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Recent scientific
research into men’s skin has highlighted differences
between men and women’s skin.
Women and men differ in their genetic code, which
leads to a different hormonal distribution. These
gender variations are the reason for special
structural and anatomical characteristics of female
and male skin. These variations are changing with
age and are also influenced by exogenous factors
e.g. sun radiation, dry or humid climate.
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It is shown, that male
human skin is thicker than female human skin,
whereas women have more subcutaneous fat. Men’s skin
shows gradual thinning through-out life, whereas the
thickness of women's skin remains constant up until
their 50s, after which it decreases with age.
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The male skin density,
which measures the ratio of skin collagen to skin
thickness – is higher at all ages. Women start with
lower collagen content therefore they seem to age
earlier than men.
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The sebaceous glands are
hormone dependent. After puberty sebum production is
significantly greater throughout life in males than in
females. Greater sebum production results in a tendency
towards more severe and long-lasting acne in men.
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Men are treating themselves
in response to a need.
In the past men did not view skin care as an ageing
preventive or look-enhancing practice. In addition to
this, in our society mature men with wrinkles are still
seen as attractive, but this tendency is changing.
A well groomed appearance is also becoming important for
men; thus, the face care market for men is growing
constantly. The starting point of this development was
the niche market, but now even mass market brands are
entering the segment of face care for men. Its important
men use products specially formulated for male skin,
because,
due to physiological differences in female and male skin,
products for men do differ from those of women.
Important issues for the
formulation of face care products for men are:
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Greater sebum production – better water binding capacity. |
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Dilated pores – tendency towards acne. |
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Greater thickness of skin with a better ratio of
collagen to skin thickness – less or later ageing.
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Face care products for men should fulfil the following
characteristics:
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The products should be easily and instantly absorbed. |
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The products should show low tackiness. |
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They should not leave a greasy residue on the skin. |
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They should moisturise the skin. |
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They should be refreshing, but at the same time soothing.
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Another key difference between men and women is that men
are expecting immediate sensory effects – razor burn
relief, calming and soothing of inflamed skin. Women are
more likely to expect key benefits to result from usage
over time, such as improved skin elasticity and wrinkle
reduction.
The differences between men’s and women’s skin drove
NIVEA to create a skincare range that cared specifically
for men’s skin, launching NIVEA FOR MEN in the UK in 1998 with a
core range of products (Shaving Foam, Shaving Gel,
Sensitive After Shave Balm, Mild After Shave Balm,
Moisturising Lotion, Intensive Creme).
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In 1999, NIVEA FOR MEN was the first mass market brand
to launch face cleansing products (Double Action face
wash and scrub). |
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NIVEA FOR MEN was also the first mass market brand to
launch more sophisticated products such as Revitalising
Cream Q10 and Eye Relief Q10, as well as Active Firming,
an anti age moisturiser. |
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NIVEA for MEN also has a complete range of products
designed for men with Sensitive Skin, these include
Shaving Gels and Foams, After Shave Balms, a cleansing
product and an Extra Soothing Moisturiser. |
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The brand was also the first to advertise male skincare
products on TV (After Shave Balm TV Ad 2001 first
airing).
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NIVEA for MEN has 4
complete ranges of products all designed specifically
for mens skin which help men deal with all the issues
they face with their skin, from shaving related
irritation through to wrinkles.
Please visit
www.NIVEA.co.uk/advice to find out more about the
complete NIVEA FOR MEN range.
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