Male Acne: The Importance of Gender in Acne Treatment [editorial]

Sexual dimorphism refers to phenotypic differences between genders of the same species. In humans, these differences are wide ranging and are reflected in differences in external genitalia, greater musculature, and larger skeletal anatomy in males relative to females. Sexual dimorphism in cutaneous physiology is well documented and primarily mediated by sex hormones. The skin's response to the metabolism of sex hormones differs in men versus women; in men, an increase in androgens affects several of the skin's functions, including hair growth, epidermal barrier homeostasis, and wound healing. Despite well-documented gender differences relating to cutaneous physiology, the importance of gender rarely is discussed in acne literature.