Moisturizer for men: what to choose and how to use it

Does moisturizer need to be made for men?

No. Men's skin tends to be thicker, and testosterone can make it oilier, but skin type matters more than sex when choosing skincare. Men's branding is optional; your skin type does not read the packaging. The basic routine remains cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.1

Which texture should you buy?

A gel and an ointment can both be moisturizers, which is why the shelf manages to look complicated without contradicting itself. If you have combination skin, moisturize the dry areas and leave oily areas alone if they do not need it. You do not have to use the same amount everywhere. For normal skin with occasional dryness, lotion is often enough; skin holds less moisture with age, so a cream can become more useful.3

What should you look for on the label?

Moisturizers combine ingredients with different jobs. Humectants, such as glycerin, attract and retain water. Occlusives, such as petroleum jelly or dimethicone, form a surface barrier that slows water loss. Emollients soften and smooth the outer skin layer. Hyaluronic acid draws water into skin, while ceramides help replenish the skin's protective lipid layer, the fats that support its barrier.14

• For acne prone skin, look for "oil free" or "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to block pores. These labels cannot promise that you will never break out.
• For sensitive skin, choose a mild, fragrance free product. "Unscented" products can still contain masking fragrance.
• For dry skin, avoid products with alcohol, fragrance or alpha hydroxy acids, which can make retaining natural oils harder.
• Do not assume "natural" means suitable for sensitive skin. Plant ingredients can aggravate allergies.

How to apply face moisturizer

1. 1Wash with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm water. Cleanse in the morning and before bed, and after exercise.
2. 2Pat your face dry without removing all the moisture. Leave the skin slightly damp.
3. 3Apply moisturizer, smoothing it gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing vigorously.
4. 4In the morning, follow with sunscreen. Before going outdoors, use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.

Morning and evening moisturizing is a practical starting routine. Dry skin can need two to three applications daily, or more whenever it feels dry or tight. Slightly dry skin sometimes needs only a light moisturizer at night. Adjust the frequency and texture to the dryness rather than treating every face as the same job. Cold weather can make a richer product more useful than the one you use in summer.1467

Moisturizing and sun protection do different jobs: moisturizer traps water, while sunscreen helps prevent sun damage. Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Include your ears, neck and exposed scalp, not just the front of your face.2

What if you shave or have a beard?

After shaving, apply a gentle moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Alcohol based aftershaves can dry and irritate skin, so moisturizer is more helpful for most people. Before shaving, wet the skin and hair, use moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. If close shaving repeatedly causes bumps or ingrown hairs, try a razor with one or two blades and avoid stretching the skin taut.12

For hairy areas, lotion spreads more easily than a thick ointment. Smooth an emollient along the direction of hair growth to reduce the chance of blocking and irritating hair follicles. A lighter daytime product and a richer nighttime product can also be useful when dryness needs more protection than one texture provides.57

What results should you expect?

With enough emollient applied regularly, skin can feel softer and less rough as soon as treatment starts. Moisturizer can also reduce the appearance of fine lines by retaining water. The benefit needs maintenance: regular application keeps replacing lost moisture.257

What if moisturizer is not enough?

Repeated long, hot showers, harsh soaps and scrubbing can keep removing water and natural oils. For dry skin, limit showers to five to ten minutes, use warm water and choose a gentle cleanser. Moisturize your body after bathing as well as your face. Tightness, roughness, flaking and itching are signs of dryness; some medicines and skin conditions can contribute too.6

Emollients help manage dry skin conditions but do not cure them. Inflamed skin can need treatment alongside moisturizer. If you use a prescribed steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and your emollient, and ask your clinician which goes first. The gap helps avoid diluting the treatment or spreading it beyond the intended area.57

When should you change products or get help?

Brief stinging can occur, especially on sore skin. Persistent burning, a new rash or inflamed hair follicles needs advice from a pharmacist or clinician and can mean you need a different product. Stop a moisturizer that causes an allergic skin reaction. Rich, occlusive products can aggravate acne or inflamed follicles, so adding more is not always the answer.457

See a clinician if dryness persists despite care, becomes painful, cracked or bleeding, or itching keeps you awake. Open sores from scratching also need attention. These problems can need more than a change of moisturizer.36

Use a clean spoon or spatula to take emollient from a tub. Keep emollient exposed clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes; washing does not completely remove the residue. Moisturizing products can also make baths and tiled floors slippery, so clean spills and take care after application.5