Which would you guess? Well, if you guessed fiction you would be correct: the skin of the two sexes is considerably different, affecting how each should be treated during cosmetic procedures.
Here are some of the key differences:
1. Men’s skin is thicker than women’s skin.
That’s due to the increased testosterone production men undergo as they hit puberty, nearly 10 times more than women. Although the skin is roughly 25 percent thicker, men have less fat and more muscle mass in their faces than women.
2. Male skin is firmer than female skin.
Men have more collagen and elastin in their skin, and because of this characteristic, they tend to show signs of photoaging later than women do. On the flip side, it also means they tend to be less diligent about protecting their skin from the sun.
3. Men’s skin is oilier than women’s skin.
This is one of the reasons men tend to suffer from acne problems long after women have outgrown the nuisance—men produce more sebum (oil) than women after puberty.
More and more men are embracing the benefits of noninvasive facial rejuvenation; in fact, every major category of nonsurgical cosmetic treatment for men rose in 2012, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). It’s vitally important that these differences in the skin be taken into account when developing a treatment strategy, so men seeking help for aging skin should be sure to consult with experienced practitioners who understand these differences.
For example, because of the increased muscle mass under the skin, male patients need more BOTOX® than females to get a smooth brow and relaxed worry lines. Because of the extra collagen in their skin, men may also have more swelling after certain cosmetic treatments or surgery.
Not only is the skin itself different, but men have heavier features than women, with a prominent brow, a strong jawline, and full eyelids. Care must be taken to preserve these male characteristics when planning a cosmetic treatment; for instance, dermal fillers must be administered with skill to avoid a feminine result. This same consideration is equally important when men opt for a cosmetic surgery, too.
Are you surprised at these differences? Well, after all, men are from Mars, right? But that doesn’t mean that they should neglect their thicker, tougher skin. Exhibit A is daily sunscreen use—it is just as important for men as women. Even though the effects of photoaging may take longer to manifest, sun exposure will take its toll eventually and the skin will show signs of damage, including lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues.
Men understand the importance of a youthful, vital look in the workplace, and the specialists in our Laser & Skin Care Clinic understand it, too. We offer a full array of nonsurgical procedures that we can tailor to male skin. If you feel that a more comprehensive surgical approach might help you recapture your youth, one of our board certified plastic surgeons can discuss those options with you as well. Come in for your free consultation!
