The Golden Rules of Skincare: Men's Edition

One of the most refreshing shifts within the beauty industry in recent years has been the changing conversation around men’s skincare. More men than ever now recognise that a good skincare routine isn’t about vanity – it’s about health and confidence. But what’s often overlooked is the lesser-known fact that men’s skin is biologically different to women’s skin. Testosterone levels mean men’s skin is typically 20-25% thicker than women’s and has a higher collagen density, making it firmer and more resilient.

However, men also have more active sebaceous glands, which produce up to twice as much oil as women. This leads to significantly larger pores and a higher likelihood of blemishes and acne. Men’s skin also ages differently to women’s skin, with signs of ageing tending to appear later but more prominently when they do. Add regular shaving into the mix, and men’s skin is frequently exposed to irritation, ingrown hairs and a compromised skin barrier.

Understanding these differences, and knowing which habits significantly improve male skin, is key. That’s where my golden rules come in: the essential practices every man should follow to instantly improve and future-proof both the appearance and overall health of his skin.

RULE 1: Remain consistent and committed

It’s important to stay consistent with your skincare routine to maintain immediate improvement and protect your skin against visible ageing. While women often show earlier signs of skin ageing, men’s skin produces collagen slightly differently which can delay the appearance of wrinkles. However, when wrinkles do show up, they often do so more suddenly and prominently!

An ideal routine should include at least a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen (in that order). And guys, please don’t skip the sunscreen in the morning as studies have shown that men are significantly more likely to develop skin cancer than women. Read more about the importance of sunscreen here.

RULE 2: Exfoliate regularly

Men should exfoliate 2-3 times a week to help prevent ingrown hairs, combat enlarged pores and avoid the build-up of bacteria, dead skin cells and excess oil which can cause blemishes and acne.

Opt for a chemical exfoliant which suits your skin type. Try to avoid physical exfoliants as they tend to cause more harm than good. More on this coming soon!

RULE 3: Choose ‘sharp and smart’ shaving

When it comes to wet shaving, always use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of the hair growth (with the grain) to prevent both ingrown hairs and irritation.

If using an electric shaver, prevent ingrown hairs by using a high-quality foil or rotary shaver that cuts hair just above the skin’s surface, shave with the grain, keep the shaver clean and fully charged, and avoid excess pressure.

Use shaving gel with a wet/dry shaver to prevent irritation.

RULE 4: Moisturise post shave

Shaving naturally exfoliates the skin and removes some of its protective oils, which is why post-shave hydration is so important. Applying a moisturiser after shaving helps to replenish lost moisture, calm irritation or razor burn, and keep both the skin and hair soft – reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

To protect that moisture barrier, it’s also best to avoid applying alcohol-based, spray-on aftershaves or colognes directly to the face, as these can further dry out and strip the skin. Instead, consider using a specifically formulated post-shave balm, applied before your moisturiser, to soothe the skin and lock in hydration.

For an extra boost, incorporating a weekly hydrating face mask can help to restore and rebalance the skin’s moisture levels, supporting recovery after repeated shaving and keeping the complexion healthy, smooth, and comfortable.

RULE 5: Prioritise a post-workout shower

It may sound obvious, but it’s important to prioritise a shower as soon as possible after working out. We know that men’s skin is significantly more oily than women’s, so showering right after a workout prevents the build-up of that excess oil which can block enlarged pores and cause breakouts.

RULE 6: Don’t neglect your eye area

With both men’s and women’s skin, the skin around the eye area is notably thinner than it is on the rest of the face. While men may have generally firmer and more resilient skin than women, the eye area is often the first place to show signs of ageing such as fine lines, dryness and embedded dark circles. So guys, do yourself a huge favour and add a nourishing eye cream to your daily line-up.

(If you have one)

RULE 6: Ensure proper beard care

Caring for the skin underneath a beard is just as important as maintaining the beard itself. Regularly washing and moisturising your beard not only ensures the health and easy management of the beard itself but also protects the skin beneath from impurity build-up, moisture loss and irritation.

It’s important to opt for a dedicated beard wash as regular shampoo is often too harsh on both the facial hair and the skin beneath. Follow washing with a beard oil, and gently massage into the skin beneath the beard to prevent itching, irritation and ‘beardruff’ (beard dandruff).

My top recommendations per skin type:

OILY SKIN

Cleanser: Bulldog Skincare Oil Control Face Wash

Toner: Brickell Balancing Toner For Men

(Swap toner for an exfoliant 2-3 times per week: Clinique For Men Oil Control Exfoliating Tonic)

Moisturiser: Shakeup Cosmetics Face 4ward Oil-Control Gel Moisturiser

SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF50+

DRY SKIN

Cleanser: Clinique For Men Face Wash

Toner: Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner

(Swap toner for an exfoliant 2-3 times per week: Harry’s Freshening Face Toner)

Moisturiser: Clinique For Men Maximum 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

SPF: COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen - SPF 50 PA++++

SENSITIVE SKIN

Cleanser: Clarins Men Active Face Wash

Toner: Triumph & Disaster Logic Toning Lotion

(Swap toner for an exfoliant 2-3 times per week: The Inkey List PHA Toner)

Moisturiser: Nivea Men Sensitive Intensive Face Moisturiser Cream-Gel

SPF: E45 Sun Care Sensitive Face Cream SPF 50+

COMBINATION SKIN (simultaneously oily and dry, and sometimes sensitive)

Cleanser: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energising Face Wash

Toner: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner

(Swap toner for an exfoliant 2-3 times per week: Shakeup Cosmetics Face 4ward Clarifying Toner)

Moisturiser: Lab Series All-In-One Face Treatment

SPF: Q+A Niacinamide SPF 50 Balancing Daily Sunscreen

Eye cream options (can be paired with all of the above): Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair / Clinique For Men Anti-Age Eye Cream / Boots Men Everyday Skin Caffeine Eye Cream