When looking for a cleanser, choose a formula suitable for your skin type that can effectively cleanse skin without over-drying. Men’s skin tend to be thicker, have larger pores, and produces four times more sebum than women’s skin so men often benefit from an exfoliating scrub or cleanser for oily skin. Read more on Cleansing in our No-Fuss Men's Skincare Routine.

Cleanse your skin twice a day—morning and night—and after exercising or sweating. An essential step in your skincare routine, cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, sweat and other impurities. Be careful not to over-cleanse your skin or use excessively harsh scrubs as these can change the skin hydration balance.

Facial scrubs can be an effective way to help slough away impurities and dead skin. Since men’s skin tend to be thicker and produces more sebum than women’s skin, it is more prone to clogged pores. Exfoliating can help to prep skin for a close, comfortable shave.

For oily skin, look for a men’s exfoliating cleanser, scrub or face wash. Gel cleansers can be effective for oily skin to help remove dirt and excess oil without stripping skin. Using a facial scrub can help slough off dead skin and help keep skin shine-free. A facial cleanser is more preferable to soap or body wash to cleanse skin, as it does not fully stripping away natural oils. Read more in our step-by-step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin.

Whether you have always had dry skin or are noticing that your skin is becoming drier with age, look for a cleanser that respects skin’s moisture barrier. A hydrating cleanser or gentle formula can help gently cleanse away dirt and oil without over-drying.

While you may be tempted to save time by cleansing all over with a bar soap or body wash, take care to use a formula gentle enough for your face. Facial skin tend to be thinner and more delicate than the skin on your body and needs a milder formulation that also respects skin’s barrier. Facial cleansers can help remove dirt and impurities without fully stripping skin of natural oils while also helping balance skin’s pH levels. If you do want to speed up your shower time, look for an all-in-one body cleanser that is gentle enough to use head-to-toe.

If you have a beard or other facial hair, wash your face exactly the same as you would without one. After cleansing, apply a beard oil, see our Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil to help smooth facial hair and nourish the skin underneath.

“It’s a Guy Thing: Cosmetic Procedures Surge Among Men.” American Academy of Dermatology.(2013)