay and volcanic ash for smoother, firmer skin.

9. PC4Men Daytime Protect SPF 30: Need some more skin-protecting action? Try this SPF 30-enriched moisturizer, which helps protect and fight off signs of aging.

10. Baxter of California Exfoliating Body Bar: Scrub away dirt and impurities with this exfoliating body bar made with essences of cedarwood and oakmoss.

You can purchase all reviewed and mentioned items using our site, www.BeautyStat.com!

Have you beauties been using your man’s skincare products lately?

Let us know by commenting below (you just might win a free sample)! Make sure to follow us on our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat! #bstat

– Courtney Leiva | Follow Courtney on Twitter @CourtneyLeiva & Instagram @MissCourtneySays

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