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The Best Skincare Products for Men

Look, fellas, just because you’re a man, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat your skin to some serious TLC. And just because something may not be marketed directly toward you as a man, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong for you. As dermatologist Luke Maxfield, DO FAAD, explains, “Although marketing may be tailored towards your gender, that doesn’t necessarily mean the product is tailored for you.” Instead, he notes that “The most important thing is to know your skin and know your goals,” whether this be “acne, dark spots, psoriasis, razor burn, or dry skin, each [skincare product] has distinct ingredients that provide specific benefit.” So when it comes to proper skincare for men, the most important thing to note is not your gender, but what your skin is pining for.

What Every Man Needs in His Skincare Routine

According to Dr. Maxfield, when it comes to skincare, men should be zoned in on three keys: cleansing, treating, and protecting. Dr. Maxfield likes to focus in on the treatment portion because this is where people can really hone in on their own specific issues.

Now, it’s important to note that men do still have unique skin, with Dr. Maxfield explaining that “[with] increased androgens, men often have more oil production.” He als notes that men have thicker skin, and as a result, “chemical exfoliants are not only helpful but may be better tolerated.”

Knowing Your Skin Type

One of the most important factors to keep in mind when you’re shopping for skincare products is your skin type. This will help you determine which formulas are best suited for your skin’s unique needs. Here’s a quick look at the different skin types:

Oily Skin: This skin type produces an excess of sebum (your skin’s natural oils), which means it can look shiny and feel greasy (sebum may even be linked with acne). Dr. Maxfield explains that, for these people, “adding ingredients that decrease oil production like retinoids such as retinol or tretinoin, niacinamide, or even green tea can be helpful along with ingredients that absorb oil like perlite or silica”.
Dry Skin: On the opposite end of the spectrum is dry skin. Men with dry skin may want to reach for a richer, cream-based moisturizer, as well as a cleanser that is made with moisturizing ingredients. Hydrating serums that help with moisture retention can also be beneficial. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter and squalane.
Combination Skin: If you have combination skin, some areas of the face will be oily (typically the forehead, nose and chin – also known as the T-zone), whereas others will be dry. Lightweight hydrating serums can help keep moisture levels in check without feeling too heavy on the skin. You can also seek out lighter cream-based moisturizers.
Sensitive Skin: Gentle ingredients are really the name of the game for sensitive skin. Look for formulas made with soothing ingredients, such as oats, green tea, Centella asiatica, aloe, ceramides and bisabolol. It’s also important to avoid ingredients that can aggravate the skin, such as fragrances or higher concentrations of aggressive active ingredients.
Normal Skin: If you have normal skin, your face doesn’t lean toward being dry or oily, and it doesn’t tend to get too reactive or easily irritated. You’ll still need a good skincare routine to keep your skin balanced and healthy. You can also use serums and treatments that target specific issues, such as dullness or signs of aging.

Understanding your skin type will help you to do what’s best for your skin. But so will some level of trial and error, so don’t be frustrated if one product is not a cure all! If something doesn’t work for you, move on and try something else.