How come men's skin doesn't need a 'skincare regime'?

[ChablisChic]

It occurred to me the other day that most men do little or nothing in the way of skincare - my DH washes and shaves in the morning and that's it. I'm sure many younger men do now use some products, but probably nowhere near as much as most women.

So, how come DH's skin is as good as mine and, having done extensive man-watching (!), I've come to the conclusion that men's skin with no skincare looks the same as women's skin with hundreds of pounds spent on it. Are we just all mugs for the advertising hype?

I accept if you wear a full face of makeup you need to use something to take it off with at bedtime but, beyond that, is it all a waste of time? I know the answer to this really, but I do like slathering on the night cream and believing it's keeping me on the right side of haggard.

[Pootles2010]

Its the removal of make up, thats all. I dont really do much, my face hasnt fallen off yet.

[IhateMagic]

Don't men have thicker skin, which means it wrinkles less easily and has better hydration?? This could well be pure old wives nonsense though. I just use water on mine, and a cheap moisturiser!

[KoalaDownUnder]

I think my skin looks noticeably better (due to religious use of sunscreen and retinol) than most 41-year-old men's skin.

I think men just don't care as much, since society doesn't penalise them as harshly for visible ageing. Men with wrinkles and scars look 'rugged', whereas women with wrinkles and scars look 'haggard'.

[bluesbaby]

Luck of the draw a bit, isn't it? I know men with better skin regimes than me. My OH has to use lots of good cream to keep his skin hydrated or he just flakes all over the place. He's been known to use my face masks when he's got too many spots.
My skin is dry and sensitive so I really can't get away with just water and soap either.

[camelfinger]

I think it's because women generally have more delicate skin, and ruggedness is not considered an attractive trait in women as it is for men. Also, women tend to wear make up. Do hormones have more of an effect on women's skin? I haven't worn makeup for a couple of months and have a men's style lackadaisical attitude to skin care but I am breaking out in spots, whereas DH never gets spots.

[Varya]

I think there are products for men to use on their facial skin but generally they have thicker skin which ages less rapidly....

[MitzyLeFrouf]

I disagree. I often sit opposite men on public transport and mentally create skincare regimes for them. Lots of men who are naturally quite pale but whose skin is now a bit battered and florid.

[ouryve]

DH spends more time on his skin than me, but he has a beard to maintain. He mostly uses after shave balm and occasional moisturiser, but has a tendency to wash his face with whatever handwash is on hand.

He does still get the odd spot and, having never quite completely got rid of teenage acne, they're usually quite klaxon worthy. His back has never been free of them. I get as many spots as he does, but mine tend to be a lot smaller. My big issue is breaking out in a mass of cold sores around my chin and nose if I use anything too harsh on my skin.

[Holowiwi]

Im sure this would explain why women on the relationship board say men 45+ often are not looking too great. Maybe men could do with a skincare regime.

[ChablisChic]

I also wonder whether shaving makes a difference. I did once read that all the facial contortions men do while shaving helps their muscle tone and delays the sagging and wrinkles. I'm sure the Facersize woman would agree!

[flashheartscanoe]

Its because most skincare stuff is just there as something for women to spend their money on. The very idea we 'need a skincare regime' has been made up by the advertisers to sell products. Most men are not bothered about shopping for new products and would rather spend their money on their hobbies.

[BettyRooster]

It's because most shave.

[WorktoLive]

Does anyone need a skincare regime?

I am a woman who doesn't wear makeup and whose sole skincare regime is a quick daily wash with own brand foaming cleanser stuff plus application of cheap SPF15 moisturiser.

I'm currently using Aldi products because it means that I can buy them during grocery shopping instead of needing to make a special trip to Boots or wherever. I look easily 10 years younger than my real age of 41.

It's just something that 'they' have convinced women that they need in order to extract money from them and to occupy their minds in order that they don't think or worry about more important things.

After all, if you spend mental energy on thinking about trivialities such as Clinique vs Clarins, you have less time and energy to think about equal rights for women or being leader of the Labour Party or whatever.

[MitzyLeFrouf]

if you spend mental energy on thinking about trivialities such as Clinique vs Clarins, you have less time and energy to think about equal rights for women or being leader of the Labour Party or whatever.

Oh yes because it's simply impossible to love cosmetics and take an interest in politics and feminism.

Zzzzzzzz.

[MitzyLeFrouf]

No one ever says 'oh you've got an interest in model trains? Bet you have no idea what's going on in Greece'.

[burnishedsilver]

Dhs skin is in dire need of a skincare routine.

[Tophat90]

What Mitzy said...

I have quite enough mental energy to worry about the trivialities of Clinique vs Clarins (Clarins, every time IMHO), equal rights for women and Greece, thanks very much.

Although, to be honest I couldn't give two hoots about who the next leader of the Labour party is...

[ChablisChic]

OK, my OP was obviously a great generalisation, but it does seem to be conditioning rather than requirement that means far more women than men spend money on lotions and potions.

Don't think I'll give them up though - and I still have time to ponder politics et al.

[TinklyLittleLaugh]

My DH is a blue eyed blonde who tans at the drop of a hat. He used to have gorgeous skin. However he is 50 and running and cycling over hills in all weather hasn't done him any favours; he has skin like a stereotypical English farmer, quite florid and weathered. I have taken him in hand and got him on the moisturiser and the sunscreen: he has skin cancer in his family FFS. Also FiL, "Sunscreen is for wimps" has terribly purpley, scaley skin.

[kickassangel]

I just remove eye make up, as that's all I wear, and moisturizer my legs. My skin looks quite a bit younger than 46. But then so did my mums and my gran's.

I think that if you have a problem such as dry skin or acne, then it needs to be looked after, but otherwise skin care is marketing hype. At he other extreme, where actors and models spend significant time and money on skin brushing, extra creams, and the right make up, then it can create that glow, but you have to have good skin to start with.

For most of us, with average type skink and average time/money to spend on it, then healthy food and exercise probably make more different than anything.

[ouryve]

I also wonder whether shaving makes a difference. I did once read that all the facial contortions men do while shaving helps their muscle tone and delays the sagging and wrinkles. I'm sure the Facersize woman would agree!

People selling moisturiser don't agree, though. Remember that one a few years ago suggesting that pulling faces at a baby makes you wrinkled?

[Sallystyle]

if you spend mental energy on thinking about trivialities such as Clinique vs Clarins, you have less time and energy to think about equal rights for women or being leader of the Labour Party or whatever.

Oh screw off with that shit please.

My dh just washes his face with water. His skin is ok. Could be better.

I know my FIL has a skin care regime.

[FrugalFashionista]

Men in my family struggle with eczema, acne and rosacea. They have skincare routines and lots of lotions and potions, plus prescription medication.

[duckwalk]

It's definitely true that men have thicker skin than women, although unsure the mechanics of how this helps. I'd kill for my dh's skin....clear, even skin tone. No dryness or oiliness.

[undermythumb]

I read somewhere that shaving daily acts as exfoliation and thus men who shave are constantly sloughing away dead skin cells, effectively giving themselves a gentle, daily facial.