Men's skin, shaving and the things nobody mentions
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The short answer
What skincare routine do men actually need?
A gentle cleanser, a light moisturiser after shaving and a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 on the face, neck, ears and any thinning scalp. A retinoid at night is the one optional extra worth adding.
Evidence: Good How we grade evidence
Male skin is oilier and takes daily punishment from shaving, and Cancer Research UK figures show melanoma death rates are higher in men than in women. The routine that follows is short on purpose.
How is men's skin different from women's?
Men's skin is typically oilier than women's, and daily shaving adds a kind of irritation that most skincare advice ignores. Testosterone drives larger sebaceous glands, so skin is oilier and pores look larger. Skin also tends to be thicker and to lose collagen more gradually, which is why signs of ageing often arrive later and then more suddenly. Daily shaving is a form of repeated exfoliation and mechanical irritation.
How do you stop razor burn and ingrown hairs?
Shaving in the direction the hair grows, with a sharp blade and a lubricating gel, is the most effective way to cut down razor burn and ingrown hairs. Razor burn is irritation from dragging a blunt blade over dry skin. Ingrown hairs happen when a shaved hair curls back into the skin, which the NHS says is more likely with coarse or curly hair. Repeated ingrown hairs can lead to pseudofolliculitis barbae, an inflammatory condition that leaves dark marks and bumps along the jaw and neck and mainly affects people with skin of colour. Not shaving too close and never using a blunt razor also help. For persistent cases a GP or dermatologist can help, and a 2023 review of treatments describes laser hair removal as a promising longer-term option.
What is the simplest skincare routine for men?
The simplest routine worth having is a gentle cleanser, a light moisturiser and a daily sunscreen. A gentle cleanser twice a day. A light moisturiser, ideally after shaving. Sunscreen on the face, neck, ears and, if relevant, the scalp, which the NHS sun safety advice says to cover if you have thinning or no hair, and which is easy to forget. If you want a fourth product, make it a retinoid at night. A MyAgenix read builds a short routine like this around your own skin and shaving habits.
Where should men check their skin for signs of skin cancer?
Men should check the ears, scalp and back of the neck, because these sun-exposed areas get missed by both sunscreen and mirrors. The NHS lists the head, face, ears, neck and shoulders among the sun-exposed areas where the most common skin cancers usually appear. Any spot, mole or patch that changes, bleeds or does not heal within a few weeks should be seen by a GP, in line with the NHS advice on changing moles. Cancer Research UK figures show that death rates from melanoma skin cancer are higher in men, which is one more reason not to wait before getting a change checked.
Questions people ask
Do men need skincare products made for men?
No. Most products labelled for men contain the same kinds of ingredients as any other range. What matters is a texture that suits oilier skin and a shaving routine, and skipping heavy fragrance if aftershave stings.
Should men put moisturiser on after shaving?
Yes, a light, fragrance-free moisturiser after shaving is a sensible habit. Shaving scrapes away surface skin cells and oils, and a moisturiser helps skin feel comfortable afterwards. Alcohol-heavy aftershaves tend to sting and dry the skin.
Is an electric razor better for ingrown hairs?
It can be. The NHS suggests trying an electric razor rather than wet shaving if you get ingrown hairs, along with not shaving too close and never using a blunt blade. Leaving a little stubble helps hairs grow out rather than back in.
Do bald men need sunscreen on their head?
Yes. The NHS advises applying sunscreen to the head if you have thinning or no hair, though a wide-brimmed hat protects better. The scalp gets strong direct sun and is one of the places people most often forget.
Should men use a retinoid?
A retinoid at night is the most useful optional fourth step once cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are in place. Start slowly, a couple of nights a week, avoid applying it straight after shaving, and keep up daily sunscreen.
Sources
- NHS says is more likely with coarse or curly hair (nhs.uk)
- mainly affects people with skin of colour (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- NHS sun safety advice (nhs.uk)
- NHS lists the head, face, ears, neck and shoulders (nhs.uk)
- NHS advice on changing moles (nhs.uk)
- Cancer Research UK figures show that death rates from melanoma skin cancer are higher in men (cancerresearchuk.org)
General information about skin, not medical advice. MyAgenix offers cosmetic guidance to help you choose products. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. For anything that needs treating, see a pharmacist, your GP or a dermatologist.