Understanding the Basics: Different Skin Types in Men

Created on 08th August 2023 by Avindo Gonsalves

Skin types in men

How to know your skin type?

Skincare rotuine for normal skin

How to deal with oily skin for men?

Nurturing dry skin for men

Managing combination skin for men

Special skin concerns for men (acne, skin aging and sensitive skin)

Which skin type is best for men?

For proper skincare, men must choose products that suit their skin type. Choosing the right products can help to prevent issues like skin irritation. It can also address concerns like oiliness, dryness or sensitivity. For example using moisturizing cream on oily skin results in greasy skin and acne breakouts.

Hence it is important to choose the right products and for this purpose men must understand the different skin types. Knowing one’s skin type will help to manage skin aging, provide effective treatments for skin problems, minimize irritation and boost self-confidence.

Skin types in men

There are four main skin types in men. Normal skin is the type of skin that is well-balanced and free from major issues. It is neither too oily nor too dry and usually acne-free. People with normal skin have an even skin tone. However, a proper skincare routine is required for normal skin to prevent future skin problems.

Oily skin tends to produce excess oil, resulting in a shiny and greasy appearance. This type of skin is prone to acne breakouts and blackheads. However, oily skin tends to age slowly. Proper cleansing and using non-comedogenic products are essential to manage oiliness.

Dry skin lacks moisture. Hence it tends to feel tight, flaky or rough. It can be sensitive and more susceptible to irritation. Dry skin tends to show signs of premature skin aging, like fine lines and wrinkles and often appears dull. One needs to use gentle cleansers and moisturising products that help retain moisture and restore skin’s protective barrier.

Finally, there is combination skin having oilier forehead, nose and chin. The cheeks and the jawline are drier. This leads to acne and dry patches. Combination skin needs to use products that address the needs of different areas without worsening the imbalances.

Since there are four main skin types, it is important to choose appropriate skincare products and establish a routine that caters to your specific needs.

How to know your skin type?

Skin type primarily depends upon a person’s genes. In most cases skin types are inherited. But hormones and environmental factors also play a role. For example, men will have drier skin during winter.

Before finding skincare products that suit your skin it is important to find your skin type. Cleanse your face and leave it untouched for an hour. Gently pat your face with a tissue. If the tissue has little or no oil, then you might have dry skin.

If the tissue has oil from the forehead, nose and chin, then you might have combination skin. If the tissue has a lot of oil then you have oily skin.

If you skin feels flaky or uncomfortable and tight then you have dry skin. If it feels comfortable without tightness, then you may have oily or normal skin.

Oily skin is greasy and shiny and is prone to acne. Normal skin is balanced throughout the day. Once you have find out your skin type, then you can move onto choosing products and finding your skincare routine.

Skincare routine for normal skin

For normal skin a simple skincare routine that involves cleansing and moisturizing twice a day is enough. Also, don’t forget to use a sunscreen when you move out in the sun.

Choose creamy moisturizers during the winters and light-weight and non-comedogenic products during other seasons.

If you have specific skin problems then you can use targeted treatments for the problems.

How to deal with oily skin for men?

Due to hormonal fluctuations prevalent in men there is an excess of sebum production that results in oily skin for men. 

Cleanse your face twice a day with a foaming cleanser. Choose a cleanser with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help control excess oil. Use lukewarm water as hot water can strip natural oils and lead to rebound oiliness.

Exfoliate your skin twice a week with a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Exfoliation can also deal with the problem of ingrown hairs for men who shave regularly.

Look for oil-free products. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to maintain hydration, such a moisturizer will not add excess oil to your skin.

Nurturing dry skin for men

For dry skin choose a gentle and hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Cleanse twice a day. Exfoliate your face once a week with a mild exfoliant that contains lactic acid.

Choose a rich, emollient moisturizer that has ingredients like shea butter, ceramides or oils. Such ingredients can provide intense hydration and lock in moisture.

Keep a hydrating mist handy to use throughout the day. Finally, use a humidifier in your home. It will add moisture to the air and benefit your skin.

Managing combination skin for men

For combination skin you must at times focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and at times on the rest of the face. Like while cleansing the skin, focus more on the T-zone.

Apply a lightweight moisturizer to your entire face. Use a bit less on the T-zone to prevent oiliness. If the cheeks feel dry then use a thicker moisturizer for the cheeks.

Once a week apply a clay mask to the T-zone and a hydrating mask to the rest of your face. Use blotting paper throughout the day if the T-zone becomes greasy.

Special skin concerns for men

If you have sensitive skin, then choose gentle, fragrance free products. Use cleansers and moisturizer with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile.

For acne-prone skin use a cleanser with salicylic acid. Exfoliate twice a week with an exfoliant that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Also use spot treatments that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

For aging skin incorporate products with antioxidants like vitamin C to combat free radical damage. Use retinoids for fine lines and wrinkles. Use sunscreen on a regular basis to prevent UV damage.

Which skin type is best for men?

All skin types are best for men if the challenges associated with them are handled effectively. But most men prefer normal skin type. This is because normal skin is balanced. It is not too oily nor too dry. Like combination skin it doesn’t need two types of products.

So people like to have normal skin as it doesn’t need any special skincare products. A simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen is fine for normal skin.

Remember every skin type has its own benefits. For example oily skin tends to age more slowly. Dry skin is less prone to acne breakouts.

In conclusion

It is important to know your skin type. This will help in choosing suitable skin products and to create a proper skincare routine. There are four skin types, namely dry, normal, oily and combination. They all require different skin products and skin care routine.