(BlackDoctor.org) — You probably began learning at an early age that men and women are the same type of creatures but are of different breeds. In many instances what works for one simply does not work well for the other. However, when it comes to beauty products there are instances where the gender division is unnecessary and results in unnecessary spending.
Here are some examples:
Facial Products
There definitely are differences between men and women’s skin. Generally, men have thicker skin with larger pores and are more prone to oiliness. They also commonly deal with razor bumps and it is believed that the collagen in their skin breaks down quicker. However, research also suggests that women are more susceptible to sun damage. Considering this, gender specific products are needed right?
Not really. When selecting facial care products, the first and most important factor to consider is skin type. For example, it is not advisable for a female with dry skin to share facial products with someone who has oily skin. The ingredients needed to deal with oiliness will aggravate dryness and the reverse is also true. However, if both people have the same skin type, say sensitive or combination, then a single line of quality products is a definite money saving go as long as there aren’t any special needs involved.
Deodorant
Unisex deodorants were once quite commonly found on store shelves. Since cash rules everything around us, these products are not as numerous as they used to be. But, this is not because they did not work.
Call it ego or a false sense of self but the female breed of humans tends to believe that men are sweatier, smellier creatures…and to some extent they are. Men generally produce more sweat than women, but sweat is odorless. It is when natural bacteria breaks down the sweat that odors are produced. Research has found that it is not really that male odors have some type of hyper-stink that female odors lack. Rather, women have a more keen sense of smell to detect male body odors.
Bottom line is that men and women do not need different deodorant. Even more shocking perhaps is that there are generally only three differences between the two groups of products: scent, packaging, and price. If you thought that male deodorant has stronger or increased quantities of active ingredients, you’re wrong. Both types of deodorants contain usually contain the same type and amounts of the needed components.
Now, whether you actually want to share the same stick or roll-on with your partner is a personal choice, though not one that is strongly encouraged. However, if you use spray or finger applied deodorant or if there are savings to be had with a multi-pack, you can hit the “share” button.
Body Cleanser
Soaps and body washes geared toward women are generally marketed on their gentleness, their moisture, and their ability to promote pampering. Men’s body cleansers usually advertise the ability to wash away tough odors and replace them with a fresh, masculine smell. You probably think this makes sense given what you already know– men sweat more and are oilier. But, selling gender based body cleansers is more marketing and fragrance peddling.
Men need moisture just as much as women and harsh products that dry out the skin and rob it of natural nutrients are not recommended for anyone. A man can get perfectly clean with a soap or gel wash that claims to caress the body and promote tranquility. Likewise, a woman will not become an ogre or begin developing masculine attributes if she bathes with body cleanser that is advertised with a logger or sweaty construction worker in the commercials.
Are Beauty Products Shareable?
In addition to the savings, another upside of sharing skin care products is that women often make more cautious and thoughtful selections. Whereas a lot of guys are prone to rush through a shopping experience for these types of items, women are more likely to weigh needs against the ingredients and to avoid harmful ingredients such as alcohols while looking for those that nourish and protect the skin. Sharing products can therefore be a covert tactic for women to help the men in their lives to make better choices.
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