Men of all ages and skin types benefit from using a daily moisturizer. Men’s skin produces more sebum than women’s, so men are often tempted to skip a moisturizer, but these formulas are essential for all skin types.ⁱ Shaving can also strip skin of its natural oils and even cause irritation, making the need for a moisturizer even greater. Men also tend to get less sleep, which can cause skin to look tired or under-nourished.ⁱⁱ Replenishing skin with a moisturizer helps soften and hydrate to promote a healthy-looking appearance.
ⁱ“It’s a Guy Thing: Cosmetic Procedures Surge Among Men.” American Academy of Dermatology. (2013)
ⁱⁱBurgard, Sarah A. and Jennifer A. Alshire. “Gender and Time for Sleep among U.S. Adults.” American Sociological Review. (2013): 78(1): 51-69.

Apply a moisturizer twice a day, morning and night, to help keep skin hydrated. Smooth on your moisturizer after cleansing and shaving, and before sunscreen, unless you are using a moisturizer with SPF.

Daily sun protection is a must-have for all skin types. Not only does it help prevent sunburn, but it also defends against other forms of damage by the sun like dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles. Save yourself a step by using a men’s moisturizer with SPF to efficiently hydrate and defend skin.

While your skin may feel oily or greasy, it still needs a daily moisturizer to help balance skin’s moisture levels. In fact, while oily skin may be producing excess oil, it can still be dehydrated or lacking in water. When skin becomes dehydrated it may actually produce more oil, which can cause a shiny or greasy appearance. Using a men’s moisturizer can help balance and even skin for a shine-free, healthy appearance. For oily skin types, look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that are also non-comedogenic—meaning they won’t clog pores.

Since men’s skin tends to be oilier, you may not notice signs of aging like dryness or fine lines as early as women. Over time, men’s skin does gradually produce less oil and become drier which is often when men start to look for an anti-aging cream or moisturizer. When men do start to see signs of aging, their wrinkles are often deeper and more pronounced. Look for a formula targeted for your skin concerns—whether you notice more fine lines and wrinkles, dryness or a lack of firmness.

When selecting a moisturizer, skin type is much more important than gender. Look for a moisturizer formulated for your skin type to help maintain your skin’s moisture balance. Since men’s skin is thicker and oilier than women’s skin, you may prefer a gel moisturizer or another lightweight formula to hydrate skin while helping reduce excess shine. While men and women can use the same moisturizer, using a formula specifically made for men can help address men’s unique skin concerns.

To find the best formula for you, look for moisturizers for your skin type and your skin concerns. If you have oily skin, try a gel or lightweight moisturizer. If you have dry skin, or if it feels tight or taut in the winter, try a facial cream or balm to combat dryness. Anti-aging moisturizers for men provide hydration while also helping visibly reduce signs of aging like lines and wrinkles. For normal skin types, look for a formula that helps balance your skin and keeps it looking hydrated and healthy.

Facial moisturizers are formulated for skin, so they are not beneficial to facial hair. Depending on the length of your beard, a moisturizer may not even reach skin’s surface. While a moisturizer doesn’t negatively impact your facial hair, using a beard oil will help smooth and soften facial hair while also moisturizing the skin underneath.

Dry and dehydrated skin can occur on the whole body—not just the face. Using a body lotion or moisturizer can help prevent skin from feeling dry, tight or taut, especially in cold winter months. Applying a body moisturizer after bathing or showering can help retain moisture to keep skin hydrated.