For a long time, skincare was not part of the conversation for men. Cultural expectations often reinforced the idea that caring for one’s skin was somehow unmasculine, or simply unnecessary. Many men entered adulthood with little guidance about how to care for their skin in a consistent, meaningful way.
But the skin plays an essential role in our overall well-being. It protects, regulates, and reflects what’s happening beneath the surface. Taking care of it helps you feel and look your best.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to adopt a men’s skincare routine. Like any good habit, it starts small. And the results come not from doing more, but from doing a few things with intention.
This guide offers a simple, approachable path to men’s skincare—with practices that support your skin through every season of life. Whether you keep a clean shave, wear a beard, or are just beginning to explore what your skin needs, this is a good place to start.
Why Men’s Skincare Matters
Men’s skin is typically thicker and tends to produce more oil than women’s. For those who shave regularly or spend a lot of time outdoors, the skin also experiences more friction and environmental exposure. Over time, this can lead to increased sensitivity, uneven texture, and signs of premature aging.
A consistent men’s skincare routine helps support the skin’s natural balance. The right products can soften rough areas, reduce post-shave irritation, and protect against everyday stressors like sun, wind, and pollution.
Shaving as Skincare
Shaving is a regular part of life for many men. It’s also one of the most frequent forms of physical contact your skin experiences. Each shave combines exfoliation, friction, and exposure—all of which can leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed, or sensitive and irritated, depending on how it's done.
Here are some shaving tips for men that make the experience more comfortable and supportive for your skin:
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Shave after showering, when the skin is warm and the hair is softer. This helps reduce friction and makes shaving easier.
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Use a gentle shave cream or gel to create a protective barrier between the blade and your skin.
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Rinse the blade frequently and take your time. Shaving too quickly or with too much pressure can lead to nicks or redness.
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Shave in the direction of hair growth, especially if your skin is prone to razor bumps or sensitivity.
Once you're finished, rinse with cool water and apply a calming balm or aftershave lotion. Choose a formula that soothes without stinging or drying the skin. If you know your skin is sensitive, we recommend a fragrance free moisturizer like our Sensitive Balm.
Skincare for Men with Beards
Facial hair doesn’t eliminate the need for skincare. In many cases, it increases it.
The skin beneath your beard can become dry, itchy, and prone to flaking if it isn’t properly cared for. A proper routine helps maintain both the health of your skin and the appearance of your beard.
Use your fingertips to massage a mild facial cleanser through your beard. Make sure it reaches under the skin, so there’s no residue left to linger in there.
It also helps to exfoliate once or twice a week. A gentle exfoliant or soft-bristled brush lifts away dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs, particularly along the neckline and jawline where hair tends to grow more densely.
You can also apply men’s beard care products to lock in moisture and reduce irritation. They also make coarse beard hair feel softer and easier to manage.
The Role of Aging
Your skin may become more reactive with age. You might start to notice fine lines, uneven tone, or that your skin doesn’t bounce back from sun exposure or daily stress as easily as it once did.
While these shifts are entirely natural, they’re also an invitation to care for your skin in new ways.
Men's antiaging skincare isn’t about reversing time. It’s about helping the skin stay strong, balanced, and comfortable, regardless of age.
Look for ingredients like panthenol, troxerutin, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E, these help support the skin. A well-formulated eye cream can also reduce puffiness or dark circles, especially if your skin tends to reflect fatigue.
Your Routine, Your Way
There’s no such thing as a perfect men’s skincare routine. The best approach is one that fits your skin, your lifestyle, and feels manageable from day to day.
Some men prefer a simple routine—cleansing and moisturizing—to feel refreshed and balanced. Others may benefit from a few additional steps, such as using a hydrating serum to help address dryness or support the skin through seasonal changes.
Listen to your skin. Notice how it responds to shifts in weather, stress, or sleep. Finally, adjust when needed. Skincare is never static; it is meant to evolve with you.
If you're ready to begin—or refine—your routine, we invite you to explore Doctor Eckstein’s selection of skincare. Each formula is developed with intention, backed by decades of experience, and suited to the changing needs of real skin.