The Rise of Men's Skincare: From Afterthought to Essential Routine
Be honest—when you think of men and skincare, do you still picture a bloke slapping on whatever product is within arm’s reach (likely something borrowed or gifted), or are you now envisioning a modern man carefully patting in his eye serum, inspecting his complexion with a discerning eye, and, dare we say it, enjoying the ritual? If it’s the latter, congratulations, you’re living in 2025. When did this shift actually begin? Who are the men championing the men’s skincare movement today?
The Curious History of Men and Moisturiser
For centuries, skincare was largely seen as a woman’s domain, with men prioritising a ‘rugged’ (read: neglectful) approach to their faces. A splash of cold water, a scrape of a razor, and a sting of aftershave, that was about as indulgent as it got. However, men's skincare wasn’t always gendered. Ancient Egyptian men used oils and creams to protect their skin from the harsh sun. Roman men had their own versions of spa days, complete with exfoliation. Even Victorian gentlemen had their potions and tonics (albeit ones likely containing a questionable mix of lead and optimism).
Then came the 20th century, and suddenly, looking ‘manly’ meant looking as if you’d never heard the word moisturiser before. Times change fast, and with them, so do faces, literally. The rise of social media, HD cameras, and a cultural shift towards self-care for men, meant that men started realising something quite shocking: skin is skin, and it benefits from being looked after.
Why Men Need Skincare More Than They Think
It’s a fact, men’s skin is about 25% thicker than women’s, which might sound like a blessing, but it actually comes with its own set of challenges. Thicker skin means larger pores, increased oil production, and a greater tendency for dirt and bacteria to get trapped leading to acne and breakouts. It’s also more prone to dehydration which can result in dryness and deeper wrinkles over time.
So, while men might have been conditioned to think of skincare as an extra, the reality is that their skin needs just as much, if not more attention to stay healthy, balanced, and youthful.
Footballers, FHM, and the Era of the Groomed Lad
If there’s one group that truly embraced the shift from ‘rugged’ to ‘refined’, it’s footballers. David Beckham, the poster boy for men’s grooming, wasn’t just ahead of the curve, he was the curve. From perfect hair to skincare routines that put most of us to shame, he helped make self-care aspirational rather than embarrassing.
He was not alone. Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, footballers started caring about their appearance in ways that went beyond just looking good for the match-day programme. Skincare, haircare, even eyebrow maintenance became part of their off-pitch identity.
This all coincided with the era of FHM, Loaded, and lad mag culture of the late 90's and early 2000s. Men were still encouraged to be blokey, but suddenly, looking good while doing so wasn’t frowned upon, it was celebrated. A decent skincare routine was no longer something to hide but something to embrace, and suddenly men had products made specifically for them, rather than secretly using their girlfriend’s face cream and hoping she wouldn’t notice.
The Modern Man and His Moisturiser
Today’s skincare-curious men fall into a few distinct categories. Perhaps you know one (or are one) yourself:
1. The Secret Borrower
This man has been stealthily using his partner’s skincare products for years, but has only recently admitted it. He swears he’s ‘not really into skincare,’ yet somehow the luxurious face cream in the house keeps plummeting.
2. The Happy Life
The man who is happy to oblige. Heis told what skincare to use and reminded when to use it. Secretly enjoys pamper nights with his girlfriend or female friends.
3. The Grooming Guru
He’s got a ten-step routine, knows his AHAs from his BHAs, and can talk at length about the importance of SPF (which he actually wears daily, what a concept!). He sees skincare as self-care and will share his knowledge with anyone who wants to hear it.
4. The Convert
This man used to scoff at skincare, but has since seen the light. Perhaps it was a particularly bad sunburn, an unwelcome fine line, or just an epiphany that his face deserves better. Now he is the one recommending products.
5. The Minimalist
Skincare, but make it efficient. This man wants no-fuss, high-quality essentials that do the job without taking up too much bathroom shelf space. Gone are the 5-in-1 products, replaced with a good cleanser, a decent moisturiser, and maybe an eye cream if he’s feeling wild, done.
Why Men’s Skincare is More Than Just a Trend
This isn’t just a fleeting fad. The men’s skincare industry is booming, and it’s not just about vanity. More men are realising that looking after their skin is about health, confidence, and, dare we say, enjoying a bit of pampering. Plus, we all age (annoying, we know), and taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good now, it’s about looking less weathered.
But Should Skincare Even Be Gendered?
At the end of the day, skincare is skincare. Your skin doesn’t know whether you identify as male, female, or otherwise, it just knows when it’s dry, oily, or in need of some TLC. Whilst marketing may divide products into ‘for him’ and ‘for her’, the truth is the best skincare is about ingredients, not gender.
A good moisturiser hydrates, a quality cleanser removes dirt, and SPF protects against sun damage, regardless of who’s applying it. So while it’s fantastic that more men are embracing skincare, let’s not pretend it’s some secret club that only they have just discovered. Healthy skin is for everyone, and the more we normalise that, the better.
So, whether you’re a skincare pro, a quiet borrower, or someone just dipping a tiny toe into the world of cleansers and creams, there’s a routine out there for you. If you’re wondering where to start, well you are in exactly the right place.
Head over to Olive & Joyce to explore skincare that’s as effortless as it is effective. Trust us, your face will thank you.