Skincare for men
What does men’s skin need?
Men’s skin can produce more sebum and is, on average, somewhat thicker than women’s skin. Shaving can also place additional stress on the skin, particularly when it comes to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. Below are a few basic principles useful when choosing skincare.
| Skin needs | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansing | Removes dirt, excess sebum and daily build-up | A gentle cleanser that cleanses without leaving the skin feeling tight |
| Hydration | Helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance | Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid |
| Skin barrier support | Helps maintain the skin’s natural protective function | Mild formulations and barrier-supporting ingredients |
| Protection | Helps protect the skin from everyday environmental stress | Protective and antioxidant ingredients |
Men’s skin has some biological differences compared with women’s skin, including in terms of thickness, sebum production, and how the skin ages. But these differences do not mean that men need a separate skincare routine. The most important thing is to understand your own skin and choose products based on its needs rather than your gender. This is also the starting point for Bioli’s unisex skincare, which is developed for both men and women. If you’d like to learn more about the science behind these differences, read our article Men vs. women: does skin differ – and should skincare?.
A simple skincare routine for men
Good skincare doesn’t mean using more products. A small number of well-chosen products can provide everything needed for an effective everyday routine. A basic routine can consist of three steps: cleanse, treat and moisturize.
1. Cleanse
Cleansing removes sweat, dirt, excess sebum and product residue from the skin. Choose a cleanser that leaves the skin feeling clean but not tight or stripped. If you also want to exfoliate, look for a product that combines the two steps or use an exfoliating product separately a few times a week, depending on your skin. Protease and lipase and hyaluronic acid are examples of beneficial ingredients to look for in facial cleansers and exfoliators.
2. Strengthen
A serum is optional but can be useful when you want to address a particular skin need. Depending on the formulation, serums can provide concentrated hydration or ingredients that support the skin barrier and overall skin health. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and certain peptides are examples of beneficial ingredients to look for in facial serums.
3. Moisturize and protect
A moisturizer helps maintain the skin’s hydration and supports its natural barrier. Choose a texture that feels comfortable enough for you to use consistently. During the day, sun protection is also an important part of protecting the skin from UV exposure and premature skin ageing. Hyaluronic acid and Superoxide Dismutase are examples of beneficial ingredients to look for in facial moisturizers. Explore Bioli's routine set that brings the three products together for a simple everyday skincare routine. Save 10% when you purchase the set.
Skincare after shaving
Shaving can put additional stress on the skin and may contribute to dryness, redness or irritation, particularly if your skin is already sensitive. A mild skincare routine can therefore be especially helpful after shaving. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and make sure to moisturize afterwards. If your skin is easily irritated, keeping your routine simple and choosing mild formulations may also be beneficial.
Choosing skincare for your skin
The best skincare routine for men depends on your individual skin. Dry, sensitive, oily and blemish-prone skin can require different approaches.
| Skin concern | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Dry skin | Look for hydration and ingredients that support the skin barrier |
| Sensitive skin | Choose mild, fragrance-free formulations and avoid unnecessary ingredients |
| Blemish-prone skin | Effective cleansing and gentle exfoliation without over-drying the skin |
| Combination or oily skin | Look for effective cleansing and lightweight textures |
| Signs of ageing | Consistent hydration and ingredients that support overall skin health |
Face cream for men
When looking for the best face cream for men, the most important consideration is not whether the product is labelled for men. Look at the formulation, texture and ingredients, and consider whether they match your skin’s needs. For dry skin, a richer moisturizer may feel more comfortable. If your skin is oily or combination, you may prefer a lighter texture.
Skincare for men with blemish-prone skin
Blemishes and excess oil can affect men at any age. One common mistake is to over-cleanse or use harsh products in an attempt to remove excess oil. Instead, look for effective cleansing combined with gentle exfoliation, while maintaining enough hydration to avoid unnecessarily drying the skin.
Skincare for men with sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can react to a range of factors, including environmental conditions, shaving and certain cosmetic ingredients. If your skin is sensitive, keeping your routine simple can be helpful. Fragrance-free products and mild formulations may be preferable, particularly if you know that your skin reacts to fragranced products.
Skincare for men at every age
Your skin changes throughout life, so your skincare routine may need to change with it. The basic principles remain the same, but different concerns can become more relevant over time.
Skincare for young men
Young skin generally doesn’t need a complicated routine. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer can provide a simple foundation, with additional products added if there is a specific skin concern. For blemish-prone skin, focus on cleansing without over-drying and consider gentle exfoliation where appropriate.
Anti-ageing skincare for men
Skin ageing affects everyone. Over time, changes in collagen, elastin, hydration and skin structure can contribute to fine lines, changes in firmness and differences in skin texture. A consistent routine with cleansing, hydration and skin-supporting ingredients can form the basis of anti-ageing skincare. Daily sun protection is particularly important, as UV exposure is one of the major environmental factors associated with visible skin ageing.
Discover biotech skincare
Biotech skincare is an emerging category that uses biological systems such as microorganisms and enzymes to develop specific ingredients with precision. These can include bioactive molecules, enzymes, peptides, hyaluronic acid and other functional ingredients.
Bioli develops unisex biotech skincare with a focus on skin biology. The range is designed around a simple principle: skincare should be mild yet effective, without making everyday routines unnecessarily complicated. The products are fragrance-free, dermatologically approved for sensitive skin and AllergyCertified, and are developed for both men and women – including people with sensitive skin. The range includes a cleanser and exfoliator, a strengthening serum and a moisturizing face cream, allowing you to build a simple three-step routine if that suits your skin. Explore Bioli’s biotech skincare.
Explore Bioli skincare
Common questions about skincare for men
What is the best skincare routine for men?
A simple skincare routine can be enough for most men. Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a serum if needed, and finish with a moisturizer. During the day, sun protection is also important. The right routine depends on your individual skin and its needs.
Does men’s skin need different skincare?
Men’s skin has some biological differences compared with women’s skin, including differences in thickness and sebum production. However, the fundamental needs are the same: cleansing, hydration, barrier support and protection. Men do not necessarily need a separate skincare routine.
What is the best face cream for men?
The best face cream for men depends on your skin type and individual needs rather than your gender. Look for a moisturizer that provides sufficient hydration, supports the skin barrier and has a texture that feels comfortable enough to use consistently.
What is the best skincare for sensitive skin in men?
For sensitive skin, look for mild, fragrance-free formulations and avoid unnecessary ingredients that may cause irritation. A simple routine with gentle cleansing, hydration and barrier-supporting skincare can help maintain comfortable, healthy-looking skin.
