Men are from Mars, Women from Venus: Does This Difference Apply to the Skin Too?

Men and women are fundamentally, very different. In the words of the renowned comedian Mark Gungor, men’s brains are very different from that of a woman. Men’s brain is very unique. They’re made up of different boxes and men have different compartments for different things. Women’s brain is made up of a big ball of wire and everything is connected to everything and it is driven by energy that we call emotion.

 A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania discovered that men have the ability to think about nothing and still breathe. Needless to say, women have no such powers. Jokes apart, there also exist many similarities between men and women and at the end of the day, we’re all humans who desire the same things, more or less. One such desire is to look presentable. With every passing day, more and more men are ditching the stereotype that makeup and skincare exist only for women. The increasing number of men in female-dominated professions like beauty and makeup is proof of the same. However, we still have a long way to go, because there still exists a lot of stigma around men wearing makeup. Skincare is beating makeup when it comes to the race for men because it is subtler and more effortless. Also, since when is it a crime to look after one’s skin?

The CTM (Cleansing, Toning, Moisturizing) mantra has been catching up rather quickly, especially in men, because of its simplicity. Cleanser/ Ayurvedic Face wash is a wash-off product, most people end up skipping toner, but everyone loves moisturizer, or as the Indians love to call it - face cream or best face cream for men. Some brands have especially dwelled on curating products that are “for men”. It is only fair that you find men googling “best face cream for men” and if you’re one of them, you’ve come to the right place!

Difference Between Men and Women’s Skin

The skin has the same functions in men as well as women: Protection from injuries, sensory reception and temperature regulation, etc. But is men’s skin the same as women’s skin? Not necessarily. On the face of it, one might say there isn’t much difference between men’s skin and women’s skin. However, dermatologically speaking, there are a few notable differences.

Men have a hormone called testosterone. Women's bodies are supposed to create very little testosterone. Men's bodies have about ten times more testosterone than women's bodies. Testosterone drives the building blocks, which makes the men’s skin have more collagen. This makes their skin age slower than women. It is pretty much why we’ve all had a conversation about how men have better skin at least once in our lives.

In addition to this, the skin of men is more sebaceous, making it more greasy. It is for these reasons that acne tends to be worse in men. In some cases, it even lasts longer than that in women. If you look closely, the appearance of the pores on men's skin is a lot bigger than on women's skin. The sebaceous glands along with the general lack of skin care also make men more susceptible to blackheads. And this is where an ayurvedic face wash would become handy.

Understanding what men’s skin needs – Skincare for Men

Before you go on the hunt for the best face cream for men, you need to understand what exactly your skin needs. The beauty and skincare community has been on a boom for a while and there are literally a thousand products claiming to be the best face cream for men. Before falling prey to advertisements, take a look at your skin, decide what it needs and then choose a product that fits your criteria.

Picking a moisturizer or skin brightening cream or best face cream is a tough task. Especially when you are a novice when it comes to skincare. If you choose a wrong product, you wouldn’t get the desired results. The first thing you need to do is to figure out your skin type.

The best way to identify your skin type is to wash your face and not apply any moisturizer or face cream. After an hour or two, if your skin looks and feels dry, you have dry skin. If it looks and feels oily, you have oily skin. If it looks and feels normal, you have normal skin and if certain areas are oily and others are dry/normal, you have combination skin.

Most products mention the skin type they are suitable for. So, the next time you decide to pick the best face cream for men, check if it is suitable to use the same on your skin type.

Can Men Use Skincare Formulated for Women?

While there can be many opinions on this question, leading to a longer discussion, the short answer is yes, men can very well use products that have been formulated for women. Despite the differences, the male and the female skin is pretty similar and performs the same functions for both. Also, most products can be used by both men and women. The products are mostly advertised the way they are (for women) because they are the target audience, as women invest more in beauty and skincare as compared to men. So, men may choose any product they want, without thinking about whether it is “for men” or not.

Products that are specially curated and advertised for men might or might not be very differently formulated than those formulated for women. Most of it is just an advertising gimmick.

Do’s and Dont’s of Best Face Cream for Men

Men mostly like a one-and-done product, which is why they mostly settle for a face cream, not to mention how many times we have wished for one wonder product or best face cream for men  that just solves all our skin issues. While selecting the best product for yourself, keep in mind the following points rather than falling prey to another best face cream for men sham.

1. Do not skip the moisturizer

Remember that you always need a moisturizer or face brightness cream, even if you have extremely oily skin and even if it is summer and you do not feel your skin getting dry or cracking due to the cold winter breeze.

2. Check your skin type before using Best Face Cream for Men

Always buy products that are suitable for your skin type. You are only going to invite trouble if you use a face cream which is meant for dry skin on oily, acne-prone skin. It will over moisturize your face and make your acne worse. Men with normal and dry skin should opt for oil/cream-based formulas whereas men with oily skin should opt for light moisturizers that may be gel/cream based.

3. Always do a patch test before using Best Face Cream for Men

Before applying any product to your face, do a patch test by applying it to the nape of your neck, or your inner arm. Only use the product if your skin does not react to it.

4. Keep it Simple.

Up until two years ago, it was considered cool to have a 12-15 step skincare routine. The beauty gurus/influencers made you feel like you needed all those products and more often than not, we shelled out our money in order to avoid feeling left out and to get flawless skin. Thankfully, the CTM (cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing) trend caught on and we have gone back to using basic products to protect the skin barrier and avoid purging. opt for one moisturizer or face cream and stick to it.

5. Wait for results after using Best Face Cream for Men

Do not expect miraculous results instantly. It takes almost 4 weeks for any product to show significant results so do not ditch a face cream after a week or two because you can’t see visible or notable differences. Trust the process. Switch to another product or face cream only if you do not see any results even after 4-6 weeks of continuous use.

6. Read the Reviews before purchasing Best Face Cream for Men

In case you are buying a product online, take a few minutes to read the reviews people have left. It will save you from buying a product that's not effective.

Best Face Cream for Men

Blue nectar offers life-saving products that are just the right fit for anyone. There are various products that you may pick from the men's section, ranging from best face creams for men to serums to oils, according to your skin type and concerns. However, if you have to pick only one product, because you are on the hunt for the best face cream for men, the Shubhr Night Jasmine and Pachouli Hydrating, Nourishing Repair Cream (Men) is the best pick for you. Suitable for all skin types, this wonderful Best face cream for men contains 16 ayurvedic herbs that give the skin a youthful glow. Jasmine oil gives the skin radiance and keeps the skin moisturized, kumkumadi oil adds a natural glow and helps brighten the skin and almond oil helps the skin with fine lines. It truly is the best face cream for men.

Conclusion

Skincare for men is still a new avenue and it is rather easy to get lost in the sea of products “best face cream for men” available. But it can be a walk in the park if you understand your skin type and its concerns. Rather than falling for a marketing gimmick with good advertising that merely promises to be the best face cream for men, look around, try to find honest reviews, and check its suitability for your skin and its issues. Do not be hung up on the products that claim they are "for men".  All you need is good ingredients and a routine for that glowy skin you desire.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Shubhr Brightening Face Cream and Lightening Cream - Green Apple (Men)

Shubhr Jasmine& Pachouli Nourishing Night Repair Face Cream (Men)