If you’re anything like the men I know, skincare consist of water hitting your face first thing in the morning during a shower, then again before bed at night.
While they may not know it (yet), a well-tuned skincare regimen is an easy – and not necessarily expensive – way of caring for the skin that will be with you throughout your life, and importantly, it’s the perfect opportunity to carve out even a few moments of quiet time during a busy day.
Sarah Hudson, aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, spoke to news.com.au about the ways that male and female skin differ, and how the former can be cared for best.
“The composition of a man’s skin is quite different to a woman’s skin,” she said. “Men’s skin is about 25 per cent thicker, their collagen is denser; which is why they don’t show signs of ageing as quickly as a woman.”
Read on for a break down on the ingredients that will best nourish your skin, and the products that we recommend.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best skincare products that suit your needs and budget, we asked aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, Sarah Hudson, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying skincare products. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best skincare products from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
In this article
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST CLEANSERS FOR MEN
Bro-To Properly Clean Facial Cleanser 150ml, $33 at Go-To Skincare
What You Need To Know
This water-based mousse cleanser will remove the dirt, oil and sweat from your face without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, nourishing enough for dry or older skin and balanced enough for oily skin – making it a goodie that will suit everyone.
Boasting a 4.7 star rating and over 100 five-star reviews, many shoppers are raving about the smell, how “gentle” the cleanser is and how “fresh” their face feels post-wash.
“Smells great, gets all the industrial gunk off the face and beard, face feels fabulous afterwards!” one reviewer wrote.
“FREAKING AMAZING. I never did skincare before, but this face wash is gentle yet powerful so I love to use it both morning and night. It leaves you with a face feeling fresh and very clean,” another wrote.
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (Normal to Oily Skin) 236ml, $16.99 at Priceline
What You Need To Know
Developed with dermatologists, this top-rated cleanser deeply but gently cleanses your skin. It features three essential ceramides to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid to effectively remove excess oil and dirt.Perfect for those with normal to oily skin, the formula is non-irritating. This cleanser in particular has gained popularity on TikTok especially among men with some hailing it “the best cleanser” and CeraVe also offers a version that’s suitable for those with normal to dry skin.
Not to mention, it’s fragrance free, sulfate free, paraben-free, oil free and allergy tested.
“This is the BEST cleanser I have ever used! It really is worth all of the hype that TikTok/social media influencers are giving it. It’s perfect for my sensitive, oily skin – it’s non-drying, non-irritating, and leaves my skin feeling fresh!” one five-star reviewer wrote.
“I have combo skin and this cleanser is absolutely amazing. I used to buy expensive face wash until I was brought this brand. This is so affordable and way better then expensive brands. By far my favourite wash eve” another wrote.
Skinstitut L-Lactic Cleanser 200ml, $34.29 (down from $49) at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
Australian-owned and operated skincare brand, Skinstitut, is the ‘brand of choice for over 900 professional clinics’ – so you can trust your skin is in good hands. This particular cleanser is formulated with the purest form of L-lactic acid, a type of alpha-hydroxy acid, making it ideal for even the most sensitive of skin types.
Reviews report that only a pea-sized amount is needed to cleanse the entire face, one reporting, “I love this product since it delivered me results so quick. It has helped me improve the texture and tone of my skin.
“My skin is brighter and clearer more than ever.”
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel 100ml, $45 at Paula’s Choice
What You Need To Know
This Seattle-born skincare brand has been making waves in the States for years now, with its popularity growing locally due to its dedication to ingredients that have been subjected to peer-reviewed research. The research-backed, cleansing ingredients of this particular product? Eight per cent glycolic acid – a colourless, odourless alpha-hydroxy-acid – which gently sheds layers of dead skin, promotes long-lasting hydration, and a smoother, firmer complexion.
“AHA’s help to break down thick and sticky oil, clean out open pores and give a good deep cleanse.” Sarah explains. “For a quick morning solution, add a scrub into the cleanser and leave it on for five minutes, then rinse from the skin.”
“It is like giving yourself a mini exfoliating peel and will help to keep the pores free of dead skin and build up.”
Over a hundred users have give the product a glowing five-star rating on the site, with one claiming that after only one and a half weeks, their problems with pimples and clogged pores were gone.
“No pimples at all, far less blackheads resurfacing on the T-zone, no clogged pores. I’m extremely glad Paula’s Choice came through, and I have nothing but good things to say about them. Definitely recommend.”
STUFF Men’s Face Wash, $16 at Sephora
What You Need To Know
One of my favourite things about this job is finding new brands and products that just make a whole lot of sense – and for the man that isn’t familiar with skincare, there’s a lot to love about STUFF.
First, there’s the products, like this uncomplicated face wash – Australian made, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, its filled top to bottom with natural ingredients like sweet almond oil, charcoal and aloe vera, to regulate oil production and cleanse your face of hidden nasties, like bacteria dirt, oil and the rest of it (all for that brilliant low price).
Then there’s the company itself, partnered with The Man Cave, a leading preventive mental health and emotional intelligence service for young men. Bloody good STUFF, if you ask me (sorry, the pun was right there, I had to do it).
BEST TONERS FOR MEN
First and foremost when choosing a toner? “Look for a fragrance-free toner,” Sarah advises. “Fragrance can lead to pigmentation spots on the skin. Also, ensure the toner is not an astringent, as they can cause dehydration and moisture loss, which may over stimulate an oily skin.”
Alternatively, there is a movement towards swapping toners out for serums, and Sarah is right behind it. “Rather than a toner, I would recommend a vitamin C serum – not an oil – as this will give antioxidant protection against skin ageing and help to fade pigment spots.”
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, $29 (down from $39) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Formulated with seven per cent glycolic acid – a form of the alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA that Sarah was referring to – this facial liquid gently exfoliates skin, melting away dead skin cells and leaving your complexion brighter and smoother than ever. No need to fear a raw and sensitive face after the process – hyaluronic acid ensures skin is supremely hydrated, without any irritation occurring.
Sitting just shy of a five-star rating, the reviews for this facial liquid are overwhelmingly complimentary, including, “Extremely good value, you only need a pump each time so a bottle will last at least six months. I have oily, acne-prone, bumpy skin and this evening liquid has improved my skin tremendously.”
The five-star review ends simply: “It’s smoother, less bumpy, even glowy on better days. Very happy with my purchase.”
Antipodes Ananda Antioxidant – Rich Gentle Toner 100ml, $36 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Specially formulated for sensitive, sun-damaged skin, this New Zealand-made, vegan and dermatologically approved serum contains premium botanical extracts, natural minerals and pure 15,000-year-old Waiwera artesian water – the ultimate in certified organic and natural skin treatment. Omega and antioxidant-rich raspberry seed assists in increasing lipid content and decreasing moisture loss; aloe vera and calming marshmallow soothe irritated or stressed skin; and Mamaku black fern helps regenerate and foster healthy cells.
I’ll leave you with this emphatic five-star review from the Antipodes website: “The best, the OG, the one that I will be buried with. This toner is amazing. I layer it under my moisturiser every-damn-day to get the Auckland chlorinated water off my face first then carry a bottle about on hot days.”
“Gentle, smells amazing, gives a plump dewy glow. THIS IS EVERYTHING.”
BEST MOISTURISERS FOR MEN
Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Ageing Moisture Cream with Sunscreen 50ml, $190 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
This intensely moisturising day cream has been designed to nourish the skin’s natural moisture defences, with the inclusion of shea butter, cocoa butter and glycerin; and reverse dryness caused by sun damage by hibiscus seed extract, which is a powerful ingredient that helps to maintain the skin’s own natural collagen.
Of course, you’ll want to know about trial results. 92 per cent of 99 participants between 30 and 60 years of age reported their skin feeling softer and smoother; 87 per cent reported their skin feeling moisturised all day; and 75 per cent reported skin looking healthier. And to think – all of this after only four weeks.
Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream SPF15, $45 at Aesop
What You Need To Know
No doubt you’ve at least walked past one of these innovatively-designed storefronts, the luxurious botanical scents catching your nose. This Australian-born, now global skincare brand is beloved across 25 countries, their botanical and mineral-infused products redefining luxury skincare. And this particular facial cream? No exception.
Suited to most skin types, particularly dry skin, this formulation includes mineral-based zinc oxide, which forms a barrier to reflect sunlight (without clogging pores!); and calming botanicals, including sage leaf, to hydrate thirsty skin.
BEST SERUMS FOR MEN
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum 30ml, $236 at Myer
Tried and Tested by Edwina Carr Baraclough, Senior Manager eCommerce Content & Strategy
My first impression of the product after depositing a few drops onto my skin was, hang on, what in mascara’s name is that smell? A sniff of the bottle confirmed the strange scent did indeed belong to the serum.
It can only be described as a cross between smoky barbecue chicken and nail polish. No, not what I expected but strangely, it’s a welcome departure from the cloying, overpowering fragrances in other skin care.
If anything, the left-of-centre fragrance only helps to assure me the serum is going to be good – why else would a gazillion beauty lovers rave about it otherwise?
Turns out this theory stacks up. After around five months of use, my skin does look brighter and I swear a few of the more stubborn PIHP spots on my cheeks are a little less pronounced. Best of all? I know it’s a long-term skin play in that every day it’s protecting my skin from more damage.
Endota New Age – Super C Firming Serum, $140 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
The clinical trial results of this product are nothing short of inspiring. When used twice daily for 12 weeks – an easy enough commitment, even for me – up to 35 per cent improvement in skin elasticity was measured; skin colouration was 27 per cent more even; and more than 90 per cent of participants experienced measurable improvement in uneven skin colouration during the trial.
One five-star review simply states, “I can actually feel it tingling my age spots and wrinkles away.”
So yes, we had to take a closer look into what goes into this miraculous liquid.
The Super C Firming Serum has encapsulated vitamin C, great for treating discolouration while fighting free radicals to protect against future damage; sodium hyaluronate, an all-natural ingredient for supreme hydration; sodium PCA, which attracts and retains moisture for the skin; ferulic acid, which offers antioxidant sun damage protection and enhances the properties of other vitamins; and lastly, allantoin, a botanical extract for soothing and healing. Well worth adding-to-cart.
BEST SKINCARE KITS FOR MEN
Can’t be bothered with comparing different brands and going through several check-outs? We’ve got you sorted with our pick of the best skincare kits for men.
Grown Alchemist AM Skin Prescription Gift Set, $135
What You Need To Know
Skincare newbies, this one’s for you. This skincare kit includes the Instant Smoothing Serum, for an instant lifting effect through intense hydration; the Anti-Pollution Primer, detoxifying and wrinkle-minimising; the Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser, to effectively remove impurities; the Hydra-Repair Day Cream, for ultimate hydration and suppleness throughout the day; and two of the Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser (travel size) to cleanse and minimise the look of uneven skin tone.
All of this, and each product is certified cruelty and toxin free, Australian made and completely vegan.
The Ordinary The Balance Set, $44.60 at THE ICONIC
The Ordinary has rightfully earned cult status with beauty lovers, due to its scientific, minimalist approach to skincare, and wallet-friendly price points. Bonus? It is also an animal-testing-free certified brand, and products are made from vegan materials. The Balance Set promises everything you need for your best skin yet, gently cleansing skin, improving lacklustre tone and texture, balancing visible aspects of sebum activity, and providing immediate hydration.
Not convinced? Writer, Dani Maher, incorporated the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA into her daily skincare regimen for months, and swears by its wonders.
“Every morning and night I apply a pea-sized amount of after cleansing and applying serums, and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s hydrating without feeling sticky or heavy, and the fact that a little goes a long way combined with a low price tag makes it one that I’ll continue to repurchase again and again for the healthiest, most glowy skin I’ve ever had.”
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE SKIN
“Men tend to suffer from brown spots or pigmentation, mainly due to a man not applying sunscreen daily,” Sarah says. “Sunspots can cause the skin to appear 10 years older than it actually is!”
“Due to the hormone testosterone, the oil or sebum production of a man’s skin is thicker and stickier than a woman’s, causing large pores and an oily shine.”
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD PEOPLE START ENFORCING A SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Passionate about the dedicated skincare from a young age, Sarah explains, “The skin is the largest organ of the body; we should implement good skin health from ages 9 or 10.”
“A good skin program twice daily from an early age is as important and brushing your teeth – and we are taught to have good gum health from an early age.”
Her advice to those raising children? “Start with a simple cleansing and lightweight moisturising routine, then introduce an exfoliant in younger teen years.”
WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD I STAY AWAY FROM IN MY FACIAL CREAMS?
According to Sarah, these are the unholy trinity of ingredients to stay away from:
• Fragrance: which can lead to skin irritation and pigmentation.
• Mineral Oil: including paraffin, which can lead to white milia spots.
• Colour: which can be clogging to anyone prone to acne or blackheads.
Want more skincare? We share the surprising skin benefit of electric shavers.
Then make sure you’re always getting the best price for your beauty products by checking out news.com.au Coupons. There we’ve collected all the best discount codes, including on Paula’s Choice, Adore Beauty and The Body Shop.
Sarah Hudson is an aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator with more than 25 years experience. You can book an initial skin analysis here, and uncover more of her work on her Instagram and Facebook profiles.
Originally published as Best skincare products for men to invest in
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