Differences of Skin Physiology in Men vs. Women: Expert Opinion on Recent Advancement

Abstract

The American author John Gray emphasizes explaining the fundamental differences between men and women by a well stood statement “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus”. One can say that these differences are logical from a sociological point of view, but question still arises therefore is whether gender-related distinctions exist in human skin as well. Initially, the physiological properties, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SC hydration), sebum content and pH value of the human’s largest organ seem equal in both genders. However, with the beginning of hormonal production in puberty, skin differences become believable. Moreover, it is known that the susceptibility to several skin diseases, such as acne, rosacea and seborrhoeic eczema, vary between the sexes, and that therapeutic needs of male and female skin are often diverse.