For a guy, how to know which products will work for a man’s skin?

Dr. Irwin
April 4, 2013
I'm a guy (in early twenty's) and I would like to use some Eminence products. However, I am not too sure whether they can be applied on men as well. What I am really trying to ask is...when a facial product isn't targeting a specific gender, does it mean that both men and women can use it?

Another great question……….and I can see why this is confusing!    Some lines market more "medically" and are less gender specific.   This includes some of the good drugstore lines like Cerave and Cetaphil and some Neutrogena products, for example.   It also includes some of the better "doctor" quality products like the EltaMD sunscreens, many of the SkinCeuticals, Topix  and SkinMedica products.   These tend to be less scented or have neutral, subtle scents.   The trick with these products is to find the ones with the best "base" for you.

Most, but not all, of our male patients prefer products that are less moisturizing (read oily).  Many don’t like a creamy or heavier feel on the skin.   If you are in that group, then look for products that are gel based or have a light lotion base and stay away from the creams.  For example the Hydrating B5 Gel moisturizer from SkinCeuticals is not oily at all or the Elta Clear Sunscreen is very light.   Many of our males patients also like the powder sunscreens like the Colorscience.

Another route is to look for products that are formulated for people with acne as those tend to be less creamy as well.  They often say noncomedogenic on them.

 Hope this helps,   Dr. B I 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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