The principles of skincare are the same regardless of gender, but there are some differences in skin physiology and typical concerns that might warrant a tailored approach. Over half of U.S. men use facial skincare products, reflecting a 68% increase since 2022 (Mintel, 2024)
Common Differences in Men’s Skin:
- Thicker Skin: Men generally have thicker skin with higher collagen density, which can make it more resilient but also more prone to oiliness.
- Facial Hair: The presence of facial hair can introduce unique challenges, such as ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving.
- Larger Pores: Men often have larger pores, which can lead to more visible blackheads and breakouts.
Tailoring Skincare for Men:
- Cleansing:
- Product: Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin.
- Frequency: Wash your face twice daily—morning and night.
- Exfoliation:
- Frequency: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
- Product: Consider chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid) that can penetrate deeper into the pores.
- Moisturizing:
- Product: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
- After Shaving: Apply an aftershave balm or lotion to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.
- Sun Protection:
- Product: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, especially after shaving to protect the exposed skin.
- Consistency: Make it a daily habit, rain or shine.
- Treatment Products:
- Acne: If acne is a concern, look for spot treatments with willow bark or tea tree oil.
- Anti-Aging: Incorporate serums with retinoids, peptides, or antioxidants to address signs of aging.
- Shaving:
- Prep: Soften the beard with warm water and use a shaving cream or gel to reduce friction.
- Razor: Use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation.
General Tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthier skin.
- Consistency is Key: Establishing and maintaining a regular skincare routine is crucial for long-term results.
Skincare Regimen for Men:
Keeping skincare simple for men is important because a straightforward routine is easier to follow and more efficient. Men are likely to stick with a routine that doesn’t take much time or involve many steps. Given that men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier, basic products like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens are usually enough. Fewer products also reduce the risk of skin irritation and are more cost-effective, making it easier to maintain a consistent, effective skincare regimen.
Cleanse – We recommend washing your face daily with a gentle facial cleanser. Bar soap is often stronger and strips away the healthy oils. Facial Gel Cleanser is a great cleanser that helps skin feel clean but not stripped. Follow up with Daily Refine Toner to help remove residue and bring down the pH of the skin.
Exfoliation – Regular exfoliation helps keep skin smooth and helps with shaving. Use face oil for a glide with Shaving. Recommended exfoliation products are : Purifying & Pore Cleansing Mask, Retexturizing Enzyme Mask and Emerge Night Serum.
Shaving – For a gentle glide when shaving the Phyto Nourish Face Oil before shaving. This will help give skin a smoother shave.
Treatment – For light treatment and hydration the Balance Serum is a great fit. At night you can apply the Emerge Night Seurm for exfoliation. Then after that, apply Balance Serum.
Moisturizer – For dryer skin types they can use Balance Daily Moisturizer after the Balance Serum.
AM Skincare Regimen
- Facial Gel Cleanser
- Gentle Clarifying Toner
- Phyto Nourish Face Serum then Shave
- Balance Serum
- Daily Balance Moisturizer
PM Skincare Regimen
- Facial Gel Cleanser
- Gentle Clarifying Toner
- Emerge Night Serum
- Balance Serum
- Daily Balance Moisturizer
* 2 times a week use an exfoliation mask to purify and exfoliate the skin. Apply Purifying & Pore Cleansing Mask, then, leave on for 5-10 minutes after that, rinse. Secondly apply, Retexturizing Enzyme Mask and leave on 5-10 minutes and rinse.
When men use a good skincare regimen, they can achieve healthier, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. A consistent routine helps to reduce acne, minimize the appearance of pores, and prevent signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, well-cared-for skin feels smoother and more hydrated, providing a boost in confidence and overall appearance.