Understanding What Sets Male Skin Apart

Just like women’s skin, men’s skin deserves a tailored skincare approach. When it comes to skincare, gender absolutely matters. While every skin is unique, hormonal differences between men and women directly affect its structure and needs.  

To provide men’s skin with truly effective care, it’s essential to understand what makes it biologically different. Let’s take a closer look at the specific characteristics of male skin—and discover which Anne Semonin products are best suited if you're a man.

Men’s Skin: Naturally Thicker

One of the most notable differences between male and female skin is its thickness. Under the influence of testosterone—the primary male sex hormone—male skin averages 60 micrometers in thickness, compared to 50 micrometers in women. This also results from higher collagen density, giving male skin more firmness and resilience.   

Over time, this difference tends to diminish. While men’s skin gradually thins (by around 9% every 20 years), women’s skin retains its thickness longer, thinning at about 3% every 20 years. However, after menopause, a woman’s skin undergoes a significant loss of collagen and density—up to 20% every two decades.

So yes, men’s skin remains denser for longer… but it’s not immune to aging.

Oily by Nature: Male Skin Types

Another key characteristic: men’s skin is typically oilier than women’s. Once again, testosterone is responsible—by stimulating the sebaceous glands, it causes up to twice as much sebum production compared to women. This is especially visible in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), resulting in enlarged pores, shiny skin, and a greater tendency toward blemishes.

This excess sebum provides an ideal environment for microorganisms like Cutibacterium acnes—the bacteria behind acne. As it breaks down the sebum’s triglycerides, it releases pro-inflammatory fatty acids, which inflame the sebaceous glands. The result? Blackheads, red spots, and clogged pores—common in men, especially during adolescence and early adulthood.

How Men’s Skin Ages

Excess sebum might be problematic during youth, but it can become a blessing later in life. Sebum forms a hydrolipidic film that protects the skin, maintains hydration, and reinforces the barrier against external aggressors (cold, wind, pollution). This makes men less prone to dryness—an issue more common in women, especially after menopause.

Moreover, signs of aging tend to appear later in men. Why? Because women experience a sudden drop in estrogen at menopause—an essential hormone for stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. These elements give skin its firmness, elasticity, and ability to retain moisture.

In men, hormone levels decline more gradually, slowing the aging process at first. But when it does set in, the signs can be more abrupt and noticeable—particularly deep wrinkles and skin sagging.

Give Your Skin the Facial It Deserves

At the Anne Semonin Atelier, our facials are perfectly suited to the unique needs of male skin. Three treatments stand out in particular:

• The Made to Measure Facial: Ideal for targeting your skin’s imbalances—hydration, glow, firmness... Everything is customized to meet your specific needs. A 100% personalized and enjoyable experience.
• The Marine Mineral Purifier: Perfect for those looking to regulate excess sebum, tighten pores, and reduce blemishes—without irritating the skin. Skin is balanced, hydrated, and visibly clearer.
• The Instant Jet-Lag Recovery Ritual: A relaxing, plumping, and rebalancing treatment designed to release tension and regenerate the skin. The result? A refreshed, glowing face and a soothed complexion.

Treat yourself to a moment of deep relaxation—and a visible boost from the very first session. Discover our full range of facial now.

The Perfect Skincare Routine for Men at Home

Your skin needs daily care—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple, effective routine with these five Anne Semonin essentials is all it takes:

• Oligo Cleansing Gel (90% natural-origin ingredients)
  A gentle gel that deeply cleanses impurities and excess oil without drying the skin. It purifies and detoxifies for a fresh, clear, and radiant complexion.
• Marine Toner (98% natural-origin ingredients)
  Rich in trace minerals, this toner awakens and tones the skin while strengthening its barrier. It softens, mattifies, and helps reduce blemishes. Also ideal as a soothing aftershave.
• Tissue Serum (96% natural-origin ingredients)
  A hydrating and revitalizing concentrate that enhances skin radiance and firmness. It helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and works wonders on puffiness and dark circles.
• Marine Emulsion (92% natural-origin ingredients)
  This lightweight yet nourishing unisex emulsion protects the skin and maintains its balance. It calms irritation and brightens the complexion.
• Balancing Intensive Complex (97% natural-origin ingredients)
  A nighttime treatment ideal for oily, congested, and blemish-prone skin. It targets shine, regulates sebum, evens the complexion, and helps restore clear, healthy-looking skin—a must-have in your travel kit.

You’ll love how light this routine feels—especially in summer. 

Is it time to take better care of your skin? Because men’s skin deserves attention too—and the right skincare to match. Book your facial at the Anne Semonin Atelier today, or treat yourself to a routine tailored to your needs.

*The naturality percentage corresponds to the amount calculated on the ISO 16128-1 and ISO 16128-2 standard. Water percentage included. The remaining % contribute to the formula's performance, sensory appeal and stability.

Sources : 

The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density (1975)

Gender-linked differences in human skin (2009)

The dynamic anatomy and patterning of skin (2016)

Sex hormones and acne (2017)

Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know (2018)