This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Skincare: Men And Women's Products Really Aren't That Different

Just steer clear of dude products that contain irritants.
Just because the packaging is dark in colour and smells like a boy, doesn't mean you can't use it.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Just because the packaging is dark in colour and smells like a boy, doesn't mean you can't use it.

For prepubescent teenage girls who've just discovered a razor, stealing dad's shaving cream is basically a rite of passage.

By her teen years she would have graduated to her own shaving cream. One that is likely pink and more expensive. And the same goes for the rest of her beauty kit.

You name it -- deodorants, body wash and moisturisers -- if you've got a vagina, you're paying on average 7 percent more.

Is it because there's a magic womanly elixr inside? A special period potion, perhaps? Sadly, no.

Which is why cashing in on men's skincare is A-OK (recommended, if you're budgeting) -- and the same goes for dudes -- there's no reason why he can't dabble in women's night cream, or any of other female-marketed product for that matter.

Paula Begoun, founder of Paula's Choice explains there is no research showing that the products or ingredients men and women use on their skin needs to be any different.

What we need to be careful of however, are products containing irritants which unfortunately are found in a large selection of men's products.

"Contrary to what many people think, in the world of dermatology and skin care, there are no products containing special 'man' ingredients," Begoun told The Huffington Post Australia.

Sure, men do have thicker skin but Begoun said that doesn't mean there needs to be a change in formula to deliver benefits or results.

'In the world of dermatology and skin care, there are no products containing special 'man' ingredients.'
Getty Images/PhotoAlto
'In the world of dermatology and skin care, there are no products containing special 'man' ingredients.'

"Whether it's a prescription only topical or oral treatment -- OTC (such as sunscreen or acne treatments), or cosmetic (general skin care) there are no exceptions -- men and women can and do use the same products," Begoun said.

What we need to be careful of however, are products containing irritants which unfortunately are found in a large selection of men's products.

"They contain ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, peppermint, or too much fragrance either synthetic or natural," Begoun said.

Use an exfoliant, but not a scrub as these tear into skin causing irritation and inflammation.

As for skincare regimes, Begoun said men probably don't need to exfoliate as much as women as shaving acts as an exfoliation method in itself.

"However, if you have large pores, facial breakouts, and ingrown hairs from shaving, you can also use an exfoliant, but not a scrub as these tear into skin causing irritation and inflammation," Begoun said.

So, there you have it, being a share-bear in skincare products is absolutely accepted.

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