Skin Care 101: Difference between Male and Female Skin Care

Tuesday, 2010-03-09

Men are from Mars, Women are From Venus

Though the questions of the differences between the genders are often the subject of debate, one fact holds true – men and women have different skin properties.

Even though each person has a unique skin makeup, there are general aspects to male and female skin.

Key Differences:

Skin Thickness

The skin is a “hormone sensitive organ.” Thus, since men are ruled by testosterone and women are ruled by estrogen, it plays a major role in the makeup of a man and woman’s skin.

Male skin is thicker than female skin. Thus, they are less vulnerable to damage from the sun. Men also have more elastin and collagen. Thus, compared to women, men are less susceptible to ageing.

Aging

However, though the thickness of male skin helps protect them from ageing, it does not last forever. Men’s skin grows thinner as they age, while women’s remain relatively constant throughout their older years.

Nerve Fibers

Men have about 50% less nerve endings than women, making them less sensitive to pain.

Delicate

However, male skin, surprisingly, is much more delicate than a woman’s. This is due to male shaving, which strips off the hydrolytic film on the skin’s surface, making it more prone to irritation and skin issues.

Sebaceous glands, oil and pores

Men have smaller sebaceous glands (oil glands). However, men also have oiler skin than women due their thicker skin and produce sebum for much longer. Women’s skin on the other hand, decreases oil production as they age.

Men also have larger pores (for oil and hair) which make them more susceptible to acne, blackheads, ingrown hair (from shaving incorrectly) and outbreaks.

Care Tips:

For Men

  • Use facial scrubs to get rid of dirt, grease and clogged pores. – Invest in a quality shaving kit (shaver/razor, foam, foam brush, aftershave).
  • Use a gentle aftershave and remember to moisturize afterwards lightweight products such as Diana Stalder’s His Facial Lotion.
  • To sooth irritated skin (or merely maintain soft and supple skin) try Diana Stadler’s Oatmeal Beauty Bar.
  • Though male skin is thicker, always use an oil-free sunscreen such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel, which is specially formulated for oily skin.
  • Begin an anti-ageing regimen – moisturize/anti-wrinkle cream in the forehead, jowls and around the mouth (smile/frown lines) which are where male wrinkles are most prominent.
  • Get a facial 1 to 2 times per week or you can also give yourself one by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser (using a washcloth and cleaning in a circular motion) to push out deep-seated dirt and oil.

For Women

  • Invest in anti-wrinkle/anti-ageing treatments even in your twenties.
  • Use an oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream.
  • Exfoliate skin regularly
  • Use gentle cleansers or products without any harsh ingredients such as the Diana Stalder Clean and Tone Lotion.
  • When using wrinkle creams, concentrate on the eye, mouth areas as well as the spot between the eyebrows since these locations are where female wrinkles are the most prominent. For evening care, try the Diana Stalder Nourishing Creme which exfoliates dead skin cells and maintains its elasticity. For daytime care, the Diana Stalder SBF Collagen Cream (SPF 30) helps protect skin from sun damage and sustains the skin’s moisture and elasticity.

Skin Care 101: Eczema, Soothing Care to Keep the Condition at Bay

Saturday, 2010-03-06

Do you have a rash, specifically on your joints, arms, legs, trunk and hands, that just won’t go away?

If so, then you may have eczema and should consult a doctor regarding medication and treatment options. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (inflammation of the epidermis), is a non-contagious skin condition that may have a genetic link. There are many types of eczema. Symptoms include itching, sensitivity, redness, dry (peeling) skin and recurrent skin rashes.

But for eczema sufferers, one already knows that the disease requires constant management and care. However, for those with a mild form of eczema, the disease is controllable and can change with time. Flare-ups (sudden appearance dry, itchy and red rash) can be relieved, minimized, or even, prevented with the proper skin care regimen.

Here are a few tips to soothe and keep the condition at bay:

1. Identify and avoid your triggers

Eczema, in its mildest form, is a skin allergy. Therefore, by identifying and avoiding your triggers, the less likely you’ll have to deal with it. Triggers may include: dust, certain foods, products with harsh ingredients (ex. detergents, certain soaps, cleaning agents), extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold), and even, stress.

2. Moisturize

Most cases of eczema feature dry skin that often peels and cracks. Choose non-greasy products that lock in moisture, prevent dryness and do not clog pores such as the Diana Stalder Skin Moisturizing Lotion.

3. Stay cool!

Try to keep your skin (and surroundings) cool and dry. One of the major causes of an eczema outbreak is extreme heat and sweating. If you workout, make sure to take a shower right away. Use a mild yet cleansing soap such as the Diana Stalder Revitilizing Beauty Bar, which keeps the skin moist yet gets rid of dirt and grime. Remember to moisturize your skin directly after a bath or shower. Try the Diana Stalder Facial Lotion, which cleanses yet soothes the skin.

4. Get some sun

While it’s important to not let oneself get too hot, a little bit of sun can go a long way.
The sun’s rays are rich in vitamin D, and many have found that the sunlight has eased their condition. However, make sure to consult with your doctor first. Other sufferers find that sun exposure worsens their disease. If you find that the sun helps, make sure to limit your time and venture out during the coolest parts of the day (morning and late afternoon) and wear sunscreen such as the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel, which keeps skin clear while also blocking harmful UV rays.

5. Chill out

Stress is a proven and also one of the most common causes of eczema. Unwind, relax or take on positive stress-releasing activities such as yoga and meditation.

Remember, although no one chooses to have eczema, by making the right choices, you are still in control. Don’t let your eczema control you, take charge and live the best life possible.


Skin Care 101: Three Daily Skin Care Products That Everyone Should Have

Friday, 2010-01-29

There are three skin care products that should be a part of everyone’s daily regimen—sunscreen, facial wash and moisturizer.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most essential part of your skincare regimen.

UV exposure can lead to premature wrinkles, skin pigmentations or freckles, white spots and even skin cancer. So it’s important to use sunscreen daily and protect your skin from UV exposure.

The Diana Stalder Sunblock Crème protects the skin from harmful UV rays, prevents sun damage and premature aging of the skin.  It is best for normal to dry skin.  For oily skin type, the Diana Stalder Sunblock Gel is perfectly formulated to provide your skin protection for the sun.

Facial Wash

Your skin is exposed to harmful toxins on a daily basis. So cleansing should be a part of your routine. You need to find a cleanser that works well for your particular skin type.  The right product combined with the proper method to wash your face can benefit your skin.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money. The Diana Stalder Facial Wash is formulated to gently cleanse the skin and condition it. It works well with any skin types.

Moisturizer

No matter what skin type, everyone needs to moisturize. Moisturizer seals the moisture in, which gives the skin its natural glow. Without moisture, skin will be dry and dull. There are even specially formulated moisturizing products for the oily skin type.

Moisturizer can also help calm irritated acne-prone skin. But those with acne should use products that are oil-free.

The Diana Stalder Skin Revitalizer is a great moisturizer. It contains vitamins A, C, D and E, which can protect your skin from free radicals. It is particularly effective on normal to dry skin.

For those trying to reduce or remove fine lines, the Diana Stalder Nourishing Crème is the perfect moisturizer.

The Diana Stalder Facial Lotion works well for most skin types. It moisturizes and it has a toning effect that makes your skin appear radiant and younger looking.


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.