Understanding Skincare for Men

It’s a common misconception that only women need to worry about maintaining a daily skincare routine. While men’s skincare needs are unique, men still need to uphold a routine of washing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin to prevent premature signs of aging. Here at Maloney Plastic Surgery, we’ve seen a higher volume of male patients come through our doors seeking plastic surgery and medi spa procedures to address common concerns like wrinkles, sagging skin, dark spots, adult acne, and more. We’re also happy to schedule skincare consultations for men seeking to improve their daily skincare routines and find the right medical grade skincare products to care for their skin. 

Continue reading for a closer look at answers to common questions we hear about skincare for men. 

Which skincare products do men need to prioritize?

Men tend to prefer simplified personal hygiene routines—just think about how many 3-in-1 products are available in the men’s skincare aisle of any drug store. However, men will benefit from investing in a few key skincare products to use every day. First, you’ll want to have a mild facial cleanser that you use twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Regular bar soap contains harsh, potentially irritating ingredients that can damage sensitive facial skin. 

Next, you’ll want to have a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type. If you have acne prone skin, you’ll want a light, water-based moisturizer that doesn’t feel oily. If you have dry skin, you may need a thicker, oil-based moisturizer. There are also many moisturizers available for sensitive or combination skin, so it’s important to know your skin type to choose the right one for your needs. A skincare consultation at Maloney Plastic Surgery will not only reveal your skin type, but it will also help you understand which ingredients you should seek out to best nourish your skin. 

Finally, you will want to select a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that you apply daily. Sun exposure is a leading cause of premature signs of aging, and failing to use sun protection can put you at a higher risk for skin cancer. 

How are men’s skincare products different? 

One reason men have traditionally gotten away with more minimalistic skincare routines is that their skin ages differently. Men have thicker, more resilient skin that does not show the signs of aging as readily as women’s skin. Additionally, men tend to have oilier skin, so men’s skincare products are formulated differently. That extra oil also makes exfoliating a necessity—exfoliating with a facial scrub or enzyme-based exfoliant can reduce breakouts and reduce ingrown hairs resulting from shaving. 

What should men do to keep their skin healthy? 

Men should maintain a basic routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen daily with once weekly exfoliation. If you shave every day, a complete skincare routine will reduce the potential irritation your razor can cause, promote a closer shave, and reduce ingrown hairs. If you have a beard, using a beard wash and protective oil or beard balm will help keep the skin underneath healthy, clean, and hydrated. 

If you’re ready to elevate your skincare and look your best every day, schedule an appointment at Maloney Plastic Surgery to explore your unique skincare needs. Dr. Maloney and his team are proud to maintain an inclusive clinical environment where both men and women can find the aesthetic care they need to look and feel their best.