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Woman eating cereals.

Resveralife Eat Well: Eat Your Way to Great Skin

The link between diet and health is inextricable. The foods that you choose when you’re at the market affect every aspect of your body from your general health to your toenails. A nutritious, well-balanced diet provides your body with everything it needs to run at peak efficiency. The old adage “you are what you eat” is certainly true when it comes to diet and your skin. Once you decide to eat your way to better skin (and overall health) it can be a bit daunting and overwhelming to start writing up grocery lists and planning your meals. Which foods are most beneficial to your skin? Resveralife researched this question and we’ve rounded up the five best, and most delicious, foods to eat your way to better skin.

Dark chocolate

Chocolate
We figured we’d start with something that you will be delighted to add to your next shopping list. Chocolate can help give you glowing skin, but only if you are consuming dark chocolate. Milk chocolate does not have nearly the same amount of cacao that dark chocolate does. The famous skin expert, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, notes some of the benefits of dark chocolate saying, “…dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonols, a potent type of antioxidant.” Cocoa also helps hydrate your skin, making it more supple. Look for chocolate that is 70% dark chocolate or higher to reap the benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Walnuts

Walnuts
Walnuts, another tasty treat, have several components that make them a great choice when you want to eat your way to better skin. Walnuts are the only type of nut that contain a high level of omega-3 fatty acids. While omega-3 fatty acids benefit everyone, they are especially beneficial to those who follow a vegetarian diet that do not enjoy fish. In addition the the omega-3s that walnuts provide, they are also high in copper. Copper is a mineral that boosts collagen production, leaving your skin firmer and smoother.

Oatmeal dish

Oatmeal
A great way to start your day, oatmeal (particularly steel cut oats or whole grain oatmeal) is a complex carbohydrate that fills you up. Choosing a sugary cereal spikes your insulin levels and that can be bad news for your face. When insulin spikes it increases production of hormones known as androgens, which in turn increase oil production and the end result is more zits and pimples on your face. Oatmeal has skin healing properties and takes longer to break down in your body, which means that it keeps your blood sugar at a steady level.

Kale on a table.

Kale
Okay, this one can be more of an acquired taste, but figuring out ways to fix it that you enjoy will significantly help your skin. A one cup serving of kale provides you with 134% of vitamin C and 133% of vitamin A. Additionally, kale contains lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients neutralize and absorb free-radicals that are caused by ultraviolet radiation, including those UV rays that may get past your sunscreen. There are tons of ways to eat kale, so there’s bound to be something you love whether it’s a green smoothie, a chopped salad or a snack like kale chips.

Green tea.

Green Tea
We wanted to include a healthy drinking option on the list, because sometimes you want something other than water. Green tea is incredibly high in antioxidants and one in particular, EGCG, that helps reduce redness. In addition, the antioxidants in green tea increase oxygen flow to your skin and boost your circulation. Studies have also shown that green tea fights inflammation in the body. Enjoy at least one cup of green tea daily to get the skin rewards this powerful drink offers.

It really is possible to eat your way to better skin, and not all of the foods that benefit your body are bland and boring. Strive for five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and limit the amount of refined sugar you eat. Always pick whole grains, complex carbohydrates, over simple carbohydrates that are overly processed. Combined with exercise and great skin care, your healthy skin diet will leave you looking and feeling your best.

Woman enjoying a bath

Resveralife Live Well: Are Wine Baths Good for You

So from reading the title, you might think we’ve gone a bit crazy with our love of wine. While we do love wine, and all of its benefits, we aren’t crazy on this one. Resveralife did some research to discover whether the luxurious spa treatment known as the wine bath is indeed beneficial for your health and skin.

Red Wine
By now you know that the antioxidants in red wine provide your body with some health benefits. One of the most talked about (and our favorite!) antioxidant found in red wine is resveratrol. The resveratrol found in red wine helps lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, prevents damage to you blood vessels and works to prevent blood clots.

So why red wine?  Resveratrol is found in the skin of all grapes, so there is an amount in white or blush wines. However, because the grapes are fermented longer with the skins on, there is a higher level of resveratrol in red wine.

Why a Wine Bath?
Perhaps you’ve joked before about how you would bathe in wine if you could, and now you can. But why would you want to? The practice of bathing in wine is known as vinotherapy and is said to boost circulation while healing and helping the body recovery from stress. Professional basketball player, Amar’e Stoudermire of the New York Knicks, is pretty outspoken about how beneficial vinotherapy, or red wine baths, have been for him. He gets vinotherapy at a spa in New York City weekly with a very hot red wine bath, with the red wine being diluted by water. Stoudmermire says he will continue to receive treatments because his entire body, in particular his legs, feel completely rejuvenated after soaking in the bath.

Wine glass and candles next to a bathtub.

Should You Try a Wine Bath?
Only if you really, really want to. While it is entirely possible that a red wine bath helps with feelings of rejuvenation and renewed health, you are more likely to receive the antioxidant benefits by just drinking a glass of your favorite red wine. Many of the beneficial ingredients in red wine are known as phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds do provide great health benefits, but they do not penetrate the skin well.

If that’s the case, then why bother using any skin care containing phenolic antioxidant compounds? Phenolic compounds can penetrate the skin, but require a bit of time to do so. Chances are a red wine bath lasts about 30 minutes maximum, but when you put on a well formulated day cream or serum, you give the phenolic compounds time to fully penetrate and sink into the skin.

Red wine baths are certainly intriguing and may be a luxurious way to indulge yourself. However, they are more about relaxing than providing serious skin care or health benefits. To really experience the benefits of resveratrol and the other antioxidants present in red wine, it is best to use superior quality skin care products, or take your daily dose in the form of our capsules. And don’t forget, you can always enjoy a glass of red wine!

Smoothies on a wooden table.

Resveralife Eat Well: Summer Fruit Smoothies Full of Antioxidants

We’ve focused on antioxidant-rich foods this week, so we figured we would give you some ways to enjoy them! Smoothies are a great way to increase your uptake of antioxidants and get the health benefits berries, and other fruits, have to offer. All of these smoothie recipes are high in antioxidants, taste great and are super quick and easy to make. (Note: all of these smoothie recipes yield one serving)

Cranberry Berry Smoothie.

 

Cranberry Berry Smoothie
For a festive pink drink, this smoothie is quite healthy.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup cranberry juice
  • ¼ cup fresh (or frozen) raspberries
  • ¼ cup fresh (or frozen) strawberries
  • ¼ cup Greek-style vanilla (or honey) yogurt

Throw your ingredients into your blend and blend until a smooth texture has been reached. For added fun, throw a few fresh raspberries on top or place a strawberry on the rim of your glass.

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie.

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie
This smoothie is perfect for any time of day (we love it for breakfast!). This smoothie combines the antioxidants found in blueberries and pomegranates for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of fresh (or frozen) blueberries
  • ¼ cup and 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ almond milk
  • ¼ cup Greek-style plain yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon stevia (powder form…7 drops in liquid form)
  • dash of cinnamon

Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until a smooth texture has been reached. Usually, it takes about 2 minutes to get the consistency just right, but depending on your blender and ingredients it may take more or less time.

Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie.

Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie
The classic combination of kiwi and strawberry comes together in a healthy, antioxidant-rich fruit smoothie.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup fresh (or frozen) strawberries
  • ½ banana
  • ½ kiwi
  • ¼ cup Greek-style plain or vanilla yogurt (for a zestier taste try a citrus flavored yogurt)
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey

Peel the kiwi and banana and slice both in half. Add all of your ingredients to a blender and blend until you have a smooth consistency.

Berry Chocolate Smoothie

Berry Chocolate Smoothie
Want to indulge your sweet tooth but keep it healthy? This smoothie not only is packed with antioxidants and includes a chocolate taste, it also gives you the benefits of dark, leafy greens.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup shredded kale
  • ¼ cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries
  • ¼ cup fresh (or frozen) raspberries
  • ¼ cup and 2 tablespoons vanilla almond milk
  • 1 and ½ teaspoons cocoa powder (unsweetened is best)
  • 1 tablespoon organic maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • pinch of salt

Add everything to your blender and blend until smooth. If using fresh berries, you may want to include a bit of ice. Adjust the level of cocoa powder and maple syrup to your tastes.

Smoothies are the perfect summer treat, especially when fresh fruit is at its peak. Experiment with different smoothie combinations to make one of your very own antioxidant rich smoothie. Blend one up for a quick breakfast before work or unwind at the end of the day with a sweet, and healthy, treat.

Woman exfoliating her skin

Resveralife Investigates Skin Care Brushes

You’ve finally developed a skin care routine that works for you. You have your products, and the ingredients in them, specially chosen to address your specific skin concerns and you are faithful to your cleansing routine. That’s pretty much all you can do for your skin, right? Nope. If you want to take skin care to the next level, consider the use of skin care brushes.

Skin care brushes have become increasingly popular since the Clarisonic turned from a cult beauty product to a mainstream must-have. But is it really worth the price tag? And can is really work on all skin types? Fortunately companies hopped on the skin care brush bandwagon quickly, so there are numerous options for different skin types and different price points. Should you invest in one? We’ve done some research and the answer is….maybe.

In an article published by The Huffington Post, dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad states that cleansing brushes can work, but one needs to be careful. Why do you need to exercise caution while cleansing your face? Dr.Dennis Gross explains, that overuse of these products could lead to excessive dryness, broken capillaries, redness, irritation and sensitivity. If such issues occur, one needs to alter usage or stop immediately.

Cleansing brushes can be incredibly beneficial to your skin. They help with exfoliation, they penetrate the pores more deeply than your fingers can and they help treatments like serums or oils absorb more quickly, and better, into your skin. However, the problem is that with these devices there is some danger in irritating your skin. Experts recommend using skin care brushes a few times a week to avoid completely drying your skin out. If you really can’t go a day without your brush, use it at night to completely remove makeup, sebum and other daily debris from your face.

Woman using a skin care brush to cleanse her skin.

In addition to not using skin care brushes too frequently, Dr. Dennis Gross warns that the brush heads should be well maintained in order to remain as effective as possible. You can keep your brush free from acne-causing bacteria by using soap and water to wash it. If you want to provide a bit of a deeper clean, you can use alcohol to cleanse the brush head and don’t forget that the brush heads do need to be replaced every couple of months.

So do skin care brushes live up to the hype? They can, but there are several conditions that you should keep in mind before investing in a costly skin care brush. Do not buy it planning to use every single time you wash your face, because in this instance the brush is far more likely to cause damage rather than help you get the best looking skin possible. Also, do not forget to sanitize the brush heads frequently (once a week depending on how often you use the brush) and change them out for new ones every few months. Skin care brushes can help you take your skin care routine to a whole new level, but they must be used with caution.

Woman applying moisturizer.

How to Take Your Skin Care to the Next Level

Taking good care of your skin is important in all stages of life. Everyone wants a beautiful, radiant and clear complexion, but sometimes it can seem absolutely impossible to achieve. The first step in taking good care of your skin is a routine that includes washing, toning (if necessary), exfoliating, moisturizing and always applying your sunscreen. Next, remember that what you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help improve your skin’s level of clarity and radiance. If you are looking to up your skin care game, and take it to the next level, we have some great ideas for doing so.

Dermatologist examining a woman's face.

Consult a Professional
You go to a doctor when you have other problems with your body, so why not when you are having skin issues? Your skin is the largest organ of your body and provides the first line of defense against damage. A dermatologist can assess your skin and provide you with products or treatments that target your specific areas of concern. It can be especially beneficial to see a dermatologist if you are concerned with sun damage, premature aging and acne.

If you have relatively clear skin and want to treat it to some extra TLC, make appointments for facials with an esthetician. These facials typically involve warmth to open your pores, a mask or other treatment and professional pimple extraction. Like a dermatologist, your esthetician can provide treatments and products that address what you are most worried about when it comes to your skin. An additional treatment that can be especially helpful for wrinkles and fine lines is a facial massage. A facial massage generally provides extra moisture and is a great way to pamper your skin while relaxing.

Take Supplements
You may already take supplements meant to improve your overall health and well-being, but have you considered looking into supplements for your skin? We have several suggestions for supplements that can help skin tremendously. Take your skin care to the next level by nourishing your skin from the inside out.

Resveratrol Capsules from Vine Vera.

Resveratrol Capsules
Our Resveralife Resveratrol capsules are formulated with ingredients that target and treat a wide array of skin care concerns. Our unique blend includes antioxidants such as resveratrol, green tea, pomegranate and acai. In addition, it contains enzymes to remove toxins and grape seed extract to help build healthy skin.

Vitamin B3 capsule

Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 is particularly helpful if you struggle with acne. Forms of this vitamin include niacin and niacinamide. This vitamin supplement could be replaced by tweaking the diet to include more vitamin B3 rich foods such as eggs, green vegetables, meat and milk. Additionally, while you can certainly supplement your diet with this vitamin, preliminary research suggests that this is a skin care component that works most effectively when applied topically.

Salmon with green leafy vegetables.

Lifestyle Changes
In an ideal world, everyone would have the perfectly balanced nutritious diet and an active exercise regimen. However, we don’t live in a perfect world so we have to make do with the best we can. When it comes to skin care and your diet, be sure that you are eating a significant amount of fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are absolutely essential to great skin such as vitamin B, C, A and E in addition to other antioxidants. To increase your intake of resveratrol through diet, add a glass of red wine to your evening.

Woman going for an evening walk

Exercise does not have to be going to the gym and doing an insane amount of work, it can be as simple as cleaning your house or going for a walk. You do need to be sure that you get moving and active at least three times a week, though many doctors recommend five days per week of moderate cardiovascular activity.

Taking great care of your skin pays off in so many ways. You will more confident about your appearance and more likely to get other areas of your body as healthy as your skin. Try adding some of the ideas to your skin care routine and watch the clarity and natral radiance of your skin improve

Woman reading while on a vacation.

Don't Skip Good Habits on Vacation

You pay good attention to your health by eating well, exercising and taking great care of your skin. However, once you are taken out of your normal environment and are free of rigid schedules while on vacation, it can be so difficult to maintain your good habits. The following tips will help you stay on track during your vacation.

Woman jogging in a beach.

Live Well
Exercise may be the very last thing that you want to do but if you continue to exercise while on vacation, it makes getting back to your regular routine so much easier. If you have an entire gym routine that relies on equipment, you may find that you have to wait until you get back home to do everything you normally do. The great thing about vacation is that you likely are excited to spend time exploring your destination. Rather than hopping on a bus or into a cab, walk as much as possible. This benefits you in two ways; you are maintaining regular exercise and you will almost certainly find shops or eateries that you would otherwise miss and pass right by. Additionally, if you end up making purchases, carrying your items home can count as a bit of strength training. Another way to add a bit of movement into your day is to always opt for taking the stairs. Elevators and escalators are so tempting, but walking up and down stairs will burn calories and help you stay fit. If you feel really motivated to workout, you can always look up hotels with fitness equipment and stay there or search for a local place to workout such as a yoga studio.

Dishes served in a fine dining restaurant.

Eat Well
One of life’s greatest pleasures is eating and going to a new place is often culinary bliss. You should definitely be looking for food and drinks that are unique to the region you are in, but be careful not to overindulge. Rather than ordering full sizes of rich and heavy dishes, order a half size or try several small plates of appetizers. Same goes for dessert, when possible of course. Sampling allows you to try all of the local flavors without feeling super guilty and making it hard to go back to a healthy diet at home. However, in the event that you do indulge your food cravings (new foods are so fun and exciting!) you can always put in a little bit of extra walking.

Woman sunbathing in a beach

Look Well 
Taking good care of your skin is extra important on vacation as methods of travel can remove moisture from your skin (specifically airplane travel) and new environmental concerns may upset your skin as well. The first thing you need to remember is to always apply your sunscreen. Not only are UV rays incredibly harmful to your health, but getting a bad sunburn on vacation is never fun. Next, keep your skin care routine as close to normal as possible. Take travel sizes of your normal cleanser, toner, exfoliant and moisturizer. Never go to bed with your makeup on and add in a bit of extra moisturizer.

Vacation definitely is a time to let loose and enjoy yourself, but you also should practice your good habits while having fun. Remember to always stay well hydrated, particularly in the heat and don’t forget the sunscreen. Have a great time relaxing and enjoying new experiences while sticking with your good habits.

Woman sipping wine while taking a bath

Incorporating Resveratrol Into Your Skin Care Routine

Taking care of your skin not only yields a radiant complexion, it is also beneficial to your health overall. A good skin care routine not only includes actions such as washing, exfoliating and moisturizing, it also requires that you use high-quality ingredients. Certain ingredients benefit skin of all types and ages and one of these is antioxidants. Antioxidants are incredibly important in your skin care routine because they fight free radical damage and help minimize premature signs of aging.

Grapes growing in a vineyard.

Of all the antioxidants available in skin care products, one stands out above the rest as an anti-aging superstar:  resveratrol. Resveratrol is a chemical that naturally occurs in many forms of plant life to fight off would be attackers. This magic polyphenol is found in nuts, the skin of grapes, berries and red wine. Adding resveratrol to your diet does positively impact your health, and applying it topically can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin.

The skin has the ability to repair itself and does much of this work overnight. However, as you age, your skin’s ability to regenerate nightly decreases. Resveratrol, and other antioxidants, help your skin repair overnight. Resveratrol boosts the production of other beneficial antioxidants within your skin cells and can stimulate collagen production.

With all of the incredible benefits of incorporating resveratrol into your skin care routine, you would think all products would carry this ingredient. The one issue with resveratrol is that it previously would destabilize when exposed to air and light, making it a difficult addition to skin care formulas. However, scientists have worked hard to discover ways to stabilize resveratrol and it can now be found in many products.

Woman cleansing her skin

A good skin care routine begins with a clean face. A mild, gentle cleanser removes dirt and debris from the face without stripping your natural oils and moisture. Oily skin types may benefit from the use of a toner to help reduce excess oil. Exfoliation is an important skin care step that some feel unnecessary. However, exfoliation removes clogged dirt, oil and dead skin cells allowing for healthy regeneration and for skin care treatments to penetrate the skin more fully. In the evening, after proper exfoliation, applying a treatment product with resveratrol can help your skin repair damage.

Friends having wine in a restaurant.

When you add resveratrol to your diet it helps benefit your health and your skin. However, using resveratrol topically allows you to fully experience and appreciate all of the advantages resveratrol has for your skin. This powerful antioxidant yields healthier, more radiant skin for all ages.

Man applying anti-aging cream.

Common Guy Skin Issues and How to Fix Them

Because the composition of male skin is different than females, it also comes with a different set of common issues. Like females, guy skin issues can occur at any point during life and it’s best to be as prepared as possible and to take preventive measures when appropriate. Below, Resveralife discusses some of the most common guy skin issues and include how you can fix them to get the best skin possible.

Man getting his skin examined for skin cancer.

Skin Cancer
Starting off on a serious note, men are more likely to get skin cancer than women are. A 2013 study found that one in every 50 men suffer from melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), while only one in 35 women will deal with melanoma. A possible contributing factor to the men being more prone to melanoma is that men, generally speaking, do not apply sunscreen as regularly as women leaving them unprotected against harmful UV rays.

In order to fix this skin issue, wear sunscreen every time you are going to expose yourself to sunlight (yes, even in the middle of winter). Experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher about 20 minutes before you plan to be outside. You should use about a full ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your face and body. No matter how long-lasting a bottle says the protection is, reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after you immerse yourself in water.

Man examining his pimple in the mirror.

Excess Oil
Everyone is susceptible to oil production, but men have two times the amount of oil glands that women do. Not only do guys have double the number of oil glands, but they also produce five times more sebum (oil) than women do. Why do men make so much oil? The male hormone, androgen, is largely responsible for sending the signal to secrete sebum. This leads to oily skin and can be a major contributing factor in male acne.

Fixing this skin issue can be a bit tricky because acne affects people in different ways. First, finding a cleanser that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in it is a great way to begin the fight against acne and oil. Another important way to cure this problem is to remember to exfoliate regularly, two or three times a week. You can do this using  scrub designed to slough off skin cells or you can use a chemical exfoliant (that can be used daily) to clean out pores, remove dead skin cells and fight excess oil.

Business man with dandruff issues.

Flakes
Dandruff affects both men and women and occurs when yeast reacts to the excess oil produced by men’s oil glands. Often, dandruff manifests as itchy, flaky skin in white or slightly yellow colors. The areas affected by dandruff also tend to become red and in men, it is especially possible for the condition to spread to the face in areas such as between the eyebrows and around the nose.

The first line of defense in fixing this skin issue is to grab an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo with pyrithione zinc. If this does not work, try an apple cider vinegar treatment. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply to hair. Let that sit for about 20 to 30 minutes then shampoo. If you are still struggling with flakes, head to the doctor and see what your options are.

Male skin definitely comes with a unique set of issues, but luckily they all have fixes. Take good care of your skin and use preventive measures, like sunscreen, to help avoid more serious skin issues later in life.

Man getting ready to groom himself.

Grooming Guide for Guys

Men have different standards and practices than women when it comes to personal grooming. It often requires a bit less time, a lot less product and is more of a maintaining personal appearance than working towards prevention of signs of aging. However, just because guys grooming is less involved than their women counterparts, that does not mean that it does not need to be done. Resveralife provides a complete grooming guide for guys.

Guy washing his face with water.

Face
Okay, so you probably aren’t interested in cleansing, toning, applying serums then eye creams then moisturizer, but there are a few things you can do to benefit your face. First, do make sure you exfoliate it about two to three times per week to help clear out your pores, reduce sebum and take away dead skin cells. You can use either a facial scrub designed to exfoliate or a chemical exfoliant such as Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Perfecting Liquid, which has salicylic acid to help gently exfoliate your skin daily.

Man applying a moisturizer.

Once your face is clean it is a good idea to add a bit of moisture back in. A bonus is if you use a moisturizer with a built-in SPF of 25 or higher. Look for moisturizers with vitamins A, C, E and resveratrol to help slow the signs of aging. And for men with a beard, investing in some beard oil to help soften and strengthen your facial hair is a great idea. Keep all facial hair neatly trimmed, including rogue eyebrow hairs and nose hairs.

Guy getting his back waxed in a salon.

Body
Body care for men is pretty much a functional issue. Keep yourself clean, prevent body odor and you’re good to go, right? Kind of. Of course you need to use soap of body wash to cleanse your body and a deodorant is definitely an important step in grooming. But there are other things you can add to your routine to take grooming a bit farther.

Chest hair is definitely becoming a more popular trend with celebrities sporting hairy, rather than waxed, chests. Still, if you have abnormally long chest hairs you can use your razor on a long setting to take down both the length and some of the volume.

While chest hair is pretty much the norm now, nobody likes back hair. This one you probably don’t want to attempt on your own. It sounds super “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” but waxing is what male grooming experts recommend. The back, as opposed to the chest, is far less sensitive to waxing and is one of the easiest areas for waxing. Before you go take a dose of Advil to help control inflammation and pain and afterwards do not apply any product to your back for about 24-48 hours to minimize irritation.

If your arm and shoulder hair bother you, you could go ahead and shave that as well, though waxing leaves the hairs that grow back a bit finer than when shaving.

The guys guide to grooming is undoubtedly shorter than one for ladies would be, but it is an important guide. Taking proper care of your body, and appearance, has a positive impact on your entire life.

Man examining his skin in the mirror.

Aging in Men's Skin

It’s an old saying:  men age better than women. Whether or not men actually do age better, it seems to be that for men, the older you get the more dignified you look. Why is that? Is there a scientific reason that men seem to become more handsome the older they get, or is it merely a cultural and societal belief? Below, we explore the aging process and male skin.

Couple smiling and posing.

Is Male Skin Different Than Female Skin?
Yes, male skin is undoubtedly different than female skin in structure. The International Dermal Institute declares that “[f]rom a structural point of view, some of the differences include skin thickness, collagen density, loss of collagen as we age, texture and density.”

Thickness in the skin depends largely on the individual person, but when it comes to male skin, androgens (male hormones) play a large role in the increase of skin thickness. While men have thick skin when they are younger, as they age their skin begins to thin. Collagen density is the term used to describe the ratio of collagen to skin thickness. No matter what age a man is, his collagen density is always higher than female skin’s collagen density.

Men also have a different texture of skin than women do; male skin tends to be rougher and less soft than female skin. The interesting thing is that while a man’s skin is rougher in texture, generally speaking, it is also better hydrated than female skin. Skin care experts think that the facts that men produce more sebum (oil) and are more prone to sweating contribute to why the male skin is more hydrated than female skin.

Guy taking care of his skin.

Aging in Male Skin
Male skin undergoes the same processes in aging that female skin does, but it does so in a different way. As previously mentioned, males lose some of the thickness of the skin steadily during the natural aging process while females retain skin thickness until about age 50 before it becomes thinner. Both men and women lose roughly 30% of their collagen by age 30, but men retain a higher collagen density. Skin experts believe that because men still maintain a higher collagen density throughout their lives than women do, male skin does not show signs of aging as quickly as female skin does.

The International Dermal Institute says, “[w]hen considering intrinsic aging (genetically-programmed) aging of the skin, it has been said that women are about 15 years older than men of the same age. Of course, the role of daylight exposure in skin aging, combined with the fact that men do not use sunscreen as often as women, may account for why we don’t readily notice.”

Differences between male and female skin effect how and when the skin ages. The aging process is natural and cannot be stopped, but taking good care of your skin can help to delay the signs of early aging.

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