Top Skin Care Regimens Tailored for Men Based on Skin Type
In the pursuit of healthy and radiant skin, understanding one's skin type is crucial. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) identifies five skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. Each requires a tailored skincare routine to address its unique needs.
Oily Skin
Individuals with oily skin often struggle with a shiny complexion. To combat this, a gentle foaming or gel cleanser is recommended to remove excess sebum without stripping the skin. Non-comedogenic, targeted products with antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes can help control oil and support barrier health. Lightweight, oil-free hydrating products are ideal for moisturizing, while a mattifying, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential for sun protection. Exfoliating 2–3 times weekly using salicylic acid can unclog pores, and avoiding over-cleansing or skipping moisturizer can prevent rebound oil production.
Acne-Prone Skin
Those with acne-prone skin should opt for a clarifying cleanser with ingredients like witch hazel to gently remove dirt and excess oil. A balanced toner with citric acid and rosemary can maintain pH and tone the skin. Exfoliants like salicylic and lactic acids can clear pores and reduce breakouts, while serums boosting skin repair, such as Vitamin C peptides, can provide brightness and healing. Harsh over-drying products should be avoided as they can worsen breakouts.
Dry Skin
For dry skin, a creamy, hydrating cleanser that does not strip natural oils is recommended. Gentle exfoliation once a week with mild scrubs or lactic acid can remove dead skin, while a rich, nourishing moisturizer can restore hydration and barrier function. A moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial for sun protection without causing dryness.
Sensitive Skin
Individuals with sensitive skin should use a fragrance-free, mild cleanser to minimize irritation. Exfoliation should be very gentle and infrequent, if tolerated. Soothing, fragrance-free moisturizers can calm and hydrate the skin, while mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can reduce irritation risk.
Combination Skin
Combination skin, which has both dry and oily areas, requires a balanced approach. A gentle and balanced cleanser that removes excess oil from the T-zone without over-drying dry areas is ideal. Exfoliation should focus on the oily T-zone with gentle acids, while a gel or lotion moisturizer can hydrate dry areas without being heavy. Sunscreen should be balanced for both hydration and shine control, and treatments should be targeted on different areas: exfoliants or mattifiers on oily zones, and hydrating serums on dry patches.
General Skincare Routine
Regardless of skin type, cleansing should be gentle to maintain skin barrier health and avoid triggering excess oil or sensitivity. Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, even oily, to prevent barrier compromise and excess sebum. Sun Protection with SPF 30+ is universally important, tailored by skin sensitivity and oiliness. Regular washing, moisturizing, shaving, sunscreen use, and thorough skin checks form the core of a comprehensive skincare routine.
For those with chronically oily, dry, or acne-prone skin, it is recommended to consult a doctor for personalised advice. Older adults should take additional steps to help minimize the effects of aging, such as using a humidifier, taking fewer showers or baths, using moisturizers, avoiding or reducing smoking, limiting sun exposure and wearing sunblock and clothes that cover the body, using effective wrinkle products and procedures.
Sources: [1] American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) [2] University of Tennessee Medical Center [3] The Skin Cancer Foundation [4] National Health Service (NHS)
- Individuals with oily skin may find relief from a shiny complexion by using a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, which removes excess sebum without stripping the skin.
- Acne-prone skin can benefit from a clarifying cleanser that contains ingredients like witch hazel to gently remove dirt and excess oil, and a toner with citric acid and rosemary to maintain pH and tone the skin.
- Dry skin calls for a creamy, hydrating cleanser that does not strip natural oils, followed by gentle exfoliation once a week and a rich, nourishing moisturizer for hydration and barrier function.
- Sensitive skin requires a fragrance-free, mild cleanser, gentle exfoliation if tolerated, and soothing, fragrance-free moisturizers to calm and hydrate.
- Combination skin demands a balanced approach with a gentle and balanced cleanser, targeted exfoliation on the oily T-zone, and a gel or lotion moisturizer to hydrate dry areas without being heavy.
- In general, all skin types need gentle cleansing to maintain skin barrier health, moisturizing to prevent barrier compromise and excess sebum, and universal sun protection with SPF 30+.
- Imbalanced skins like chronically oily, dry, or acne-prone may require personalized advice from a doctor, while older adults should take additional steps to mitigate aging effects, such as using a humidifier, avoiding smoking, and limiting sun exposure.
