Men's facial care: tips, tricks and much more

A thorough cleansing routine, morning and evening, removes dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores. It also preps the skin for your skincare routine and any upcoming shave.

Normal skin

For men with normal skin, a gentle facial cleanser is ideal – one that cleans thoroughly without stripping the skin. A formula with balanced ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance and perfectly preps it for shaving and further care.

Dry skin

Men with dry skin should use a mild cleanser that doesn’t dry out or irritate the skin further. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, or aloe vera are ideal to calm and hydrate. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances, which can aggravate the skin. A pH-neutral cleanser is also a good option to preserve the skin’s acid mantle and protect its barrier.

Oily skin

Men with oily skin should go for a cleanser that effectively removes excess oil and dirt without over-drying. Clarifying ingredients like salicylic acid, tamanu oil, or clay help purify pores and prevent breakouts.

Combination skin

Men with combination skin need a cleanser that mattifies oily areas and hydrates dry zones. Balancing ingredients like blue tansy, niacinamide, or zinc oxide help clear the skin and reduce blemishes. The cleanser should be gentle enough not to dry out or irritate. A pH-balanced formula helps maintain the skin’s natural equilibrium and preps it well for follow-up care. Regular cleansing is essential to keep the skin fresh and healthy by removing oil and grime.

(Very) sensitive skin

For men with sensitive skin, a particularly gentle cleanser is essential – one that soothes and avoids irritation. Calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or oat extract help reduce redness and sensitivity. Another option is to use surfactant-free cleansers. These often don’t foam and remove dirt, oil, and residue through alternative means. They're usually based on cream, oil, gel, or gel-to-oil formulations.

Mature skin

If aging skin is already a concern during cleansing, opt for a facial cleanser that nourishes while targeting signs of aging. Anti-aging ingredients like vitamin C or retinol can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin a more radiant appearance.

Properly preparing the skin before shaving and using high-quality shaving products is key to preventing irritation and redness. A toner before shaving is recommended, as it cleanses and tones the skin, making it more receptive and smoother for the shave. After shaving, it’s important to soothe and hydrate the skin. A calming aftershave lotion or moisturizing gel can reduce irritation, nourish the skin, and support the healing process.

Normal skin:
Toner with soothing and balancing ingredients like rose water or witch hazel.

Oily skin:
Toner with astringent ingredients like salicylic acid to refine pores and control excess oil.

Dry skin:
Toner with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or panthenol to moisturize and calm the skin.

Sensitive skin:
Alcohol-free toners with calming ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera to reduce irritation.

Combination skin:
Toners that mattify oily areas and hydrate dry zones – for example, with zinc or niacinamide.

Mature skin:
Toners with anti-aging ingredients like peptides or antioxidants to firm and revitalize the skin.

A facial serum is a concentrated formulation specifically designed to target particular skin concerns and provide intensive care.

Serums typically contain high concentrations of active ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. These penetrate deeply into the skin and work from within.

They have a light texture – often water-based – which allows them to absorb quickly and deeply. Serums are applied after cleansing and before using a moisturizer.

They can help hydrate the skin, reduce wrinkles, fade pigmentation spots, improve texture, or combat blemishes. In short, a facial serum supports overall skin health and promotes a radiant, youthful look.

Top ingredients by skin type & our recommendations:

Normal skin: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, antioxidants – for hydration and protection
Oily skin: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil – to regulate oil and clear pores
Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter – for deep hydration and nourishment
Combination skin: Niacinamide, zinc oxide, green tea extract – to balance and care for varied skin areas
Sensitive skin: Chamomile, oat extract, allantoin – to soothe and reduce irritation
Mature skin: Retinol/Bakuchiol (natural retinol alternative), peptides, collagen – to regenerate and firm the skin

Oils are especially suitable for dry or mature skin, as they provide intensive nourishment and lock in moisture. They tend to be richer and are usually free of added preservatives or fragrances. Oils can be used on their own or layered with a moisturizer for extra care and they often double as beard care, too.

Creams are lighter and work well for normal to oily skin types. They deliver hydration without clogging pores. In addition to moisturizing agents, creams often contain active ingredients like antioxidants or hyaluronic acid to address specific skin concerns. It's important to tailor your moisturizer to your skin type and needs for best results.

For mature or very dry skin, a night cream is recommended. These deliver long-lasting and deeper hydration and often include key anti-aging ingredients. They tend to be richer in texture and take longer to absorb.

Normal skin:
Light moisturizers with vitamins and antioxidants to protect and care for the skin.

Dry skin:
Rich creams or facial oils with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil to deeply nourish and moisturize.

Oily skin:
Oil-free moisturizers or gels with mattifying ingredients like salicylic acid to control excess oil. Non-comedogenic facial oils can also help – these are lightweight and won’t clog pores. Oily skin can also be dehydrated, which may trigger overproduction of sebum. By giving the skin the oil it actually needs, you can help balance sebum levels.

Combination skin:
Lightweight moisturizers that mattify oily areas and hydrate dry ones – for example, with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Non-comedogenic oils can also be beneficial; these lighter oils won’t block pores. Sometimes the skin produces excess oil in response to dryness, which leads to oily patches. In such cases, a facial oil can help rebalance the skin’s oil production.

Sensitive skin:
Creams with soothing ingredients like chamomile or oat extract to calm the skin and reduce irritation.

Mature skin:
Anti-aging creams with collagen, retinol, or peptides to firm the skin and combat signs of aging.

UV rays can cause premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why using a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV exposure.

One of the key differences in sunscreens lies in the type of filter they use mineral or chemical. Mineral (or physical) sunscreens use filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. They're often better suited for sensitive skin, as they're less likely to cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. They’re easier to rub in and usually don’t leave a white cast.

Mineral sunscreens are ideal for very sensitive skin or children, while chemical options often offer higher water resistance and are better suited for active lifestyles.