Men’s Skin Is Different – Why Standard Skincare Doesn’t Work for You

Most people don’t realise that men’s skin is structurally and functionally different from women’s. It’s thicker, has a different composition, and contains higher levels of triglycerides and waxy esters compared to female skin, meaning it ages differently, reacts uniquely to skincare products, and requires optimised treatments. But despite these clear differences, men’s skincare is often an afterthought in an industry overwhelmingly designed around women’s needs.



The Overlooked Gap in Men's Skincare

While there has been an increase in skincare products marketed towards men, the actual formulations and treatment protocols remain largely unchanged from those designed for women. Many products fail to address the higher sebum production, slower skin turnover, and increased likelihood of deeper-set wrinkles that occur in male skin.

But what if you’re a man with dark skin? The situation becomes even more complicated.

Dark Skin, Male Skin—The Double Oversight

If you’re a man with darker skin, your skincare needs become even more neglected. The intersection of male skin physiology and melanated skin biology creates specific challenges that are rarely addressed in mainstream treatments, such as:

✔️ Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Darker skin produces more melanin, making it prone to discolouration after irritation, injury, or poorly executed treatments.

✔️ Increased susceptibility to keloid scarring – Men, particularly those with darker skin, are more likely to develop raised scars from laser treatments, shaving, or even acne.

✔️ Differences in hair growth and follicular structure – Ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and folliculitis are more prevalent in men of colour due to the natural curl pattern of facial hair.

✔️ Underrepresentation in dermatological research – Most clinical studies in skincare and dermatology focus on lighter skin tones, meaning that treatments, ingredient formulations, and recommended regimens are rarely tested for optimal outcomes on darker skin.

Why This Matters

Men with dark skin deserve treatments and skincare protocols that are designed with their unique needs in mind—not repurposed from existing treatments that fail to account for their skin’s distinct biology. Using the wrong treatments can lead to:

❌ Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
❌ Irritation and chronic dryness from poorly formulated products
❌ Ineffective anti-aging strategies that don’t account for deeper-set wrinkles and collagen behavior
❌ Increased risk of breakouts, razor burn, and post-shave irritation

The Solution? Skincare That Actually Works for You

The first step is awareness. The second step is demanding skincare that actually caters to your biology. If you're a man with dark skin, here’s how you can start optimising your skincare routine:

✅ Seek out formulations designed for melanin-rich skin – Ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, and azelaic acid help regulate pigmentation and inflammation without excessive irritation.

✅ Be selective with exfoliation – Over-exfoliation can trigger hyperpigmentation. Opt for gentle enzyme exfoliants or PHAs instead of harsh scrubs or high-strength acids.

✅ Choose the right shaving methods – If you suffer from razor bumps, consider single-blade razors, electric shavers, or laser hair removal options designed for darker skin tones.

✅ Demand better treatment protocols – If you’re seeking professional treatments (lasers, chemical peels, or microneedling), ensure that the provider understands how to safely treat darker skin without increasing hyperpigmentation risks.

Final Thoughts: Your Skin Deserves More

The skincare industry has spent decades catering to one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t actually fit all. It’s time for change. Men’s skin is different. Darker skin is different. And the combination of both requires intentional, tailored care.

If you’ve ever felt like skincare products and treatments don’t seem to work for you—it’s probably because they weren’t designed for you in the first place. But that changes when you start prioritising your unique skin needs and seeking out professionals who understand them.

Because good skincare isn’t just about products—it’s about knowledge, strategy, and getting results that actually work for you.