The Best Skincare Routine for Men at Any Age

Newsflash: washing your face with soap and water does not count as a skincare routine. You’ll need to do more than that if you want to age as gracefully as David Beckham. Look, we know skincare doesn’t sound that “manly”, but you have to take care of your skin, too. Like women, men also have skin concerns that only the right skincare regimen can treat. Plus, going without a skincare routine puts you at risk of sun damage, skin aging, and skin cancer.

Don’t know where to start? Below, we tackle what should be in the best skincare routine for men including what ingredients to look for. We also share a few men’s skincare tips to make your skincare routine more effective.

Why should men invest in skincare?

If you haven’t started taking care of your skin using a good skincare routine for men, here are some reasons why you should:

Skincare protects your skin from the sun. Part of skincare is protecting your skin against sun-induced damage. Men who don’t stick to a skincare routine are at risk of developing sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.
Skincare helps maintain your youthful glow. Your skin will start to look crepe-like with age, but by sticking to a simple routine, you’ll be able to slow down skin aging and keep your skin tight.
Skincare keeps problems at bay. Daily exposure to dirt, dust, and other environmental stressors can wreak havoc on your face. The best skincare routine can help prevent these problems.

How does men’s skin differ from women’s skin?

Men’s skin isn’t the same as women’s, and it’s all because of the testosterone in their bodies. While every man’s skin is different, in general, men have thicker skin that ages a lot slower than women’s. Below, you’ll find the main differences between men's and women’s skin:

Collagen content

Men and women produce the protein collagen, which the skin uses to maintain its structure. However, as we age, collagen production starts to slow down, making our skin more prone to the signs of aging.

This decline occurs in both men and women, but since men’s skin contains more collagen, they tend to look younger for longer. Women’s skin starts to age earlier, but because most men don’t use sunscreen, the difference in “skin age” isn’t that noticeable. Excessive sun exposure can add years to one’s skin. Even if men have more collagen, their skin can age at the same rate as women's if they don’t practice proper sun protection.

Sebum production

Men generally have larger oil glands than women. They also start to produce twice as much sebum as women when they reach puberty. This is why men tend to have oily skin from their teenage years to their late 20s. While some oil is good, too much of it can clog the pores and cause acne.

On a positive note, men’s skin is better at maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. This means they have the advantage of having skin that won’t get as dry as women’s.

Skin thickness

Thanks to testosterone, a man’s dermis (the deep layer of the skin) is 20% thicker than a woman’s, making it more resistant to skin damage. This, however, isn’t a reason not to have a simple skincare routine for men.

Sensitivity due to shaving

There’s one thing that men do that women don’t: shave. While shaving removes the outer layer of the skin (in essence, it exfoliates the skin), it can also cause irritation and make the skin more sensitive. Men’s skin is also more susceptible to infection as the blade can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Can men use women’s skincare products?

You may be wondering whether men can use women’s skincare products. The short answer is yes as many of these “for women” products aren’t actually formulated only for women. They’re only considered “for women” since they can treat skin concerns that occur mostly in women.

That’s why men should look beyond the labels and choose products according to their skin’s needs. What really matters is that the products, whether or not they’re marketed as “for men” or “for women”, can treat their skin concerns and contain the right ingredients.

However, if the question was, “Can men follow the same skincare routine as women?”, then the answer would be no. The reason for this is that a woman’s skincare routine consists of products that treat women’s skin concerns. For example, women often use products with anti-aging ingredients since their skin ages faster. Meanwhile, men have to deal with their own skin concerns such as oily skin, acne, etc. Since a man’s skin has specific needs, he can benefit from creating a personalized skincare routine for men.

What ingredients should a simple skincare routine for men contain?

There are tons of great ingredients out there, but here’s what you’ll most likely find in a good skincare routine:

Hyaluronic acid

As a humectant, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from deep within the skin and pulls it to the surface. By locking in moisture, it restores the skin’s bounce and makes it feel firmer, smoother, and softer. It also controls oil production, making it a must-have for every man who wants to mattify their face.

Retinol

This powerful anti-aging ingredient is a worthy addition to any skincare routine for men. Retinol, which is a gentler retinoid, is best known for its ability to boost collagen production. This allows it to visibly fade fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin back its glow.

Peptides

Also known as polypeptides, peptides are amino acids that make up the proteins in our body. Without these proteins, our skin would be more prone to wrinkles and our nails would be brittle. Peptides in skincare products help strengthen the skin’s structure as it signals the production of more collagen, a type of protein found in the skin. It works by tricking the body into thinking it needs to go into repair mode.

Ceramides

Fifty percent of the skin’s outer surface is composed of ceramides — these are fatty acids found in skin cells. One of their roles is maintaining the skin barrier, which is what protects the body from pollution. However, the body’s ceramide content will gradually decline due to age and sun damage. This can weaken the skin barrier and cause dry skin, redness, and other common skin concerns. To maintain your body’s ceramide content, it’s best to add a ceramide-infused cream to your skincare routine.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the most common beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in skincare products. It’s the strongest kind of BHA, but it’s still gentler than alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). It works by deeply penetrating the skin to unclog pores, get rid of dead skin cells, and calm down inflammation. Salicylic acid can benefit men with oily skin as it helps reduce sebum production.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best science-backed ingredients you can find in skincare. Not only is it safe to use for most skin types, but it also brings a wide range of benefits. For one, vitamin C can fade sun spots and age spots, revealing a more even-toned complexion. It also protects the skin from UV-induced free radicals that you might be exposed to during the day. Vitamin C is a strong ingredient, so you might want to start with a low concentration, especially if you have sensitive skin.

What’s the best skincare routine for men?

The best skincare routine for men should be one that you can commit to. It should be low-maintenance, but not too basic that it doesn’t target common skin concerns. So, what should a simple skincare routine for men include? Here’s the bare minimum:

Step 1: Facial wash or cleanser

Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to wash away the sweat, dirt, and grime that accumulated on your face during the day. Washing your face will help the rest of your skincare products stick to your skin.

Be sure to use a cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type. If you have severely oily skin, look for a facial cleanser containing oil-controlling ingredients such as salicylic acid.

Step 2: Exfoliant

Many men think they don’t need to exfoliate since shaving already exfoliates the skin. However, the exfoliation done during shaving isn’t good enough. Use a gentle exfoliant twice a week to completely get rid of dirt and dead skin cells trapped deep within your pores. Not only will this leave your skin feeling extra soft, but it will also lower the risk of ingrown hairs.

Step 3: Toner

A facial toner gets rid of dirt, dead skin cells, etc. that might have been left behind even after you’ve cleansed. Aside from cleaning the skin, it also reduces the appearance of pores and keeps them from becoming clogged. Applying toner is also a good way to clear away any post-shave residue.

Step 4: Eye cream

Men may produce more sebum than women, but their under-eye area is still drier than the rest of their face. Under-eye dryness can make imperfections look more pronounced, but an eye cream can keep them at bay. It’s a common misconception that eye cream should only be used in men’s skincare after 50, but you can add it to your routine as early as your 20s.

Step 5: Moisturizer

It’s a myth that men don’t need to moisturize because their moisture barrier is better than women’s. As a man, you may have oilier skin, but you still have to moisturize daily to control your face’s oil production. Yes, moisturizer will add more moisture to the skin, but this skincare must-have can actually make a man’s face noticeably less shiny.

Step 6: Sunscreen

The best skincare routine for men won’t be complete without SPF sunscreen. Whether or not the sun is out, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is non-negotiable. Applying and reapplying sunscreen every day can keep you safe from sun damage and reduce the risk of conditions such as skin cancer. For optimal sun protection, be sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Aside from wearing sunscreen, it’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a long-sleeved shirt when going out.

Do men need to change their regimen as they get older?

Your skin will change with age, and so should your skincare. As you grow older, your skin will develop a variety of concerns, ranging from acne during your younger years, to deep-set wrinkles in your 60s. What works for your skin now might not work for you in ten years. Changing your skincare regimen is the best way to target skin concerns brought about by age.

Men’s skincare in their 20s

In your 20s, your main concern will most likely be oil control. At this stage, you’ll want to keep sebum at bay by using an oil-free cleanser to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. You should also start wearing sunscreen with SPF — your older self will thank you for protecting your skin from the harmful sun.

Men’s skincare routine in their 30s

At 30, you’ll likely start to see wrinkles around your eyes. If you haven’t already started using retinol, now would be a good time to add it to your routine. But if retinol is already in your routine, you can consider using higher-strength retinol or retinoids.

While your skin won’t be as oily as it was in your 20s, it will be a bit duller and drier. This would be the best time to replace your cleanser for oily skin with a cleanser for combination skin types. Cleansers for oily skin can cause too much dryness.

Men’s skincare after 50

Cell turnover will slow down with age. To put things into perspective, the cell turnover rate at age 18 is 14 to 21 days. At age 50, it drops to 60 to 90 days. Since your body will no longer be able to produce as much collagen, be sure to use anti-aging products and eat collagen-rich foods like chicken and citrus fruits. At 50, your skin will also be more vulnerable to UV damage, so try to stay out of the sun.

Men’s skincare after 60

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association, men are at greater risk of developing melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer. This risk increases once a man reaches his 60s. For that reason, your routine for men’s skincare after 60 should focus on sun protection. Continue wearing sunscreen daily and don’t spend too much time under the sun. Your skin will also be significantly drier in your 60s, so be sure to hydrate it with the right ingredients. Proper hydration is the key to protecting your skin against environmental aggressors including UV light.

Is it ever too late to start a skincare routine for men?

Many men don’t bother to start a skincare routine because they think it’s too late, but it never is. Whether you build the best skincare routine for men at 30, 40, or 50, you will still see results — as long as you commit to it, of course. However, it would be ideal to start in your 20s. The best way to keep the signs of aging at bay is by strictly following the right skincare routine for years.

Men’s skincare tips regardless of age

Whether you’re following a men’s skincare routine for your 30s or 60s, here are a few men’s skincare tips to practice at any age:

Drink plenty of water. Don’t rely on hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated. You still need to drink a lot of water to maintain your skin’s elasticity. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink at least 3.7 liters of water a day.
Be mindful of the number of blades. You’re more likely to get razor burns if you use a multi-blade razor. Switch to a razor with one or two blades and don’t stretch your skin while you shave.
Throw away your blade. Worn-out blades can cause cuts, nicks, and infections. To shave safely, switch out your blade after every 5 to 7 shaves.
Keep an eye on your skin. Notice any changes to your skin, such as a spot that changed color or a mole that seems larger? Get your skin checked by a board-certified dermatologist.
Avoid alcohol-based aftershave. It may be able to kill bacteria, but it can also cause inflammation and dry out your skin. Stick to a moisturizer instead.

Get great skin at any age

Your skin will change, but one thing that will never change is our commitment to providing you with the best skincare. Whether you’re 20 or 60, you can count on PROVEN Skincare to give your skin what it needs and help it stay healthy throughout your life. Using your data, we’ll design personalized skincare that keeps your skin looking its best. Ultimately, the best skincare routine for men is one that’s tailored to you.

Take our Skin Genome Quiz today to create a custom skincare routine that suits you in your 20s, 30s, and beyond.

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