Are men not allowed to use women's cosmetics?

With the rise of "grooming men"—men who actively take care of their appearance—it is reported that an increasing number of men are purchasing and using women's cosmetics, which offer a wider range of choices than men's products. While in the past, men with sensitive skin frequently inquired about using basic skincare products like women's toners or lotions during dermatological consultations, recently, there is a growing number of inquiries regarding anti-aging functions or how to select color cosmetics.

Is it okay for men to use women's cosmetics? It might be okay, or it might not be. Regardless of gender, one should use products that suit their own skin condition. Men's and women's skin differ in various aspects, including thickness, elasticity, aging patterns, sebum secretion, and the regeneration time of skin cells within the dermis. Even men with fair and clear skin tend to get dirty easily compared to women because they have larger pores and more active sebum production, leading to a buildup of impurities.

Men's skin produces more sebum than women's, while its moisture content is only one-third. For this reason, if nothing is applied after shaving, white flakes of dead skin are often seen. Therefore, sufficient hydration and sebum control are necessary. In particular, frequent shaving causes many large and small micro-cuts, damaging the natural moisture barrier and making the skin prone to becoming dry and dull.

Additionally, because men's skin is about 25% thicker than women's, fine lines do not form as easily; however, once wrinkles begin to appear, they tend to become deep. As men age, the rate at which the epidermal layer thins is much faster. This is why men's skin loses elasticity more quickly than women's. Furthermore, due to excessive drinking, smoking, overwork, and stress, they gradually lose moisture, which accelerates aging.

Men who do not wear makeup do not particularly need double cleansing, but it is recommended if they have used sunscreen. Since men generally have rougher skin textures, a lot of impurities accumulate in their pores, so it is important to always keep the skin clean through cleansing. Recently, the use of colored lotions and BB creams has been increasing.

Men who wear basic makeup should perform a double cleanse using a foam cleanser after using color cosmetics to ensure no residue remains on the skin. This involves a first cleanse with a cleansing gel or lotion, followed by a second cleanse. It is advisable to break the habit of washing your face vigorously until it feels squeaky clean. Excessive dryness can easily lead to wrinkles or increased skin sensitivity.

While there are many causes of skin aging, using sunscreen is practically the only way to prevent it. During consultations, I frequently see patients who avoid using sunscreen because they dislike the stuffy feeling it causes, only starting to apply it after age spots or deep wrinkles have appeared. It is essential to start using sunscreen from a young age to become accustomed to its use and effectively prevent skin aging.

Since aging begins when the skin becomes dry due to a drop in moisture content, you must pay attention to moisturizing care after cleansing. If creams feel heavy due to their oiliness, using a lightweight gel-type hydrating product is a good option. For those in their 40s or older, it is recommended to use eye cream or anti-aging essence on the areas around the eyes and mouth, which are particularly prone to dryness, to prevent wrinkles. Additionally, using an easy-to-use sheet mask about once a week to replenish sufficient nutrients would be beneficial.

/Contributor: Director Seo Dong-hye, Areumdaun Nara Dermatology Clinic


source Are men not allowed to use women's cosmetics? - Your Health Guide Health Chosun (chosun.com)