“A man should smell like sweat, not flowers”: 5 myths about men’s hygiene

For a long time, men’s hygiene remained an area of stereotypes and prejudices. “Real men do not use cosmetics”, “frequent washing is harmful to health”, “A man should smell sweat, not flowers” – these and other misconceptions still affect the attitude of many men to their own body. Modern science debunks these myths and offers a reasonable approach to male hygiene, based on the physiological characteristics of the male body and current research.
Proper self-care not only increases the attractiveness of a man in the eyes of others, but also directly affects his health, well-being and self-confidence. Studies show that men who pay attention to personal hygiene demonstrate higher levels of social adaptation and professional success.

Myth #1: “A man should smell like sweat, not flowers.”
One of the most enduring stereotypes is that male sweat is a sign of true masculinity, and the use of deodorants and perfumes undermines the masculinity. Some even claim that the natural smell of the male body attracts women due to pheromones.

Research shows that while pheromones do play a role in attractiveness, the unpleasant smell of sweat caused by bacteria decomposing the secretion of sweat glands repels most people regardless of gender. Modern science distinguishes between “fresh” sweat (virtually odorless) and sweat that has undergone bacterial decomposition, which is perceived as unpleasant.
According to research from the Monella Center for Chemical Senses, women can actually feel certain components of men’s sweat, but that doesn’t mean bad smells are attractive. On the contrary, moderate use of high-quality perfumery enhances the positive perception of men by others.

Recommendations:

• Shower at least once a day, especially after physical activity
• Use antiperspirants to control sweating and deodorants to neutralize the smell
• Choose perfumes based on your skin type and natural body odor
• Remember that a good perfume should be visible only at close range, and not fill the entire room.

Myth #2: “Washing frequently is bad for men’s health”
It is believed that too frequent washing violates the natural protective barrier of the skin, washes away beneficial bacteria and can lead to health problems, including reduced immunity and even problems with potency.


Dermatological studies show that regular washing is not only not harmful, but also necessary to maintain the health of a man’s skin. Men’s skin is on average 25% thicker than women’s, contains more collagen and produces more sebum due to elevated testosterone levels. This leads to more active work of the sebaceous glands and an increased risk of pore blockage.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, daily washing using suitable products does not violate the protective lipid barrier of the skin, if certain rules are followed. Harm can cause not the frequency of washing, but the use of too hot water and aggressive detergents.

“Daily washing with the right products is a key component of male hygiene. Avoid alkaline pH soaps and give preference to pH-neutral products specially designed for men’s skin, recommends Dr. Alex Portnoy, lead dermatologist at the European Association of Dermatovenerologists.

Recommendations:

• Use water at a comfortable temperature (not hot)
• Choose detergents that match your skin type
• For oily skin suitable shower gels with salicylic acid
• For dry and sensitive skin, it is better to choose products with moisturizing components
• After a shower, wet your skin with a towel without rubbing it.
• Use a moisturizing body lotion, especially in winter

Myth #3: “Real men don’t need creams and care products”
It is widely believed that the use of creams, masks and other skin and hair care products is the prerogative of women, and men have enough water and soap.

Biological features of male skin (increased fat content, more active sweating, frequent shaving) require a special approach to care. The skin of men, especially the face, is subjected to significant stress due to daily shaving, which damages the upper protective layer of the epidermis.
Research conducted at Stanford University shows that regular use of post-shaven care products significantly reduces the risk of developing dermatitis, folliculitis and other skin problems associated with shaving. In addition, male skin loses collagen faster with age, which leads to more pronounced manifestations of aging.

Basic set of tools for male skin care:

• Face cleanser (other than shower gel)
• Means for shaving (foam, gel or cream)
• Balm or aftershave lotion
• Moisturizer for the face (better with SPF)
• Face Scrub (use 1-2 times a week)

Myth #4: Hair care is simple: shampoo and ready
Many men believe that hair care is reduced to washing any available shampoo, and hair problems (loss, dandruff) is a heredity with which nothing can be done.

Trichological studies show that up to 70% of male hair problems are due to improper care and external factors, not genetics. Male scalp produces more sebum (skin sebum), which requires a specific approach to cleansing and care.
According to the International Association of Trichologists, male androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) does have genetic causes, but its progression can be slowed with proper and timely care of hair and scalp.


Recommendations for hair care for men:

• Choose a shampoo according to the type of hair and scalp
• Use conditioner after shampoo to make it easier to comb and protect hair
• Wash your head with water of a comfortable temperature (not hot)
• Massage your scalp while washing to improve blood circulation
• If there is a problem with dandruff, use specialized shampoos with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.
• At the first signs of thinning hair, consult a trichologist

Myth #5: “Intimate hygiene is only for women”
Many people believe that special intimate hygiene is necessary only for women, and men need a simple wash with soap.

Urological studies prove that proper intimate hygiene is no less important for men than for women. Improper care can lead to the development of balanoposthitis, urethritis and other inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
According to the European Association of Urologists, more than 40% of men face problems associated with insufficient or improper intimate hygiene. Especially relevant is proper care for men who have not undergone circumcision, since in the folds of the foreskin a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria is created.

Recommendations for intimate hygiene for men:

• Clean the intimate area daily with a neutral pH
• Do not use regular soap as it can disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome.
• Carefully wash all folds of skin
• After washing thoroughly dry the skin with soaking movements.
• Change your underwear daily by choosing models from natural breathable fabrics
• When playing sports, use special sports underwear with antibacterial properties

Men's hygiene is about health, not stereotypes
The modern view of male hygiene is based on scientific evidence, not outdated notions of masculinity. Proper self-care is not a sign of excessive metrosexuality, but a prerequisite for maintaining health and well-being.
Physiological features of the male body (increased sweating, more active work of the sebaceous glands, a tendency to inflammatory processes after shaving) require a special approach to hygiene and care. Following science-based recommendations helps not only to look attractive, but also prevents many health problems.
It is important to remember that good hygiene is a manifestation of respect not only for yourself, but also for the people around you. And properly selected care products allow you to emphasize the individuality of a man and his lifestyle.

Glossary of terms
Sebum
Sebum, the secretion of the sebaceous glands of the skin, is an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin and hair. In men, the production of sebum is usually more intense due to the effect of testosterone.

pheromones
Biologically active substances released by living organisms into the environment and affecting the behavior or physiological state of other individuals of the same species. In humans, the role of pheromones in attractiveness remains a matter of scientific debate.

Lipid barrier
A protective layer on the surface of the skin, consisting of lipids (fats) and preventing the loss of moisture and the penetration of harmful substances. A healthy lipid barrier is necessary to maintain normal skin condition.

androgenic alopecia
Hereditary hair loss caused by the action of androgens (male sex hormones) on hair follicles in genetically predisposed people. It is the most common cause of baldness in men.

balanoposthite
Inflammatory disease of the head of the penis (balanitis) and the inner leaf of the foreskin (postitis). Often caused by non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene.

pH
Skin acidity. The normal pH of human skin is in the range of 4.5-5.5, which makes it slightly acidic and helps protect against pathogenic microorganisms. Conventional soaps have an alkaline pH (about 9-10), which can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance.

Trichology
A section of dermatology that studies the structure, functions and diseases of hair and scalp, as well as methods of treatment and prevention of various hair pathologies.

Skin microbiome
The totality of all microorganisms that inhabit human skin. A healthy microbiome plays an important role in protecting against pathogens and maintaining normal skin health.