Anti-Aging Skin Care for Men

While there are many new ingredients being introduced to the skin care market, there is also an entirely new breed of products being introduced: Anti-aging products for men. However, as Kirsten Corcoran, founder of Larenim Mineral Makeup, admitted, "There are some, but not many yet." Women are almost exclusively targeted by anti-aging companies, with feminine packaging, scents, colors and, most importantly, formulas.

"While there are many ingredients that work well on both men and women, because of men's shaving needs, men's skin care products generally need to include ingredients to soothe and hydrate the skin, to help with potential irritation from shaving," said Ian Lirenman, owner of emerginC.

Emily Fritchey, founder and president of Sunshine Botanicals, agreed, noting, "Men have smaller sebaceous glands than women. Since active, anti-aging ingredients and herbal extracts penetrate into the deeper layers of skin through these pores, skin care formulations must be adapted to suit this physiology." Fritchey added this is why men's skin is oilier than women's, and therefore requires appropriate care.

Companies are slowly realizing that there is a market for anti-aging skin care for men. "Men are becoming increasingly aware of what products they use and how effective and earth-friendly these products are," said Hillary Kallaway, product innovation project manager for Zia Natural Skincare.

Added Linda Miles, L. Ac. D.O.M., vice president of derma e® Natural Bodycare, "Even though females are the primary consumer, males also benefit from using antioxidant-rich anti-aging skincare products. Within the derma e consumer group, males are using our Pycnogenol formulas because they are fragrance free, packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase skin's strength and elasticity, and improve tone and texture."

Hyalogic has also found that men are using its EpiSilk serum due to not only its moisturizing effects, but also because it is colorless and odorless.