Let’s settle the debate once and for all: how different is men’s skin from women’s? For starters, men tend to produce higher levels of testosterone, which makes their skin thicker and denser. With higher levels of sebum production, it comes as little surprise that their oiliness levels are also significantly higher.
But even as the world of men’s skincare advances by leaps and bounds, it isn’t uncommon to find dusty bottles lining their skincare shelf. If you are hoping to get him onboard the skincare wagon and actually follow through with it, it helps to eschew gimmicky trends in favour of a tight, well-researched edit of skincare staples that his skin actually needs.
Even the most minimalist, pared-back skincare routine cannot exist without a face wash—bonus points if the formula is enhanced with actives. Building on this trajectory of thought, this one is designed to tackle the pollution and environmental aggressors that we face on a daily basis. Grindelia and checkerberry extracts get to work under the hood to rinse away impurities, while the foaming lather promises to take it easy on razor burns.
For the man who simply cannot resist an all-in-one product, this multitasking cleanser from 82°E makes for a no-brainer. Formulated for all skin types, this hydrating staple calls upon arjuna and betaine to keep the skin and beard conditioned, while also dialling back any visible signs of ageing. As a bonus, the scented cleanser will envelop the skin in the woody notes of oud all day.
A moisturiser that doesn’t just hydrate but also gets to work on dislodging stubborn dark spots? Yes, please. From the brand that is credited as everyone’s favourite winter creme, comes a non-greasy moisturiser infused with licorice to reduce dark spots. Suitable for all skin types, the non-greasy formula will help him get that glow going.
The harsh, unforgiving rays of the sun do not discriminate between genders, which is what makes a high-performing sunscreen a must-have in every man’s skincare arsenal. SPF 50 is a good place to begin the fight against sun-related damage, with Minimalist going above and beyond with a formula that glides on like a lightweight moisturiser. Catch rays, not feelings.
Dark circles, under-eye bags and puffiness: the price to pay for late nights. For those looking to dislodge them, it helps to have a calming under-eye gel at hand’s reach. Beardo’s brightening formula cares for the delicate area under the eyes with the soothing touch of aloe vera extract, chamomile and shea butter. It’s known to decrease eye bags and tackle dark circles. Bright peepers even after a sleepless night? That’s a serve.
A straightforward, no-frills-attached exfoliant, this skincare product gets to work from the get-go. The salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores, retexturise the skin, reduce blemishes and pigmentation and, over time, get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Its weightless texture allows for quick absorption and makes for the perfect addition to any skincare routine looking to achieve clearer skin.
How to use: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin after cleansing and before moisturising. Start with once daily in the evening and adjust frequency based on skin tolerance.
Prolonged exposure to sun and sweat can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and skin that appears dull. Looking to hit the reset button? Say hello to exfoliation nation with The Ordinary’s pore-cleansing solution. Salicylic acid vacuums away dead skin cells and other buildup on the skin to reveal brighter, blemish-free skin.
Looking to stay one step ahead of unexpected acne flare-ups? This cleansing scrub from Truefitt & Hill makes for a good breakout bouncer by keeping dirt and impurities from crashing the party. When used twice a week, the willow bark, borage oil and walnut shell in the formula roll up their sleeves and get to work on booting any impurities that have got cosy on the skin. Want to keep the visage fresh and bright always? This will get the job done.
Razor burn is counted among the most common skincare concerns for men, followed closely by sun damage. Steer clear of the latter by inviting a detan mask into your weekly routine—Mancode’s coffee-spiked sheet mask is happy to help. Designed to brighten the skin and remove any signs of unevenness in the skin tone, this mask also works on controlling the production of oil to keep acne at bay.
If applying lip balm isn’t topping his list of priorities currently, this mocha-scented formula from Beardo might just change that. Beyond exfoliating flaky lips, this balm also unites coffee, coconut oil, vitamin E and shea butter to address any signs of pigmentation and keep chapped lips moisturised for longer. Work hard, hydrate harder.