Skincare knows no gender

The timeless presumption of skincare ringing the feminine tone is still prevalent in our society. From skincare to fragrances, gender has been inculcated so deeply in us that we have segmented everything within the boundaries of feminine and masculine. Over years of gender-specific marketing, applying creams and skin products has been associated with the female community, while other genders have not been targeted for any kind of skincare regime.

However, the skin on a human body has nothing to do with one’s gender. The basic structure and function of the skin are similar in all humans, irrespective of one’s gender. The basic difference lies in factors like collagen production, fatty layers and the thickness of the skin, which are influenced by hormones and other outer environmental factors. The female skin is affected by estrogen, providing it with extra protection, while the male skin is influenced by testosterone, which causes a minor difference of 20 to 25 percent in the thickness of male skin, which is not enough to have a need for gender-specific ingredients in skincare products.

Any gender with oily skin is recommended to use a foaming facewash with certain actives like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid-based gel moisturiser and gel or matte finish sunblock, while those with dry skin aim to use squalene, ceramide and humectant-based products to retain moisture in their skin and a sunblock for protection. Apart from this basic gender-neutral skincare routine, other actives like azelaic acid, kojic acid, or AHA’s are added depending on a particular concern for the skin. 

 It is no secret that the marketing industry has made gender more than just a social construct to bolster its fundamentals. We are moulded from a young age to classify certain things as feminine or masculine. For instance, pink for girls and blue for boys. We are living in a world where make-up is not gender specific, so why should skincare be?

It is no secret that the marketing industry has made gender more than just a social construct to bolster its fundamentals. We are moulded from a young age to classify certain things as feminine or masculine. For instance, pink for girls and blue for boys. We are living in a world where make-up is not gender specific, so why should skincare be?

Indifferences exist, which makes every human skin unique irrespective of one’s gender. Every human has a different skin texture and type, which keeps changing as per your mood, stress, and season. One’s skin type decides which skincare products are suitable and will work for them. There are a few categories of skin—dry, oily, combination, normal, and sensitive. The skin texture and skin conditions are defined by these skin types, exposure to the outer environment, and one’s lifestyle habits. A skin care specialist or a dermatologist can treat or diagnose one’s skin conditions by taking into account the skin type, their lifestyle, and not the sexuality of the individual.

Healthy skin isn’t a matter of gender. Everyone needs to take care of the largest yet most exposed organ in their body. Even though it is an undeniable fact that every skin type is different in its make-up, it doesn’t justify the gender-centric notion to warrant an entirely separate skincare regimen for all genders. Years of dermatological research have shown that, despite gender differences, the basic skincare routine of people of different genders must be the same. Keeping aside any skin concerns which can be addressed, cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen remain a constant skincare mandate for any skin type.

Vitamin C is one such gender-neutral active ingredient that can be gently applied over a clean face in the form of serums. Patience accompanied by consistency shows amazing results for this particular ingredient. A continuous five to seven-week application of the same can lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fine lines and also boost new collagen formation.

Skincare can be a kind gesture towards one’s skin and can be a range of practises one adapts to enhance their physical appearance, support skin integrity, and treat numerous skin conditions. Recent times have seen more and more eyes criticising the ideas of traditional beauty norms. The coming months will probably see a sharp elevation in the demand for gender-neutral skincare products and a plethora of budding and established skincare brands that will be fostering gender-neutral skincare and beauty products.

Dr Sonali Chaudhary – Integrative and Cosmetic Dermatologist, Founder of Holistic Skin Care based in South Delhi.