Plenty of men grew up believing that skincare means soap and water. In fact, men’s skin has its own habits, and a few small changes make a visible difference.
How men’s skin is different
- More oil. Male hormones drive the oil glands harder, so men tend to have oilier skin, larger-looking pores and more acne and blackheads, sometimes well beyond the teenage years.
- Thicker skin. Men’s skin is generally thicker, with more collagen, which is one reason wrinkles often appear later. That does not make it immune to sun damage.
- Daily shaving. Shaving removes a thin layer of skin each time and can cause irritation, nicks, ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially with curly beard hair.
- Less sun protection. Men are less likely to use sunscreen, so tanning, dark spots and uneven tone are common.
A routine that takes two minutes
- Cleanse morning and night with a gentle face wash. A gel or foaming wash suits oily skin; avoid harsh scrubs and plain soap if your skin feels tight afterwards.
- Moisturise with a light, non-greasy, non-comedogenic lotion or gel, even if your skin is oily. Dehydrated oily skin often produces more oil.
- Protect every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. Gels and fluids feel lightest.
For shaving: soften the beard with warm water, use a shaving gel, shave with the grain using a sharp blade, and follow with a fragrance-free moisturiser rather than a stinging aftershave.
When to see a dermatologist
Acne that keeps coming back
Adult acne is common in men. If spots leave marks or scars, or over-the-counter products have not helped in two to three months, prescription treatment works far better and prevents scarring. See acne and acne treatment.
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs
Small, sore bumps along the beard line and neck happen when curly hairs curl back into the skin. Better shaving technique helps, a doctor can prescribe creams for flare-ups, and for persistent cases laser hair removal of the neck or cheek line reduces the problem at its source. More in our guide to ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Tanning, dark spots and uneven tone
Sun, friction and old acne marks leave dark patches that can take months to fade on their own. Sunscreen is the foundation; creams, peels and lasers chosen for brown skin can speed things up. See dark spots and pigmentation treatment.
Hair fall and a thinning hairline
Male-pattern hair loss runs in families and usually starts at the temples or crown. It is gradual, and treatment is most effective at holding on to the hair you still have, so early is better than late. A dermatologist will also check for other causes such as thyroid problems, low iron or stress. See hair fall, hair fall treatment and PRP for hair.
Lines and tired-looking skin
Forehead lines and crow’s feet can be softened with anti-wrinkle injections, and dull, rough skin often improves with medical facials or resurfacing. A good dermatologist will aim for a natural, rested look rather than an obviously “done” one. See Botox and hydra facial and medi-facials.
The bottom line
A cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen cover most of what men’s skin needs. Anything that keeps coming back, leaves marks or worries you is worth a proper look. At OrnaSkin, a consultation starts with the doctor examining your skin and explaining what will and will not help.
