Men's skincare guide: Learn about men's skincare routines

Studies comparing male and female skin show that, on average, men have higher sebum production, slightly different skin pH and elasticity, and some differences in barrier behaviour.[1][2] Add shaving, workplace exposure and lower use of sunscreen, and it is easy to see why a simple, evidence-based men's skincare routine matters.

This guide breaks down what actually works for men's skincare, how to build a routine you can stick to, and when prescription skincare through services like Prescription Skin is worth considering.

Key takeaways for men's skincare

• Men's skincare does not need to be complicated. Most men do well with four core steps: cleanse, treat, moisturise and protect.
• Male skin often has higher oil output, more acne and more UV exposure, so breakouts, redness and sun damage are very common.[1][2]
• Surveys show that most men do not use sunscreen daily, despite higher skin cancer risk and strong evidence that daily sunscreen slows visible ageing.[3][4][5][8]
• For acne, topical treatments like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid are guideline backed options for men and women.[6][7]
• Prescription skincare can be useful if you have persistent acne, shaving-related breakouts, rosacea, pigmentation or early wrinkles that have not responded to basic men's skincare products.

How is men's skincare different?

Everyone’s skin is individual, but there are some patterns that show up more often in men. These relate partly to hormones like testosterone, partly to habits like shaving and sun exposure. Understanding these differences helps you choose men's skincare that makes sense for your face, not just the marketing.

Oil, thickness and texture

In vivo studies have found that male skin tends to produce more sebum than female skin across many facial areas and that this higher oil output stays relatively stable with age, while sebum in women declines over time.[1][2] Men’s skin is often a little thicker on average and may have a slightly lower surface pH, which can influence barrier behaviour and microbiome patterns.[1][2]

Clinically, this shows up as oilier T zones, more visible pores and a tendency to acne or congestion through the beard area, chest and back. Good men's skincare routines take this into account, using products that control oil without stripping the barrier.

Shaving and facial hair

Regular shaving behaves a bit like mechanical exfoliation. It can help whisk away surface scale, but it also creates friction, micro cuts and ingrown hairs if the barrier is not supported. The wrong men's skincare products, such as harsh foaming cleansers or aftershaves high in alcohol, can leave skin tight, stingy and more prone to redness and razor bumps.

UV exposure and skin cancer risk

Australian and international data show that men spend more time in the sun and are less likely to use sun protection than women.[3][4][5] In one survey of 705 men, 83 percent reported not using sunscreen daily, and just under 40 percent said they used it even weekly.[3] Cancer Council Australia has also reported that a smaller proportion of men consistently use shade, hats and sunscreen compared with women.[5]

Given Australia’s high UV index, this is a major reason why men have high rates of sun damage, solar keratoses and skin cancers. A simple man's skincare routine that always includes sunscreen is not just cosmetic. It is part of basic health care.

What most men currently do for their skin

Several surveys of men’s grooming and skincare habits suggest that the most commonly used products are body wash or bar soap, then deodorant, with moisturisers and sunscreen much further down the list.[3][4] Many men still believe that men's skincare is complicated, time-consuming or not for them, even though in the same studies most say that looking healthy and well rested is important for work, relationships and confidence.[4]

The gap is often not motivation. It is clear, simple advice. A lot of men's skincare marketing either over promises with ten step routines or under delivers with generic “all in one” products that do not properly address acne, pigmentation or ageing. The goal here is a middle ground. A routine that feels low effort but is actually grounded in what we know from dermatology.

Men's skincare basics: the four step routine

You do not need a cupboard of products. Most men's skincare routines can cover the essentials with four steps, adjusted for oiliness and sensitivity.

1. Cleanse

Use a gentle cleanser once or twice a day. Avoid very harsh “degreasing” washes that leave your face feeling squeaky or tight. These strip the barrier, which can trigger more oil production and irritation. If you shave, cleanse first, then shave, then apply your treatment and moisturiser.

2. Treat

This is where you target whatever bothers you most. For example:

• Acne or congestion. Guideline backed ingredients include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid, often in combination.[6][7] You can read more in our overview of acne and our ingredient guide on retinoids.
• Redness and rosacea like flushing. Gentle skincare, azelaic acid and strict sun protection often help, and prescription options may be needed for some men. See our article on rosacea for more detail.
• Uneven tone and sun spots. Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and azelaic acid can help brighten and support a more even tone. Prescription pigment plans may add actives such as hydroquinone in appropriate patients.
• Fine lines and early ageing. Night time retinoids are a mainstay for softening early lines and supporting collagen over time.[6][7] We cover this further in our guide to fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Moisturise

Even oily skin often benefits from a light, non comedogenic moisturiser. Ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can support the barrier, reduce redness and help offset dryness from acne or anti-aging treatments. This is a core part of men's skincare if you are using active products.

4. Protect (sunscreen)

Sunscreen is the step most men skip, yet it has some of the strongest evidence in all of skincare. A randomized trial of daily broad-spectrum sunscreen over four and a half years found no detectable increase in clinical photoageing in the daily sunscreen group, while those using sunscreen only when they felt they needed it showed significantly more ageing.[8] Long term follow up of the same population has also shown reduced skin cancer risk with regular sunscreen use.[8]

Make it automatic. Put your SPF50 near your toothbrush and treat it like deodorant, not makeup. A simple moisturiser plus sunscreen in the morning and a targeted treatment at night already puts you in the minority of men with a consistent men's skincare routine.

Common men's skincare issues and how to handle them

Acne and shaving bumps

Acne is very common in men and can extend well into adulthood. Evidence-based guidelines recommend topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and, when needed, oral medicines such as doxycycline or isotretinoin for more severe cases.[6][7] If you have persistent breakouts, scarring or painful cysts, it is worth seeing a doctor rather than relying only on supermarket washes.

For shaving bumps and ingrown hairs, small changes help. Shave with the grain, avoid going over the same area repeatedly, use a lubricating gel and follow with a non-stingy moisturiser. In some cases, short contact exfoliants or prescription topicals can reduce ingrowns as part of a men's skincare plan tailored to your beard and skin type.

Redness, flushing and broken capillaries

Men often develop background redness across the cheeks and nose, sometimes with visible capillaries or episodes of flushing. For some this is simple sun damage, for others it reflects rosacea. Gentle skincare, fragrance-free products, sun avoidance and ingredients like azelaic acid and niacinamide can reduce stinging and visible redness.[6] Persistent burning, eye symptoms or acne like bumps in these areas should prompt a medical review.

Pigmentation and sun spots

Men can develop hyperpigmentation from acne, eczema or repeated shaving irritation. They also commonly accumulate freckles and sun spots on the temples, cheeks and scalp. Prescription pigment plans may combine retinoids with azelaic acid, vitamin C and, for selected patients, hydroquinone based regimens. Sun protection is the non-negotiable foundation of pigment focused men's skincare.

When is prescription skincare worth it for men's skincare?

Not every man needs prescription skincare. Many will see good results from a simple over-the-counter routine. Prescription formulas start to make sense when:

• You have moderate to severe acne, scarring or breakouts that have not settled with basic products.
• You have clear signs of photoageing, such as coarse wrinkles, deep lines or mottled pigmentation, and you want to be more proactive.
• You have rosacea-like flushing, visible vessels or persistent redness that flares with triggers.
• You have specific pigment problems such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and want a carefully balanced plan that uses stronger actives safely.

In these situations, prescription-grade retinoids and combination creams can target several concerns at once, often with better long-term value than cycling through multiple cosmetic men's skincare products.[6][7]

How Prescription Skin supports men's skincare

Prescription Skin is a doctor-led service that designs custom prescription skincare for Australian patients. That includes a large number of men who want something more tailored than generic men's skincare products.

You complete an online questionnaire and photo upload, then have a consultation with an Australian doctor who reviews your history, goals and any medical issues. Where appropriate, they can prescribe a personalised formula that may include retinoids, niacinamide, azelaic acid, pigment agents and barrier supporting ingredients, adjusted to your skin type and tolerance.

Many men choose our custom prescription skincare subscription, which ships your formula on a set schedule and includes regular reviews so your doctor can adjust strength or ingredients as your skin changes. You can find more practical details in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Final thoughts on men's skincare

Men's skincare does not have to be complicated, scented or time-consuming. A simple routine built around cleansing, a targeted treatment step, moisturiser and daily sunscreen already sets you apart from the majority of men.

If you have concerns like acne, shaving bumps, redness or visible sun damage, you do not have to guess alone. Evidence-based treatments exist, and in Australia you can access prescription skincare at home through services like Prescription Skin. The goal is not perfection. It is skin that feels comfortable, looks like you on a good day and is better protected for the long term.