Do women get wrinkles faster than men? Here’s how it is

Many women feel insecure about their wrinkles, but of course this is completely unnecessary – skin aging is part of the deal! Still, we are less happy with the idea that men are less likely to suffer from wrinkles. Where does this idea come from and, more importantly, is it actually true?

Skin aging: sooner or later everyone has to deal with it, whether you are male or female. Yet it often seems that women suffer from wrinkles faster than men. But is this really the case? We found out for you.

Accelerated wrinkle process

Let’s get right to the point: the theory is (unfortunately) correct. A study by the University of Vienna, where 88 men and women of different ages were studied, revealed a striking difference. Women get wrinkles up to two times faster than men before the age of 50. And after 50? Then that rate even increases, and wrinkles appear on average three times faster in women than in men.

The study also found that once women turn 50, wrinkles appear rapidly and sagging skin occurs. This also happened with the male candidates, only it was much less visible. What a bummer…

Sagging of the skin

The question is of course: why? Fortunately, the researchers have an answer to that too. The main difference seems to be related to the menopause. Around the age of 50, women’s estrogen levels drop drastically, giving the aging process a major boost. This is because the hormone estrogen helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and elastic. Less estrogen means less collagen – which means wrinkles and sagging faster.

Since men do not experience menopause or transition, they do not have a sudden dip in hormone production. Although, of course, that doesn’t mean men don’t age at all. For example, they eventually develop wrinkles, a growing nose and larger ears. In addition, a man’s skin also slackens, but only somewhat slower than women’s. Aha!

Limiting damage

So the difference in skin aging between men and women is not a fable and has a lot to do with menopause. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything at all against wrinkles. In fact, about 90% of visible skin aging comes from sun damage, and not from internal factors. Sunscreen is therefore one of the best anti-aging products you can use – even on cloudy days.

It is an insecurity of many women: the wrinkles and fine lines on the neck. Why is it that old age seems to become visible first in your neck, while in your face it doesn’t seem to be all that bad?

Care with ingredients such as retinol, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid can also help keep skin smoother. However, it is important to introduce new products step by step; not everything works for everyone and your skin needs to get used to them. Avoid overdoing it in your routine: often a simple approach is actually the most effective. Wrinkles may never completely disappear, but with a good skincare routine you can reduce them!

Source: Adobe, Margriet, The Sun, Beau Monde