Why don't women have amazing skin compared to men?

[ilovemincepies24]

Like many women I buy various skincare products. Cleansers, serums, retinol, eye creams, moisturisers etc. I buy more now I'm in my 30s and starting to see the first signs of ageing.

But most men I know never moisturise and use the same shower gel to wash their body, face and hair. They would think eye cream is something you use when you have an eye infection.

As women tend to use all these beauty products, surely they should look better and years younger than men the same age? But usually, they don't. They look the same age, despite most men using next to nothing in the way of skincare.

I know spf is essential from a sun safety POV and my skin does feel dry if I don't use a moisturiser. And of course, skin should be cleansed to remove make up etc.

Are we being conned - Does skincare actually do anything?

In our case it’s mostly genetic, but my boyfriend has beautiful skin. I look after my skin but I have a few clinical skin issues which make it very challenging.

He’s a pro sportsman so spends a lot of time in the sun.

I know lots of men with bad skin, and lots of men who moisturise. Skin is varied. I also know a few women who wear a lot of make up and their skin is perfect and they swear by the extra protection, especially the spf.

My skin was far nicer once I passed menopause - hormones, of course, but I also just quit elaborate skincare routines which I suspect made things worse. I now just clean with oil and a warm flannel, then more oil, plus SPF. For make up, Jones Road foundation balm, Jones Road miracle balm and mascara.

Estée Lauder famously said of her eponymous brand 'we make cremes and sell dreams'

Simples.

Recently we were without hot water for 10 days so I just had a quick wash in the sink every day. My skin got so much better especially my legs which are usually dry and need moisturiser. I suspect most of our daily routines are actually worse for our skin.

I am 52 and a fan of expensive skin care and regular facials. I have infinitely better skin than any man I know of my age.

Coz we put loads of shite on our faces and men generally stretch it to water and soap

Maybe under forty odd! I don’t know a single man in his late forties upwards who looks better than a women of the same age who has used even a modest amount of skincare and, in particular, sunscreen over the years.

The preventative benefits as you age of using and having used sunscreen - even just a daily splodge of face cream with SPF applied in the morning - on one’s face and neck shouldn’t be underestimated. Lots of men have rough looking skin, enlarged pores and redness/ broken capillaries- a ‘weathered’ look if you like - as they move into their fifth decade. Not that many don’t look great on it of course - but somehow - and unfairly - I think weathered looking women of the same age don’t look as good.

My skin looks way better than DH's, and I regularly get asked what I use, so I think I'll stick to my (not expensive or arduous) skin care.

The trouble with these threads is they attract all the 'I've only ever used soap and water and I have no wrinkles at 70' posters. That doesn't mean the same would apply to all of us.

At the times where I've been forced to pare my routine right back, my skin looked and felt much worse.

@@ilovemincepies24 · Yesterday 20:33

Like many women I buy various skincare products. Cleansers, serums, retinol, eye creams, moisturisers etc. I buy more now I'm in my 30s and starting to see the first signs of ageing.

But most men I know never moisturise and use the same shower gel to wash their body, face and hair. They would think eye cream is something you use when you have an eye infection.

And therein lies your problem. You use far too much cleanser, eye creams, face creams, moisturisers, serums etc. I have NEVER used face creams or moisturisers, or anything on my face, and never worn much make up. Result: beautiful skin, almost flawless. Look 5-7 years younger than my age, barely a wrinkle or line - at nearly 60.

My skin is as good as - if not better than my DH.

I agree. I’ve only ever used soap on my face. I’ve never used moisturiser, never mind anything else. I’m 50, and have no wrinkles. The current trend of expensive beauty products for little girls will only make it worse.

I read a funny thing last year where a woman had used moisturiser on her face for 60 years, every single night.

She was wondering why the skin on her right hand wasn’t any better than her left hand because that’s the hand she used to rub it in and it was identical to the un-moisturised hand.

She thought it was all a con job and is probably right.

Because all those products are unnecessary. I just wash my face in the shower, saving myself both time and money!

I'm over 60 and regard my face as just something to look out of. I've never worn make up and never gone in for creams and potions and, apart from some pigmentation, I look like every other over 60s woman I meet. We all want to believe we look better/younger than we are and the more we spend the better we persuade ourselves we look.

I'm cheap and cheerful and look it.

It’s just a gimmick all these face creams etc. I use nothing. I wash my face in water and shower gel when in the shower. Plain water at other times. I occasionally moisturise. My skin is good.

I am the same age as DH. His skin is way older looking than mine.

The beauty and fashion industry is all one big con that Women continue to fall for.

@Anonym00se

No frown lines?

Is this medication or a product if you don't mind me asking? Been having trouble with my skin lately so wondering if this could help.

I think most skin care products are a bit of a con. I have always had slightly oily skin: bad when a teenager, good for aging.
If there is a difference in men and women’s skin then it is probably down to hormones.

Most much older men look much older than their partners though. Men can start to look almost elderly and the wives still dress well and have nice hair and make up. It probably doesn't make too much difference till you get particularly old. Mind I've never been one for too much skincare and don't get dry skin. No wrinkles yet (touch wood) and I'm early 40s

It’s biology.

Exactly.
Never heard such a statement.
The number of males around me, same age or younger, looking significantly worse for wear....

Nice hair cut, well dressed etc… certainly make a difference on good you look (and how young).
Nothing to do with skincare though.

Does skincare actually do anything?

Yeah, it makes your skin worse. Your skin needs to breathe, and instead people smother it with all kinds of crap. Nothing has touched my face other than soap, water, and sun cream, and I've got great skin compared to almost everyone my age.