Myths about men’s skin you shouldn’t believe

Learn about 4 common myths surrounding men’s skin and some recommendations for caring for it after summer and throughout the rest of the year.

Because men’s skin is generally thicker, it is sometimes assumed to tolerate summer conditions better and therefore require less care. This can lead to underestimating not only the effects of solar radiation, but also other factors common during the summer months, such as salt water, chlorine, wind, sand, lack of sleep and changes in lifestyle. More generally, some people also assume that men’s skin is more resistant than women’s skin to ageing and lack of care.

However, this is an oversimplification. Men’s skin has certain anatomical and physiological characteristics that differ from women’s skin, but it can still develop sunburn, photoageing, irritation and skin cancer. It is therefore exposed to many of the same environmental risks throughout the year.

4 myths about men’s skin

Some of the most widespread misconceptions include the following:

1. Men’s and women’s skin are the same

Not exactly. On average, there are anatomical differences between male and female faces. Male facial bones tend to be broader, with more prominent jawlines, foreheads and certain mid-face structures.

Men also generally have a higher proportion of muscle relative to subcutaneous fat in some facial areas. At the skin level, men’s dermis is usually thicker and tends to contain a greater density of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Sebum production is also often higher. These factors can contribute to a greater tendency towards conditions such as acne, folliculitis, comedones and increased skin oiliness.

Men’s skin also tends to contain more collagen, which contributes to its generally thicker and firmer structure. However, this does not mean that it requires less care. The appearance of greater thickness or resilience can sometimes create the impression that men’s skin is less affected by external factors, shaving or ageing, but this is not necessarily the case.

2. Men’s skin is more resistant

This is another oversimplification. Some signs of ageing may appear differently or at a different stage in men compared with women. Because of structural differences in the skin and facial tissues, wrinkles, under-eye changes and loss of facial volume may also develop in different patterns.

Hormonal factors influence these processes. For example, androgens affect sebaceous activity, hair growth and skin structure, while age-related hormonal changes may also influence collagen production and tissue support.

However, men’s skin is still affected by ultraviolet radiation, sunburn, smoking, alcohol consumption, inadequate sleep, poor diet and environmental exposure. Shaving can also add repeated mechanical irritation in some men. Men are therefore not protected from skin ageing or dermatological disease simply because their skin is thicker.

3. Body hair protects the skin from the sun

Only to a limited extent. Dense body hair or a full beard may provide some degree of physical shielding from sunlight, but this protection is incomplete and should not replace appropriate sun protection. Men with dense facial or body hair still need photoprotection according to their skin type, degree of sun exposure and individual risk. This is important both for reducing the risk of skin cancer and for limiting ultraviolet-induced skin ageing.

In areas with dense hair, lighter sunscreen formulations such as gels, fluids or sprays may be easier to apply than very thick creams. Choosing a comfortable formulation may also make regular application and reapplication easier.

4. Men do not look after their skin

This is increasingly outdated. Interest among men in skincare and aesthetic dermatology has grown substantially in recent years.

Historically, however, aesthetic treatments and skincare advice were often developed or marketed primarily towards women. At the same time, some men may have avoided aesthetic procedures because of concerns about unnatural results or changes that did not reflect their facial characteristics.

Greater understanding of male facial anatomy has contributed to a more individualised approach to aesthetic dermatology. At Grupo Pedro Jaén, we have a dedicated Male Aesthetics Unit to address the specific anatomical characteristics, skin concerns and treatment objectives of male patients.

How to care for men’s skin after summer and throughout the year

At the end of summer, the skin may show signs of cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation, heat, salt water, chlorine and other environmental factors. Any treatment plan should therefore be based on an individual dermatological assessment rather than on sex alone.

Depending on the condition of the skin, a dermatologist may recommend exfoliating or resurfacing treatments, such as a superficial chemical peel or fractional laser treatment.

Fractional lasers create controlled microscopic areas of treatment in the skin with the aim of stimulating tissue renewal and collagen remodelling. They may be used to improve aspects such as skin texture, pigmentation, fine lines or certain types of scarring, depending on the device and indication. The number of sessions required and the recovery period vary according to the type and intensity of treatment. Temporary redness, swelling, flaking or sensitivity may occur after treatment.

During recovery, patients are generally advised to use appropriate skin-repair products and strict photoprotection, following the dermatologist’s instructions.

Laser procedures that increase photosensitivity or the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation are generally planned for periods when intense or prolonged sun exposure can be avoided.

Skin-renewal procedures may also be combined, where clinically appropriate, with other treatments aimed at improving hydration, skin quality or tissue support. The objective should be to achieve balanced and natural-looking results while preserving the patient’s individual facial characteristics.

Finally, the dermatologist may recommend a personalised home skincare routine focused not only on addressing the effects of summer exposure, but also on maintaining the skin barrier and protecting the skin throughout autumn, winter and the rest of the year.

We invite you to share this article about common myths surrounding men’s skin and the importance of caring for it after summer and throughout the year with family and friends who may find it useful.