The Key Differences Between Men’s Skin and Women’s Skin

A few years ago, I made a TikTok talking about the differences between men’s skin and women’s skin. The video went viral and I was opened to a world of opinion I didn’t know existed.

Many people assumed that my men’s product line and women’s product line was simply based off scent preference… but it went a lot deeper than that. Our masculine scents are carefully formulated to linger & are activated more with heat than our feminine scents. 

While some people appreciated the information.

Others got very upset…. 

The interesting thing is that many people thought I was making a social or political statement when I was actually discussing biology and skincare.

When I talk about men’s skin versus women’s skin, I’m referring to the biological differences that occur after puberty due to hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. These hormones influence everything from oil production to skin thickness, collagen levels, and how the skin ages over time.

Understanding these differences isn’t about saying one is better than the other. It’s about understanding what your skin needs so you can care for it more effectively.

Let’s dive into what actually happens.

What Changes During Puberty?

Before puberty, the skin of boys and girls is remarkably similar.

Once puberty begins, hormone levels start influencing the skin in different ways. Testosterone increases in biological males, while estrogen and progesterone become the dominant hormones in biological females.

These hormonal shifts create noticeable differences that continue throughout adulthood.

Men’s Skin Is Typically Thicker

One of the biggest differences is skin thickness.

Men’s skin is generally about 20–25% thicker than women’s skin due to higher levels of testosterone. This means the skin structure is denser and often appears firmer.

The thicker structure can help men’s skin resist some visible signs of aging early on, but it doesn’t make it immune to skin concerns.

Men Produce More Oil

Testosterone stimulates the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil.

As a result, men typically have:

• Larger pores
• Increased oil production
• A greater tendency toward acne and congestion
• More facial shine throughout the day

While that extra oil can sometimes help keep the skin looking youthful, it can also lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.

Men Often Need More Moisture Support Than They Realize

This is the part that surprised many people on TikTok.

When I said men often need more moisture, I wasn’t saying their skin is naturally drier than women’s.

In fact, many men have oilier skin.

What I meant is that men’s skin frequently experiences moisture loss due to daily shaving, environmental exposure, outdoor work, and using harsh cleansers that strip the skin.

Shaving acts as a form of exfoliation, removing not only facial hair but also a layer of skin cells. Over time, this can compromise the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling irritated or dehydrated.

That’s why many men benefit from nourishing products that help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.

Women Experience Faster Collagen Loss Over Time

One area where women often face a unique challenge is collagen.

Collagen is the protein responsible for helping skin maintain firmness, elasticity, and structure.

Interestingly, men actually tend to have a higher collagen density throughout much of adulthood. However, women experience a more rapid decline in collagen production as estrogen levels decrease with age.

This becomes especially noticeable during perimenopause and menopause.

As collagen levels decrease, women may notice:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Loss of elasticity
• Thinner-feeling skin
• Increased dryness

Because of this, many women focus on ingredients and lifestyle habits that help support healthy collagen production and protect existing collagen.

Women’s Skin Is More Influenced by Hormonal Fluctuations

Women’s skin often changes throughout the month in response to hormonal shifts.

Many women notice periods of:

• Increased sensitivity
• Breakouts
• Dryness
• Changes in oil production
• Redness or irritation

This hormonal variability means skincare needs can change depending on the stage of the cycle and season of life.

So Which Skin Type Has It Better?

The answer is neither.

Men and women simply face different challenges.

Men often deal with excess oil, enlarged pores, shaving irritation, and barrier damage.

Women often navigate hormonal fluctuations, increased sensitivity, and more significant collagen loss with age.

Neither is superior. They’re simply different.

And understanding those differences can help us make better skincare choices.

Product Spotlight: Pine Tar + Tallow Bar

One of our favorite bars for supporting both men’s and women’s skin is our Pine Tar + Tallow Bar.

Pine tar has been used for generations to help calm skin that feels dry, itchy, irritated, or exposed to the elements. Many people reach for pine tar products when dealing with rough skin, poison ivy exposure, seasonal dryness, or outdoor work.

We pair that traditional ingredient with nourishing tallow to create a bar that cleanses effectively while helping support the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Why Men Love It

• Helps cleanse excess oil without over-drying
• Supports skin after shaving
• Leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped
• Great for hardworking hands, beards, and body care

Why Women Love It

• Gentle cleansing for sensitive skin
• Rich, creamy lather
• Helps support dry or irritated skin
• Nourishes while cleansing

At the end of the day, healthy skin isn’t about following trends or trying to fit everyone into the same box.

It’s about understanding your skin, respecting its biology, and choosing products that help it thrive.