Ultimate Guide to Men's Skin Types and Skincare

Men’s skincare dates back to ancient times, and while grooming trends have evolved over the years, more and more men are recognising the importance of having a personalised skincare routine that’s built around their unique needs. That’s how they’ll reap the biggest benefits and get the healthiest skin possible. 

And to start building a tailored skincare routine, the first and most important step is identifying your skin type. That, after all, will be the biggest factor in the ingredients and products that best meet your needs and suit your skin.  

Of course, lots of us aren’t too sure on which skin type we actually have, or what it means. So we’ve chatted to Kiehl's National Education & Customer Experience Director Gerwyn Powell to create a comprehensive guide that breaks it all down. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to build the most powerful skincare routine possible.  

 

Identifying Your Skin Type  

The first step to building a skincare routine that works for you is to understand what type of skin you have. Here are a few tell-tale signs for each to help you figure out which you are. 

Do I have dry skin? 

The term dry skin refers to skin that lacks moisture and is prone to rough patches.  

People with dry skin types will, of course, experience feelings of dryness on the face which can become quite uncomfortable. They might also notice flaking or irritation on a regular basis, sometimes accompanied by redness.  

Gerwyn told us that “tightness or irritation after washing” are also tell-tale signs of dry skin, signalling that “your skin needs something given back to it after cleansing” – in short, “a great quality moisturiser.” 

 

How to treat dry skin 

There are lots of great products that can help you relieve symptoms of dry skin and keep it feeling hydrated and fresh. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel energising moisturiser is the perfect every day moisturiser to add to your routine. This all-around men's moisturiser re-awakens and uplifts dull, fatigued skin, but it does much more than that! With added caffeine and vitamins, it works hard to improve the skin's look and texture while protecting against environmental aggressors. 

As a general tip, dry skin types can also look out for skincare that contains hyaluronic acid, which will help your skin hold on to water. Gerwyn added “if you're super dry or sensitive, you might want to look at barrier repair and things that really soothe and comfort the skin.” 

 

Do I have oily skin? 

Oily skin refers to skin that produces excess sebum and therefore can feel greasy. You might notice that your skin appears shiny throughout the day, and your pores may often feel clogged. 

If you want to get more specific, Gerywn explained that you should be particularly on the look-out for shine or oil earlier on in the day: “if you see shine develop on your skin before midday in either the T-zone or all over, that's a clear signal that you either have a combination or an oily skin.” 

 

That’s because typically, “your skin is at its most oily around lunchtime – 12:00 to 1:00pm. It doesn't tend to produce more oil after that”, making this a good time to assess your skin’s level of oil.  

 

A lot of people wonder why they might have oily skin, especially if they work hard to look after their skin health. Oily skin can be caused by a variety of factors, from genetics to unsuitable product use. The good news is that means there’s often simple steps we can take to reduce its oiliness!  

 

How to treat oily skin 

People with oilier skin types can try using a cleanser morning and night, which helps wash away excess sebum. Our Ultra Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin is a men’s face wash for oily skin that leaves your skin feeling clean without over-drying. You might also want to check out a scrub for a super clean, fresh feel. Our expert told us, “when it comes to cleansing, I’d really recommend a scrub. Facial Fuel energising scrub is perfect for exfoliating and smoothing. 

Whatever product you opt for, Gerwyn really stresses the importance of cleansing for all men, but especially those who tend toward oiliness: “cleansing the skin is really important because it not only removes any pollution or debris that's built up from the day, but also keeps your pores clear, minimises bad bacteria, reduces your chances of getting blackheads building up… It really is vital.” 

 

Do I have combination skin? 

Combination skin has a mixture of dry and oily symptoms – often in different areas of the face. Often this shows up as a more oily texture on your forehead and nose but dryness on your cheeks, though of course the dispersal can vary from person to person.  

 

How to care for combination skin 

It can be tricky to know how to treat combination skin because of its often-opposing symptoms, but balance is key when it comes to caring for this skin type. Choose moisturising products to apply to drier areas and cleansing ones for oily spots, as well as looking out for products tailor-made for combination skin. 

You’ll also want to look for products that aren’t likely to exacerbate any of your concerns. That means opting for cleansers that aren’t super harsh, and making sure your moisturising products aren’t too greasy. Again, Facial Fuel energising moisturiser is a great bet, as its caffeine and vitamin enriched non-oily formula moisturises while controlling shine for a healthy appearance.  

 

Do I have a normal skin type? 

Of course, there’s no abnormal skin! But when we talk about ‘normal’ in the realm of skin types, we’re really referring to the balance of oils in the skin. Normal skin types won’t typically experience excesses of either oil or dryness. It’s usually well-balanced and feels soft and hydrated.  

The lucky amongst us who don’t often experience significant skin problems or are really barely aware of their skin’s appearance likely have this type. 

How to care for normal skin 

While people with normal skin might not have ongoing concerns they want to target directly, that doesn’t mean they should forget skincare altogether!  

You can maintain your skin’s health with a daily routine that features staples like a cleanser, moisturiser, toner, and an SPF sunscreen.  
 
Make sure you pay extra attention to your skin after exercise, washing away any sweat to prevent it from clogging your pores.  

 

Sensitive Skin 

As well as the level of dryness vs oiliness in the skin, you’ll want to consider its sensitivity when you’re choosing skincare products.  

People with sensitive skin need to be especially careful with their product choices, making sure to be on the lookout for potentially irritating ingredients. Harsher acids and fragrances should be avoided in favour of gentler products and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, which form a strong basis for a men’s skincare for sensitive skin. A regular routine rich in moisturising formulas can help combat inflammation and irritation. 

Skincare After 60 

Whatever your skin type, it’s likely your skincare routine will change as you get older. Those with mature skin may want to consider products that tackle common signs of ageing, such as dark spots and wrinkles. Vitamin C is a great option for those who want to minimise pigmentation while maintaining skin health. 

Universal Skincare Tips 

Regardless of your skin type, there are a few tips and tricks that work for everybody. If you’re new to skincare, start with a simple routine that you can keep up every day. Choose high-quality, dermatologically tested products for reliable results and don’t neglect other factors such as a nutrient-rich diet and plenty of sleep to aid in your skin’s recovery.  

Men vs. Women's Skincare 

Increasingly, men are recognising their unique skincare needs and choosing products formulated for them. Men often deal with larger pores and greater sebum production, so are more likely to have oily skin types than women. 
 
At Kiehl’s, we have formulated a skincare line specifically for men to address common skin complaints, from cleansers that target excess oil to men’s moisturisers for sensitive skin. 

The type of skin you have is often determined by genetics, but environmental factors can also play a role. If you notice that your skin type changes during periods of stress, it may be that your hormones are influencing your skin. Similarly, you might notice your skin is affected by the weather or the air or water quality around you.  

You can use Kiehl’s Instant Skin Reader to find out what skin type you have and how to build a skincare routine tailored to you.  

Catering to your own skin type rather than using a generic skincare routine can help you give your skin the support it needs. Take the first steps by building your skincare routine and shopping for products that are right for you. Plus, you can book a consultation with our dermatology experts to get personalised advice and start your journey off on the right foot.