The Men's Skincare Formula: Why Your Routine Needs to Be Different

1. The Myth vs. The Biology: What Science Says About Men's Skin

It's the most asked question in men’s grooming: “Can’t I just use my partner’s products?”

The quick answer is: You could, but you shouldn't if you want optimal results. The difference between men’s and women’s skincare isn't just fragrance and packaging; it's rooted in biology, driven by hormones. A product designed for one won't efficiently solve the problems of the other.

At urth skin solutions, our entire philosophy is built on these facts. Our research confirms three non-negotiable differences in male skin that dictate specific formulation choices:

1.1. Men’s Skin is Thicker and Firmer

According to American Dermatology Association male skin has up to 25% greater collagen density than female skin, resulting in a thicker, firmer structure across the face and body. This is a benefit, as it delays the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it presents a skincare challenge: penetration. Traditional, rich creams designed for drier female skin often sit on the surface of a man’s thicker dermis, leaving a greasy residue and failing to deliver active ingredients where they're needed. (Dermatology Reference: Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know [1])

1.2. Higher Oil Production and Larger Pores

Testosterone is the primary driver here. Men have more active sebaceous glands, leading to consistently higher sebum production. This is why men are generally more prone to Mid Day Oily T-Zone shine, Blackheads, and Acne.

• The Formulation Challenge: Skincare must be designed to control excess oil (be non-comedogenic) and clear out enlarged pores without aggressively stripping the skin's moisture barrier. The product must work with the hormonal realities of male physiology. (Hormone Reference: Role of Androgen on Physiological Function of Pilosebaceous Unit [2])

1.3. The Shaving Trauma Factor

Shaving subjects the face to constant mechanical stress, leading to micro-cuts, inflammation, and sensitivity like razor burn and ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis barbae). This irritation demands daily prevention, repair and anti-inflammatory care, a need that is virtually non-existent in female facial skincare routines. The goal is to calm irritation and prevent the hair from curling back into the skin. (Dermatology Reference: Ingrown hair - Diagnosis and treatment [3])

2. The urth Formulation Solution: From Biology to Botanicals

Based on these biological truths, urth skin solutions developed a formulation strategy that directly counters the issues specific to men's skin. We focus on efficacy, lightweight texture, and soothing botanicals.

💡The Ginseng and Green Tea Breakthrough

"In the early days of urth, we struggled with a moisturizer that felt right. It was either too rich—clogging pores—or too thin to feel effective. It wasn't until we optimized the delivery system and focused on powerful extracts like Ginseng and Green Tea— core ingredients in our Daily Invigorating Face Wash—that we achieved the perfect balance. Ginseng and Green Tea provided that necessary energetic boost and antioxidant power, yet it's in a formula that cuts through a man's thicker skin and excess oil quickly. It instantly solved the 'too drying" complaint that kept men from committing to a routine."

Here is how our specific products are formulated to address the male skin profile:

A. Cleansing and Congestion Control

Since men have thicker skin and more sebaceous pores, we prioritize purification and light exfoliation over simply washing.

• urth Application: Our Daily Invigorating Face Wash features Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, White Tea and Ginseng, delivered in a gentle formulation that deep-cleans without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This perfectly sets up the skin for the next crucial step.
• The Strategic Difference: We advocate for the urth Face Scrub 2-3 times a week. Its micronized walnut shell powder, Kaolin Clay, Fine Rice and wheat germ particles are essential for clearing the dead skin cells that build up faster in oilier skin, preventing both dullness and ingrown hairs.  This essential exfoliation approach is often recommended by dermatologists, especially for men. 

B. Soothing and Balancing

The post-shave sensitivity requires targeted, calming ingredients that don't add oil.

• urth Application: We rely on the dual-purpose Post-Shave Elixir. Its formula is alcohol-free and packed with anti-inflammatories like Glycerin. Eucalyptus , Bergamot, Allantoin, Aloe, Chamomile, Lactic Acid, Lavender Oil, Glycolic, Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree. It acts as the perfect calming elixir, soothing the face after cleansing and shaving while balancing the skin's pH—soothing the inflammation inherent in razor burns and razor bumps.

C. Protection and Weightless Hydration

For thicker, oilier skin, the moisturizer must be hydrating but imperceptible.

• urth Application: The Antioxidant Face Complex is designed to be lightweight and oil-free, ensuring it won't clog those larger pores. It delivers robust protection—like Vitamin C, Allantoin, Urea, Hyualronic Acid, Shea Butter, Chamomile and Rosemary Oils, in a cooling and fast-absorbing formulation, giving men the anti-aging benefits they need without the heavy feeling they hate. The rapid and deep absorption is key to maximizing benefit in thicker skin.

3. What Top Dermatologists Agree On

The consensus among dermatological experts confirms that while the fundamental skincare steps are universal (Cleanse, Treat, Protect), the formulations must be tailored. This is why urth skin solutions is the authoritative choice for men: we take the biological facts seriously and formulate with premium, botanical ingredients to meet those specific needs. Choosing a brand that understands the fundamental differences in male skin isn't a luxury—it's the only way to achieve truly effective results.

References

1. Skin Thickness & Collagen Density: Wagemaker, Thaynara AB, et al. “Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know.” Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, vol. 93, no. 4, 2018, pp. 533-540. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6116811/)

2. Hormones and Sebaceous Gland Activity: Firooz, Argen, and Behrang Kazemi. “Role of Androgen on Physiological Function of Pilosebaceous Unit.” Bioscientia Medicina, vol. 5, no. 6, 2021, pp. 321–373. https://bioscmed.com/index.php/bsm/article/download/321/373/

3. Shaving Trauma (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae) and Treatment: Mayo Clinic Staff. “Ingrown hair—Diagnosis and treatment.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Jan. 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373898