Gender-Linked Differences in Human Skin

July 2009 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Paolo U. Giacomoni, T. Mammone, Matthew Teri

sex hormones hormone metabolism hair growth sebum production surface pH topical estrogen skin thickness squamous cell carcinoma melanoma estrogen

TLDR Male and female skin differ in many ways, which could lead to gender-specific skin treatments.

The 2009 review article explored the physiological differences between male and female skin, influenced by sex hormones, which impact the skin's response to conditions and treatments. It was found that male and female skin differ in hormone metabolism, hair growth, sweat and sebum production, surface pH, fat accumulation, and serum leptin levels, affecting disease susceptibility and skin cancer rates. Men have higher sweat rates, more sebum production, lower surface pH, and are more prone to squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Topical estrogen application was shown to increase skin thickness significantly, and men were found to have darker complexions and slower healing rates. These findings suggest the potential for developing gender-specific dermatological treatments and cosmetic products.

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