Skincare for men over 50

What changes after 50?

With age, the outer skin layer becomes thinner and less stretchy, and oil production can decrease. Loss of collagen and elastin, the proteins that help support skin and keep it elastic, contributes to wrinkles and fragility. Years of ultraviolet exposure also add up, changing skin texture and increasing skin cancer risk. These changes make gentle washing, moisture and sun protection more useful than aggressive scrubbing. Men's skin tends to be thicker than women's, but your current skin type matters more when choosing products. Products should match dryness, oiliness or sensitivity, not the department the packaging thinks your face belongs in.23

What should you buy?

• For dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle, pH balanced cream cleanser rather than traditional bar soap.
• For oily or combination skin, a gentle foaming cleanser is an option. Combination skin has oily areas, often the center of the face, and drier areas elsewhere.
• For moisturizer, hyaluronic acid helps hold water in the skin, while ceramides help replenish its protective barrier.
• For sensitive skin, look for fragrance free products. Unscented products can still contain masking fragrances.
• For skin prone to acne, look for cleansers and moisturizers labeled oil free or noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores.

Your morning routine

1. 1Wash with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Massage with your fingertips, rinse completely and pat dry rather than rubbing.
2. 2Shave if needed, using the technique below. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help trap water.
3. 3Apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors. Cover exposed skin, including your ears, neck, scalp and lips, not just your face.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Clouds do not block all ultraviolet rays. Add shade, a wide brimmed hat, protective clothing and sunglasses rather than relying on sunscreen alone. Sun protection helps prevent wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer; it is not just a beach routine.134

Your evening routine

1. 1Wash with your gentle cleanser to remove the day's dirt and grime. Morning and evening cleansing is a useful starting routine; also wash after exercise.
2. 2If you use retinol, apply it at night before moisturizer. If retinol irritates your skin, a thin layer of moisturizer first can help buffer it.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. Use body moisturizer and lip balm as well, especially where skin feels dry.

Avoid hot showers, excessive soap and scrubbing, which can worsen dryness. Dry patches often develop on the lower legs, elbows and forearms, so facial care should not be your only moisturizing habit. A humidifier can help in a dry room. See a doctor if your skin is very dry and itchy.3

How should you shave?

1. 1Wet your skin and facial hair first to soften them, then apply moisturizing shaving cream.
2. 2Shave in the direction of hair growth without pulling your skin taut. Rinse the razor after each swipe.
3. 3If you frequently get razor bumps, burns or ingrown hairs, try a single or double blade razor rather than one that shaves very closely.
4. 4Change the blade after five to seven shaves and moisturize afterward. Avoid alcohol based aftershaves, which can dry and irritate skin.

Are retinol and vitamin C worth adding?

Retinol is an optional addition for fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. It encourages old skin cells to shed and helps slow collagen breakdown. Expect improvements after about three months of regular use, rather than judging it after a few nights. Retinol can irritate skin, particularly sensitive skin or skin new to the ingredient. Most people do not need a prescription retinoid; prescription versions can work faster for some people. Avoid doubling up with a separate retinol serum and a moisturizer that also contains retinol.4

Vitamin C is another optional addition. It is an antioxidant that helps counter free radicals, substances that damage cells, and supports collagen production. Apply a vitamin C serum after morning cleansing and before moisturizer. Choose an opaque container because light can inactivate vitamin C. Moisturizer can temporarily soften the appearance of fine lines by adding fullness, while retinol takes longer.24

Which habits help beyond products?

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps, which expose skin to ultraviolet rays that accelerate aging. Smoking contributes to dryness, loss of firmness and premature wrinkles. A diet with fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats supports healthy skin, and sleep gives your body time to renew itself.5

Which skin changes need a doctor?

Check your skin monthly, using a mirror or asking someone to inspect areas you cannot see. Include the palms, soles and nails. Skin cancer is rarely painful, so do not wait for discomfort before acting. Arrange medical assessment for a new growth, a sore that does not heal, or a mole that changes size, shape or color.36

• Watch for uneven halves, irregular edges or several colors in one mole.
• A mole wider than 6 mm needs attention, but melanoma can also be smaller.
• Get painful, itchy, bleeding, inflamed or crusty moles checked.
• See a doctor for an unusual mark that remains after a few weeks or a dark area beneath a nail without an injury.

What skincare routine should men over 40 use?

Men in their 40s can use the same foundation: gentle washing, daily moisturizer and broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Sun protection is the foundation of care for aging skin in both decades. Adjust products to your skin's dryness and sensitivity rather than replacing the whole routine at a birthday.5