Q. Is there a difference between men's skin and women's skin?
A. Definitely. Male hormones have a very pronounced effect on skin. They stimulate oil and sweat glands, and make skin stronger by enlarging the middle layer (the dermis) with collagen. Men's skin tends to be thicker and oilier throughout their lives, since their hormone levels remain fairly high.

Q. How do those differences affect men's skin care?
A. Certain ingredients need to be stronger for men. That's why you can't just borrow her stuff-it won't have the same effect on your skin. Salicylic acid, for example, needs to be more concentrated for men to get a comparable exfoliating result. Each Clinique Skin Supplies For Men formula is developed and tested to be appropriate for men's skin.

Q. What makes the men's version of 3-Step Skin Care so unique?
A. Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System works along with human skin structure, so the basic concept of cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize is effective for both men and women. The big difference for men is the shaving step. Men find they get closer shaves and fewer ingrown hairs once they cleanse and exfoliate daily. And our Scruffing Lotions are more intense than the women's Clarifying Lotions, since men have oilier skin.

Q. If men have stronger, thicker skin than women, do they need to be as vigilant about anti-aging skin care?
A. Signs of aging are a significant concern for both sexes. Men may start out with thicker skin, but they also experience declining elasticity and thinning skin as they mature. Daily sun protection with a product like M Protect SPF 21 should be an integral part of every man's skin care regimen. Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15 and Daily Eye Hydrator both address age-related skin concerns in formulations specifically designed for men.