There are distinct differences between male and female skin, and just as well because men have been blessed with more robust, oily skin that arguably requires less meticulous care than that of their female counterparts.
In this article, Nikki O'Dwyer, Head of Spa at Heartwood, discusses why men’s skincare needs are unique and how to meet them.
Thicker Skin
Male skin is about 20-25% thicker than female skin with a tougher texture. It also contains more collagen, giving it a tighter, firmer appearance.
Oiliness
Men produce twice as much sebum as women and have more and larger pores, making their skin oilier and shinier. This also makes them more prone to congestion and less prone to dryness.
Aging Process
Due to higher collagen density, male skin ages more slowly than female skin, making a woman’s skin appear about 15 years older than a man’s of the same age from around mid twenties.
Facial Hair
Shaving can strip the skin of natural oils and cause irritation, necessitating after-shave care and moisturisation.
Despite the differences in our skin, the basic elements of an effective skincare regime remain the same for both men and women. Men can benefit from regular facial treatments and a tailored skincare routine to maintain optimal skin health.
Simplicity
Men typically prefer skincare routines that are straightforward and time-efficient. Products that work effectively overnight are ideal, allowing men to maintain their skin with minimal effort. Simple routines reduce the likelihood of skipping steps and ensure consistent use, which is key for effective skincare.
Mattifying Products
Due to higher sebum production, men often have oilier skin. Mattifying products help control excess oil and shine, keeping the skin looking fresh throughout the day. These products are particularly beneficial in preventing clogged pores and reducing the risk of acne and other skin issues related to excessive oiliness.
Regular Facials or Facial Massages
Regular facials or facial massages can significantly improve skin health by deep-cleaning pores, exfoliating dead skin cells, and boosting circulation. These treatments help maintain a clear, healthy complexion and can be tailored to address specific skin concerns such as irritation from shaving or signs of aging. Incorporating professional skincare treatments into a routine enhances the overall effectiveness of home care products.
This specialised facial treatment is designed to address the unique skincare needs of men, particularly those with facial hair. The Man Facial + Beard Treatment includes a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and hydration tailored to thicker, oilier male skin.
Indian Sandalwood Back Massage
The Indian Sandalwood Back Massage is a soothing and rejuvenating treatment focused on relieving tension and stress in the back. Utilising the calming and anti-inflammatory properties of sandalwood oil, this massage helps to ease muscle tightness and promote relaxation.
The Heartwood Signature Massage is a comprehensive full-body treatment that combines various massage techniques to provide a deeply relaxing and invigorating experience. Tailored to individual needs, it can address specific areas of discomfort or stress.
The Indian Head Massage is a traditional treatment that focuses on the head, neck, and shoulders, areas where tension often accumulates. This massage helps to relieve stress, improve concentration, and promote a sense of calm and balance.
Put the bar soap you bought for $2.99 at the supermarket down. The Saya Cleansing Gel is a pH-balanced formula which effectively and deeply cleanses the skin, removing SPF, bad bacteria and impurities, ensuring the complexion remains balanced and hydrated, morning + night.
It’s formulated for your face but can be used all over, so you don’t need to worry about fumbling around with multiple products in the shower.
Heartwood Royal Revival Indian Sandalwood Hydration Serum
She’s a lightweight, but certainly packs a punch! The Royal Revival Indian Sandalwood Hydration Serum can be used day and night, working effectively to prevent trans-epidermal water loss and oxidative stress to restore stronger, brighter, visibly quenched, soothed and radiant skin.
Heartwood Indian Sandalwood Face Oil
Heartwood face oils are used before your moisturiser and, as the name suggests, they’re made purely of oil—no water—so they can penetrate the outer layers of skin more effectively and provide a barrier which protects you from pesky things like UV damage, pollution and dehydration.
The Heartwood Indian Sandalwood Face Oil is the perfect face oil for men thanks to its subtle woody scent, lightweight consistency and high antioxidant content.
Sodashi Mankind Sleek Moisturiser
A non-greasy moisturiser, it works throughout the day to firm, heal and refine the skin, and counter the effects of daily shaving. A blend of natural cold pressed Avocado, Macadamia and Hazelnut oils with extracts of Frankincense and Sandalwood, it is packed with antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E and is deeply nourishing and calming.
Heartwood Royal Oil Body + Hair
The key to a brilliantly healthy beard, this multi-purpose oil helps to improve beard growth and doubles as a perfume. Royal Oil Body + Hair delivers the radiance and scent of our Best-Selling Royal Oil Brightening Serum, in a modified blend of complex botanicals, resins, and nut oils specially designed to scent and nourish the body and hair.
Rohr Remedy Desert Lime Body Moisturiser
When your skin starts to feel a little dry, don’t go whacking any old moisturiser on it. You want one free from damaging ingredients and you might as well get one that smells bloody good too.
Enter Rohr Remedy’s Desert Lime Body Moisturiser. Full of desert lime and kelp, this little potion is high in vitamin C and is perfect for after sun-care.
Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen: Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Add this natural sunscreen to your skincare routine and hydrate, nourish and protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays without any chemical filters or synthetic ingredients.
A non-whitening, physical sunscreen with 19% Micro-Zinc, this formula creates a protective barrier on the skin and is designed for quick and easy rub-in to delicate facial skin.
Thought you were stuck with those bumpy thighs and bums for life? Think again. Get your hands on the Saya Coffee Scrub and get working.
Coffee grounds exfoliate and invigorate your skin while the shea butter and coconut oil leave you moisturised before you’ve even stepped out of the shower. If you like the smell of coffee, you’re going to froth on this.
We’re willing to bet your current shaving cream doesn’t come chock-full of soothing and cleansing ingredients like quandong, desert lime, wattle seed and Tazman pepper, right?
Well, Hunter Lab’s delicious citrus-scented shave foam is packed with botanicals that will soften hair while soothing and hydrating your poor ravaged skin, plus the self-foaming lather will allow you to get a nice close shave without clogging up your razor. The slick AF matte black packaging doesn’t hurt either.
