The Science Behind the Shelf Split: How Men’s Skin is Actually Different

In this post we told you it was time to get your own sh*t. Now, here’s the science to back it up.

Because this isn’t just about claiming your corner of the bathroom shelf. It’s about skin biology. And yes, yours is built differently.

Let’s break it down:

1. Men’s Skin is Thicker

Literally. On average, a man’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s, thanks to higher testosterone levels. That means it’s tougher, but it also means ingredients absorb differently. Products formulated for women might not even penetrate the way yours need to.

2. More Oil, More Problems

Men produce more sebum (that’s oil), up to twice as much as women. This keeps skin naturally moisturized, but also means more clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Using lightweight, oil-controlling products made for your skin’s chemistry makes all the difference.

3. You Shave. A Lot.

Dragging a blade across your face 3–5 times a week? That’s exfoliation, irritation, and micro-cuts — all in one. Shaving impacts your skin barrier and requires specific care: calming ingredients, hydration, and protection from inflammation. A floral toner isn’t cutting it.

4. You Age Differently

Men have higher collagen density, which means you might age slower — at first. But when aging does show up, it tends to hit harder, and faster. Taking care of your skin now is the difference between aging like Clooney… or crumbling like a forgotten protein bar.

5. You Sweat More

Testosterone strikes again. Men sweat more, which means more grime, more buildup, and a higher chance of irritation if you’re not cleansing right. That drugstore body wash isn’t multitasking as well as you think it is.

Bottom line?

Men’s skin needs its own routine — not hers, not some 3-in-1 relic from college. Yours. Built to match your biology, your habits, and your lifestyle.

That’s where Henkey’s comes in. We curate the best in men's skincare and grooming — no fluff, no guesswork, no nonsense.

Get your own sh*t. Your skin will thank you.
Henkey’s: Built for men. Curated by us.

References & Further Reading

1. Men’s skin is significantly thicker than women’s:
   Rahrovan et al. demonstrate that male epidermal thickness averages ~0.62 mm versus ~0.56 mm in women.
   Read the full article
2. Men produce more sebum than women:
   Luebberding et al. report that male sebum production remains consistently higher with age, whereas it declines in women.
   Read the study
3. Sebum production and hormonal influences:
   Eucerin explains that men’s sebaceous glands are more active, resulting in roughly double the sebum production compared to women.
   Read more from Eucerin
4. Shaving impairs the skin barrier:
   Pany et al. found a significant decrease in skin barrier function following dry shaving, indicating increased vulnerability.
   View the study
   Additional insights from Cosmetics & Toiletries:
   Read article
5. Higher collagen density in men means different aging patterns:
   The International Dermal Institute notes that men maintain higher collagen densities, contributing to slower visible aging compared with women.
   Read article
6. Men tend to sweat more:
   Time Magazine reports biological and thermoregulatory differences cause men to sweat more.
   Read article
   Study: Males sweat at higher rates (~1.12 L/h vs. ~0.57 L/h for women) during exertion.
   View the study