How To Improve Your Skin, Men: 6 Game-Changing Steps To Glow Up

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling confident and healthy. The men’s skincare market is booming for a reason, with experts at Future Market Insights projecting it will grow from $17.6 billion in 2025 to over $37 billion by 2035. A solid routine can prevent razor burn, reduce acne, and slow down aging.

But a lot of guys don’t know where to begin. In my experience, the biggest hurdle is simply understanding what your skin actually needs. With the right approach, any man can get clearer, healthier-looking skin in just a few straightforward steps.

Ready to figure out how to improve your skin?

Key Takeaways

Know your skin type, whether it’s normal, oily, dry, or combination, to choose the right products and build an effective skincare routine.

Build a consistent routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating with gentle, pH-balanced products that are suited to your specific skin type.

Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent premature aging.

Adjust your skincare products with the seasons, opting for lighter formulas in the summer and richer, more hydrating creams in the winter.

Support your skin from the inside out by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

Identifying Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is the absolute first step. It dictates which products will actually help you instead of making things worse. It’s the foundation of a routine that gets results.

Normal Skin Insights

If you have normal skin, your goal is maintenance. You’ll want a balanced approach using pH-balanced cleansers to keep your skin’s natural state in check. A great, no-fuss option is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, widely considered one of the best overall face washes.

Use lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers to stay hydrated without clogging pores. Even with “normal” skin, regular, gentle exfoliation is key to removing dead cells and keeping your face looking fresh.

Consistency is everything. A simple routine done every day beats a complicated one you only do once a week.

And never skip sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, you need a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. This simple habit is the single best way to prevent signs of aging.

Managing Oily Skin

Oily skin is the most common type for men, expected to account for over 34% of the market share in 2025. It happens when your sebaceous glands produce excess oil, leading to a constant shine, enlarged pores, and frequent acne breakouts.

The key is to control oil without stripping your skin. Use a gentle, foaming cleanser twice a day. For oily skin, dermatologists often recommend gel-based formulas with ingredients like salicylic acid to manage oil and prevent acne. A highly-rated option is the Cetaphil Oil Removing Face Wash.

Even though your skin is oily, you still need to moisturize. An oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel provides hydration without adding grease. Adding a product with Niacinamide can also be a game-changer, as research shows it helps regulate oil production and minimize pore size.

Caring for Dry Skin

Dry skin feels tight, looks flaky, and lacks natural moisture. The focus here is all about hydration and protecting your skin’s barrier. Avoid harsh soaps that strip natural oils and opt for gentle, creamy cleansers instead.

When it comes to ingredients, look for powerhouse hydrators. Hyaluronic acid is a must-have as it draws moisture into the skin. Ceramides are also vital for repairing the skin barrier. For a moisturizer, a richer cream like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is often recommended for dry skin types.

A pro-tip from dermatologists is to apply moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face while your skin is still damp. This traps water in the skin, making the product much more effective.

Handling Combination Skin

Combination skin is tricky because you’re dealing with two different skin types at once, usually an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with dry or normal cheeks. This requires a targeted approach.

You might need to use two different products. A balanced cleanser like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good start, as it removes oil without over-drying. Then, you can apply a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer to your T-zone and a richer cream to the drier areas.

A great technique for combination skin is “multi-masking.” Once a week, apply a clay mask, like the popular Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, to your oily T-zone to absorb excess sebum. At the same time, you can apply a hydrating mask to your cheeks. This gives each part of your face exactly what it needs.

Key Skincare Practices for Men

Alright, let’s get into the core habits. From how you wash your face to protecting it from the sun, these are the non-negotiable steps to level up your skin.

Effective Cleansing Techniques

How you wash your face matters just as much as what you wash it with. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Use a mild cleanser: Ditch the harsh bar soap. Opt for a dedicated facial cleanser designed for your skin type.
Wash twice daily: Always wash your face in the morning and before bed, and especially after a workout to clear out sweat and bacteria.
Apply gently: Use your fingertips to apply cleanser in a gentle, circular motion. Don’t scrub aggressively.
Pat, don’t rub: After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Rubbing can cause irritation.
Prep for shaving: Cleansing before you shave helps soften the hair follicles, leading to a smoother shave with less irritation.

Benefits of Regular Exfoliating

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It’s a critical step that many guys skip, but it’s essential for preventing clogged pores and keeping your skin looking bright and smooth. Dermatologists typically recommend exfoliating two to three times per week.

Physical Exfoliants: These are scrubs with fine particles, like the Every Man Jack Face Scrub with natural jojoba beads, that manually buff away dead skin. They provide immediate smoothness but should be used gently.
Chemical Exfoliants: These use acids, like glycolic acid (an AHA) or salicylic acid (a BHA), to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together. Products like Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser are great for this. They work deeper and can be better for acne-prone skin.

Regular exfoliation doesn’t just improve your skin’s texture; it also helps prevent ingrown hairs, making for a much better shave.

Essential Moisturizing Tips

Moisturizer is non-negotiable. Every time you wash your face, you lose some moisture. A good moisturizer traps water in your skin, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and gives you a brighter, healthier look.

A 2024 Mintel report revealed that over 40% of men aged 18-34 are now buying premium facial moisturizers, showing a huge shift in men’s grooming habits. Here are some tips to get it right:

Apply to Damp Skin: The best time to moisturize is right after you wash your face or get out of the shower. This locks in hydration much more effectively.
Choose Based on Your Skin: Use water-based, oil-free products like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for oily or sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, a richer cream is better.
Look for an SPF: A moisturizer with built-in sun protection is a great way to simplify your routine and ensure you’re always protected.
Use It Day and Night: Apply moisturizer in the morning to protect your skin throughout the day and at night to help it repair and regenerate while you sleep.

Importance of Sun Protection

If you only do one thing for your skin, make it this. Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots. It’s also the leading cause of skin cancer, which men over 50 are at a higher risk of developing.

You need a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day. Apply it to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and scalp if your hair is thin. For active lifestyles, a sweat-proof formula like EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 is a fantastic, dermatologist-recommended choice.

Advanced Skin Care Strategies

Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can start exploring more advanced treatments to target specific concerns and really elevate your skin’s health.

Understanding Dermal Fillers for Men

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that help restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. While once seen as just for women, their popularity among men is surging. Pinterest searches by men for treatments like “microneedling” have jumped 50% recently.

Products like Profhilo use high concentrations of hyaluronic acid to remodel skin at a cellular level, providing a lifting effect and reducing skin laxity. Other popular fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane can be used to target specific areas like under-eye hollows or deep smile lines, providing a refreshed, natural look.

Over 500,000 Profhilo procedures have been performed worldwide, which shows its effectiveness and growing demand. Many practitioners buy Profhilo wholesale to keep up with clients seeking this treatment.

If you’re considering fillers, it’s essential to consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your goals and find the right treatment plan for you.

Integrate Retinol in Your Routine

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient. It’s a derivative of vitamin A that speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen production, making it incredibly effective for fighting signs of aging. Using retinol can lead to smoother skin texture, a reduction in fine lines, and more even skin tone.

Because men’s skin is typically thicker and oilier, it can often handle retinol well. However, it can be irritating at first. I always recommend starting slow.

Start with a low concentration: Look for a product with 0.25% or 0.3% retinol and use it only two or three times a week at night.
Try the “sandwich method”: To reduce irritation, apply a layer of moisturizer, then the retinol, then another layer of moisturizer.
Always use SPF: Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sunscreen use is absolutely critical.

Choose Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide

When it comes to fighting acne, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two of the most effective over-the-counter ingredients. But they work differently, and choosing the right one depends on your type of acne.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble. This means it can get deep into your pores to dissolve the gunk that causes blackheads and whiteheads. It’s also anti-inflammatory, making it a good choice for sensitive or irritated skin.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It’s best for inflammatory acne, like red, pus-filled pimples. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide is highly effective, but it can be more drying than salicylic acid, so it’s best to start with a lower concentration, like 2.5%.

Adjust Skincare with Changing Seasons

Your skin’s needs change with the weather. A routine that works perfectly in the humid summer months might leave your skin dry and tight in the winter.

Summer: Hot, humid weather means more sweat and oil. Switch to a lighter, gel-based moisturizer and a foaming cleanser to keep pores clear. You might also exfoliate a bit more often.
Winter: Cold air and indoor heating can strip moisture from your skin. Switch to a richer, cream-based moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides or shea butter to strengthen your skin barrier. A hydrating cleanser is also a good swap.
Fall & Spring: These are transitional seasons. Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust accordingly. You might use a lighter cream than in winter but something more substantial than a summer gel.
Sunscreen is year-round: Don’t even think about putting the sunscreen away after summer. UV rays are present all year, and protection is always necessary.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Skin Health

What you do every day has a huge impact on your skin. You can have the best products in the world, but if your lifestyle habits are working against you, you’ll never get the results you want.

Impact of Diet and Hydration

Healthy skin truly starts from within. A balanced diet full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins provides the building blocks for strong, resilient skin.

Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, spinach, and other colorful fruits and vegetables, help protect your skin from damage. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and walnuts, help reduce inflammation and keep skin hydrated. Conversely, some studies have shown that diets high in refined carbs and sugar can contribute to inflammation and acne.

Hydration is also key. Drinking enough water throughout the day, typically at least eight glasses, helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and overall appearance.

Exercise Benefits for Skin

Regular exercise is fantastic for your skin. It increases blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This boost in circulation helps promote collagen production, which keeps skin firm and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Sweating is also a great way to cleanse your pores. However, there’s a common pitfall to avoid. You must cleanse your skin as soon as possible after a workout. Letting sweat and bacteria sit on your skin can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Importance of Sleep for Healthy Skin

There’s a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” While you sleep, your body goes into repair mode. Growth hormones are released, which helps stimulate cell turnover and collagen production to repair daily skin damage.

Not getting enough sleep can disrupt this process and lead to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can trigger inflammation and breakouts. Aiming for a consistent 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is one of the best things you can do for your skin’s health and appearance.

Managing Stress for Better Skin

Stress has a direct, visible impact on your skin. When you’re stressed, your body produces excess cortisol, which can trigger inflammation, lead to breakouts, and break down the collagen that keeps your skin firm.

Finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial. This could be through regular exercise, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Using an app like Calm or Headspace for just a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in your stress levels, and in turn, the health of your skin.

A balanced emotional state supports a balanced complexion. Prioritizing your mental well-being is a key part of any effective skincare strategy.

Professional Advice on Men’s Skincare

Sometimes, you need to call in the experts. A dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatments that you just can’t get over the counter.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

If you’re dealing with persistent issues like severe acne, rosacea, or eczema, it’s time to see a professional. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat over 3,000 skin conditions and can create a personalized plan just for you.

You should also see a dermatologist for regular skin cancer screenings, especially if you have a lot of moles or a family history of skin cancer. If you notice any new or changing spots, don’t wait to get them checked out. You can find a board-certified dermatologist near you on the American Academy of Dermatology’s website.

A dermatologist can also offer advanced solutions like prescription-strength retinoids (like Tretinoin), chemical peels, and laser treatments that provide more dramatic results than at-home care.

Selecting Suitable Skincare Products

With a professional diagnosis in hand, selecting the right products becomes much easier. The key is to choose items that address your specific needs without causing irritation.

Identify Your Skin Type: This is the most crucial step. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive will determine every other choice you make.
Read the Label: Look for keywords that match your needs. “Non-comedogenic” means a product won’t clog your pores, which is essential for oily and acne-prone skin. “Fragrance-free” is best for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
Start with the Basics: A simple routine with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is the foundation. You can add targeted treatments like serums later on.
Check Ingredients: Use resources like the INCI Decoder website to look up ingredients you don’t recognize. This can help you understand what a product actually does.
Patch Test New Products: Before putting a new product all over your face, test it on a small, discreet area of skin (like behind your ear) to see if you have a negative reaction.
Be Patient: It can take 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see real results from a new skincare product. Don’t give up too early.