Men are no strangers to longevity routines, from eating balanced meals to hitting the gym and managing stress. But thereโs one more piece to the longevity puzzle: skincare. After all, your skin isnโt just a surface-level concern; as the body's largest organ, it plays a crucial role in your overall health.Unfortunately, only around half of men use skincare products, and even fewer have a skincare regimen optimized for the longevity of their unique skin.[1]
Men are no strangers to longevity routines, from eating balanced meals to hitting the gym and managing stress. But thereโs one more piece to the longevity puzzle: skincare. After all, your skin isnโt just a surface-level concern; as the body's largest organ, it plays a crucial role in your overall health.Unfortunately, only around half of men use skincare products, and even fewer have a skincare regimen optimized for the longevity of their unique skin.[1]
01
What's The Connection Between Skin Aging and Longevity?
Beyond its role as a barrier against UV rays, pollutants, and pathogens, your skin is a dynamic organ that reflects your internal health. For years, scientists have understood that as skin strength deteriorates with age, the body becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage.[2] However, new research suggests that aged skin may also become a significant source of systemic inflammation that accelerates aging. Aging skin releases harmful compounds like inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) that accelerate the breakdown of skin strength and structure. These compounds begin circulating throughout the body, contributing to systemic inflammation, or โinflammaging.โ[3] This chronic, low-grade inflammation, driven by cellular senescence and environmental stressors, can contribute to major age-related diseases such as Alzheimerโs and heart disease.[2]So, when you neglect the health of your skin, you are skipping an essential part of any science-backed longevity regimen.
01
What's The Connection Between Skin Aging and Longevity?
Beyond its role as a barrier against UV rays, pollutants, and pathogens, your skin is a dynamic organ that reflects your internal health. For years, scientists have understood that as skin strength deteriorates with age, the body becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage.[2] However, new research suggests that aged skin may also become a significant source of systemic inflammation that accelerates aging. Aging skin releases harmful compounds like inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) that accelerate the breakdown of skin strength and structure. These compounds begin circulating throughout the body, contributing to systemic inflammation, or โinflammaging.โ[3] This chronic, low-grade inflammation, driven by cellular senescence and environmental stressors, can contribute to major age-related diseases such as Alzheimerโs and heart disease.[2]So, when you neglect the health of your skin, you are skipping an essential part of any science-backed longevity regimen.
02
How Is Menโs Skin Unique?
Menโs skincare doesnโt have to be complicated, but it does have to be smart and address the unique issues of your skin. Understanding these distinctions is essential for optimizing skin health and overall longevity.
Men Have Thicker Skin
The upper layers of menโs skin, the epidermis and dermis, are about 20-25% thicker than womenโs, primarily due to a higher density of the structural protein collagen.[4] Unlike women, who often see a sudden uptick in skin aging post-menopause, men's thicker skin means they often remain wrinkle-free longer. Sounds like a win, right? Not so fast. While this makes men's skin more resilient against wrinkles and sagging, when these changes occur and collagen production declines, the signs of aging tend to be more pronounced. This means men can often get fewer but deeper wrinkles that are harder to reverse than the wrinkles women experience.[5]
02
How Is Menโs Skin Unique?
Menโs skincare doesnโt have to be complicated, but it does have to be smart and address the unique issues of your skin. Understanding these distinctions is essential for optimizing skin health and overall longevity.
Men Have Thicker Skin
The upper layers of menโs skin, the epidermis and dermis, are about 20-25% thicker than womenโs, primarily due to a higher density of the structural protein collagen.[4] Unlike women, who often see a sudden uptick in skin aging post-menopause, men's thicker skin means they often remain wrinkle-free longer. Sounds like a win, right? Not so fast. While this makes men's skin more resilient against wrinkles and sagging, when these changes occur and collagen production declines, the signs of aging tend to be more pronounced. This means men can often get fewer but deeper wrinkles that are harder to reverse than the wrinkles women experience.[5]
Men Produce More Sebum
Sebum, an oily substance produced in the sebaceous glands of hair follicles, plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and the environment out. Because they produce much more sebum, men tend to have oiler skin.[4] While sebum is essential in maintaining skin health, its overproduction can compromise the skin barrier, enlarge pores, and increase the likelihood of acne. All this can increase skin inflammation and accelerate skin aging if not managed.[6] Higher sebum production often plays a more substantial role during the aging process. Unlike women, whose sebum production falls off more noticeably during menopause, men's sebum production stays relatively level after puberty until their 70s or 80s.[4] This causes older men's skin to have higher levels of trans-epidermal water loss and, thus, dryer, less hydrated skin. It's important to note that while there are sex and age-specific differences in sebum production, skin type often plays a more considerable role in determining the overall strength of the skin barrier.[7]
Men Produce More Sebum
Sebum, an oily substance produced in the sebaceous glands of hair follicles, plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and the environment out. Because they produce much more sebum, men tend to have oiler skin.[4] While sebum is essential in maintaining skin health, its overproduction can compromise the skin barrier, enlarge pores, and increase the likelihood of acne. All this can increase skin inflammation and accelerate skin aging if not managed.[6] Higher sebum production often plays a more substantial role during the aging process. Unlike women, whose sebum production falls off more noticeably during menopause, men's sebum production stays relatively level after puberty until their 70s or 80s.[4] This causes older men's skin to have higher levels of trans-epidermal water loss and, thus, dryer, less hydrated skin. It's important to note that while there are sex and age-specific differences in sebum production, skin type often plays a more considerable role in determining the overall strength of the skin barrier.[7]
Men Have Less Acidic Skin
Did you know menโs skin is slightly less acidic than womenโs? While the difference between women's average skin pH of 5.5 and men's skin pH of 5.8 might not sound extreme, it can change how the skin barrier and the microbiome react to certain products.[4] The skin microbiome thrives in a slightly acidic environment and is needed to fight off disruptive bacteria and pathogens. This makes men more prone to irritation and acne from impurities.[8] It also means that men who use strong alkaline soaps instead of pH-balanced cleansers can disrupt the skin's delicate acid mantle and cause irritation and dryness.
Men Have Less Acidic Skin
Did you know menโs skin is slightly less acidic than womenโs? While the difference between women's average skin pH of 5.5 and men's skin pH of 5.8 might not sound extreme, it can change how the skin barrier and the microbiome react to certain products.[4] The skin microbiome thrives in a slightly acidic environment and is needed to fight off disruptive bacteria and pathogens. This makes men more prone to irritation and acne from impurities.[8] It also means that men who use strong alkaline soaps instead of pH-balanced cleansers can disrupt the skin's delicate acid mantle and cause irritation and dryness.
Men's Skin Is More Sensitive
Despite its thickness, menโs skin is surprisingly sensitive to physical and environmental damage. Perhaps most important is that men's skin produces higher levels of free radicals and higher inflammation in their skin cells while also having a suppressed immune response against these sources of damage.[9,10] This extends to UV damage, where men are two to three times as likely to die from melanoma than women, depending on their age. Itโs not just that menโs skin takes more of a beating from UV rays; some studies suggest that womenโs skin is better at repairing UV damage.[11]Men also have differing habits that can contribute to sensitive skin. Frequent shaving makes your facial skin more sensitive by stripping away the outer layer of skin cells and damaging the skin barrier. Thatโs why, besides razor burn, irritation, and occasional nicks, shaving can cause dryness and inflammation to the already sensitive neck and chin area.[12]
Men's Skin Is More Sensitive
Despite its thickness, menโs skin is surprisingly sensitive to physical and environmental damage. Perhaps most important is that men's skin produces higher levels of free radicals and higher inflammation in their skin cells while also having a suppressed immune response against these sources of damage.[9,10] This extends to UV damage, where men are two to three times as likely to die from melanoma than women, depending on their age. Itโs not just that menโs skin takes more of a beating from UV rays; some studies suggest that womenโs skin is better at repairing UV damage.[11]Men also have differing habits that can contribute to sensitive skin. Frequent shaving makes your facial skin more sensitive by stripping away the outer layer of skin cells and damaging the skin barrier. Thatโs why, besides razor burn, irritation, and occasional nicks, shaving can cause dryness and inflammation to the already sensitive neck and chin area.[12]
03
Common Skin Longevity Skin Care Practices Men Often Skip
Even though it can be easy to overlook, taking care of your skin is just as important for longevity as many other health practices. Here are some of the most common but crucial longevity-boosting skincare steps that many men often skip:
Cleansing
Letโs face itโsome guys skip washing their face or grab whatever bar soap is lying around. The problem? Those soaps strip your skinโs natural oils, leaving it dry and unprotected without truly cleansing it of the dirt, excess oil, and grime you pick up during your day. Clean skin isnโt just about looking freshโit helps your other skincare products that keep your skin healthy and slow aging work better. For example, PREP, our gentle cleanser, doubles the penetration of our longevity-boosting peptide, OS-01.[13]
03
Common Skin Longevity Skin Care Practices Men Often Skip
Even though it can be easy to overlook, taking care of your skin is just as important for longevity as many other health practices. Here are some of the most common but crucial longevity-boosting skincare steps that many men often skip:
Cleansing
Letโs face itโsome guys skip washing their face or grab whatever bar soap is lying around. The problem? Those soaps strip your skinโs natural oils, leaving it dry and unprotected without truly cleansing it of the dirt, excess oil, and grime you pick up during your day. Clean skin isnโt just about looking freshโit helps your other skincare products that keep your skin healthy and slow aging work better. For example, PREP, our gentle cleanser, doubles the penetration of our longevity-boosting peptide, OS-01.[13]
Moisturizing
Moisturizing might not feel necessary, especially if your skin leans oily, but skipping it could be a big mistake. Skipping this step can actually leave your skin dehydrated and cause it to overproduce oil in an attempt to protect your skin from trans-epidermal water loss.[14] Keeping your skin hydrated helps protect your skin barrier against everyday threats like pollution and UV rays. Plus, it boosts elasticity and vibrancy, making your skin look, act, and feel younger.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing might not feel necessary, especially if your skin leans oily, but skipping it could be a big mistake. Skipping this step can actually leave your skin dehydrated and cause it to overproduce oil in an attempt to protect your skin from trans-epidermal water loss.[14] Keeping your skin hydrated helps protect your skin barrier against everyday threats like pollution and UV rays. Plus, it boosts elasticity and vibrancy, making your skin look, act, and feel younger.
Daily Sunscreen Use
Despite its critical role in preventing premature aging and skin cancer, sunscreen remains one of the most important overlooked steps in many menโs skincare routines. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary driver of photoaging, leading to collagen breakdown, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity.[15] Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate the skin, causing cumulative damage at a cellular level. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is the best way to protect your skin from UV-related damage, significantly slowing the aging process and reducing your risk of skin cancer.Ready to level up your sunscreen game? OneSkinโs mineral-based SPFs, OS-01 FACE SPF, and OS-01 BODY SPF are the key. With 30+ SPF protection, powerful antioxidants, and our longevity-boosting OS-01 peptide, these SPFs are perfect for anyone wanting to take their skin health to the next level.
Daily Sunscreen Use
Despite its critical role in preventing premature aging and skin cancer, sunscreen remains one of the most important overlooked steps in many menโs skincare routines. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary driver of photoaging, leading to collagen breakdown, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity.[15] Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate the skin, causing cumulative damage at a cellular level. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is the best way to protect your skin from UV-related damage, significantly slowing the aging process and reducing your risk of skin cancer.Ready to level up your sunscreen game? OneSkinโs mineral-based SPFs, OS-01 FACE SPF, and OS-01 BODY SPF are the key. With 30+ SPF protection, powerful antioxidants, and our longevity-boosting OS-01 peptide, these SPFs are perfect for anyone wanting to take their skin health to the next level.
Exfoliation
Think exfoliation is just an extra step? Think again. Most men skip this crucial practice, especially under their beards, leading to dry, flaky, or scaly skin. Exfoliation clears away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin smooth. Plus, exfoliation can help improve beard growth by promoting cell turnover and skin health.[16,17]
Exfoliation
Think exfoliation is just an extra step? Think again. Most men skip this crucial practice, especially under their beards, leading to dry, flaky, or scaly skin. Exfoliation clears away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin smooth. Plus, exfoliation can help improve beard growth by promoting cell turnover and skin health.[16,17]
Eye care
The area around the eyes is one of the first to show visible signs of aging as early as your 20s due to its thinner, more delicate structure. Despite this, men often neglect specialized eye care, opting for general moisturizers that fail to meet the unique needs of this sensitive region. The result? Puffiness, dark circles, and crowโs feet that prematurely age your face.[18] Targeted eye creams like OS-01 EYE are formulated with specialized peptides and antioxidants to give your skincare that extra kick needed to strengthen and protect this vulnerable area.
Eye care
The area around the eyes is one of the first to show visible signs of aging as early as your 20s due to its thinner, more delicate structure. Despite this, men often neglect specialized eye care, opting for general moisturizers that fail to meet the unique needs of this sensitive region. The result? Puffiness, dark circles, and crowโs feet that prematurely age your face.[18] Targeted eye creams like OS-01 EYE are formulated with specialized peptides and antioxidants to give your skincare that extra kick needed to strengthen and protect this vulnerable area.
04
How Do OneSkinโs Products Work On Men?
At the heart of OneSkins product development is a focus on creating a simple, science-backed skin care routine that can be picked up by anyone to boost the longevity of their largest organ. By focusing on universal metrics of improvements in skin health like skin barrier function, hydration, and the biomarkers of systemic inflammation and aging, OneSkins skin care protocol is perfect for any man looking to start or augment their skin longevity journey.
04
How Do OneSkinโs Products Work On Men?
At the heart of OneSkins product development is a focus on creating a simple, science-backed skin care routine that can be picked up by anyone to boost the longevity of their largest organ. By focusing on universal metrics of improvements in skin health like skin barrier function, hydration, and the biomarkers of systemic inflammation and aging, OneSkins skin care protocol is perfect for any man looking to start or augment their skin longevity journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Only about half of men use any skin care products, leaving their skin open to premature aging.
- The skin is your body's largest organ; any longevity routine without skin care is incomplete and could mean faster aging and higher risks of major diseases.
- Men's unique skin means it has differing needs and ages differently.
- Men often skip some of the most essential and longevity-boosting parts of their skin care routine, like cleansing, moisturizing, and UV protection.
Key Takeaways:
- Only about half of men use any skin care products, leaving their skin open to premature aging.
- The skin is your body's largest organ; any longevity routine without skin care is incomplete and could mean faster aging and higher risks of major diseases.
- Men's unique skin means it has differing needs and ages differently.
- Men often skip some of the most essential and longevity-boosting parts of their skin care routine, like cleansing, moisturizing, and UV protection.
References
- https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/more-than-half-of-us-men-now-use-facial-skincare-a-68-increase-from-2022/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10248351/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669244/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6116811/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22233134/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3051853/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7574829/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024105804
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8457217/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637423000234
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/melanoma/men-50
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27212465/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537164/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4720453/
- https://www.mydcsi.com/2023/08/28/treating-dry-skin-under-beard/
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(16)00242-5/abstract
References
- https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/more-than-half-of-us-men-now-use-facial-skincare-a-68-increase-from-2022/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10248351/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669244/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6116811/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22233134/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3051853/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7574829/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024105804
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8457217/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637423000234
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/melanoma/men-50
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27212465/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537164/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4720453/
- https://www.mydcsi.com/2023/08/28/treating-dry-skin-under-beard/
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(16)00242-5/abstract
