Ask The Expert: Do Men Really Need A Skincare Routine?

Most women will have carefully curated a solid skincare routine by the time they hit their mid-teens. Men, however, usually take a little while to build up to it. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need one at all. For the men just starting out on their skincare journey, we’ve enlisted the help of Dr. LEVY Switzerland Co-Founder and CEO Julien Levy, who sets out his tips for starting up a good regimen.

A Guide To Men’s Skincare

(c) Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Should men have a skincare routine?

Absolutely! Men’s skin has fundamentally the same needs as women, from anti-ageing to anti-pigmentation, so they should therefore have a skincare routine to address any concerns their skin may be facing.

However, one should not recommend skincare in the same way for men as for women. Men have a shorter attention span for skincare on average, and are looking for three key things from their skincare routine:

• First, the products should be straightforward and their application quick.
• Second, it is all about results.
• And third, the texture, smell and experience should be light and subtle, without the strong smells often associated with (old-fashioned) women’s skincare.

In other words: simple and efficacious.

What are men looking for when it comes to skincare?

This is very important: men need to see the benefits of their skincare. Now and later. They have no patience for complicated mechanisms or tortuous routines.

Beyond hydration – which is a given for any skincare – anti-ageing remains a top priority for men, particularly Gen Z and Millennials (and the younger Gen Xers). Wrinkles and fine lines, in particular in the crow’s feet area. They’re also after a fresh glow and a softened texture (pores). There is also some need for texture corrections (for instance from old acne scars) and pigmentation – although this need usually comes later for men than for women.

Men’s skincare is evolving into a much bigger market these days – why do you think that is?

The men’s skincare market is evolving as we see a major cultural shift – I would even say a generational break – around the traditional notions of masculinity, with men increasingly recognising the importance of self-care and the benefits of skincare. Millennials led the change, with Gen Z now amplifying it. It has also influenced some Gen Xers, and we are now seeing men at 30 or 40 that look so much fresher, younger and appear more dynamic than they were at a younger age. This also pushes some to want to get their lifestyle, including skin health, in order.

However, it is important that we don’t look only at ‘male brands’ when looking at the market. Men use what they perceive as the most adapted and suitable to their needs – again simplicity with very high efficacy – and hence can use products that are not primarily targeted at them. Don’t underestimate the number of men who use their partner’s skincare and are appropriating the products when they like them. This is exactly how we have discovered how big of a male following our brand has.

And why do you think it’s only really taking off now? 

A huge influence on the men’s skincare market is social media. There is a growing number of male skincare influencers that are sharing their routines, making it easier for men to educate themselves and explore skincare in an easy and accessible way. Notions of masculinity have also evolved, and so straight men have started looking after themselves a lot more and stopped associating self-care as a sign of ‘another’ gender identity or sexuality.

It started with men prioritising their food and fitness, and naturally evolved to incorporate fashion, grooming and beauty. Basically, they care about the image they project, and they want this to be as fit, trendy, attractive, healthy and young as possible.

What should a basic men’s skincare routine look like?

Again, I cannot overemphasise the importance of simplicity. The Dr. LEVY Switzerland products are designed around a simple and flexible ritual. The treatments are designed to function with each other to achieve outstanding results – but also to give outstanding results on their own; that’s why each product is tested independently, in isolation, and not only as part of a ritual.

When female friends approach me to talk about their partners’ skincare routine, my answer is always the same:

• Focus on one product at a time
• Give him time to use and love it
• Then slowly introduce a second one if needed

And most importantly: as important as this step is, never ever start with the cleanser. This is too much of a habit change for most men as a first step. Instead, encourage them to use a serum – one additional step only is enough – right after the shower and after shaving. They will love it and will want to continue using it. Then you can introduce a serum or cream for the eye contours to offer immediate anti-puffiness and lifting. These wow results that they will see instantly will encourage them to continue. A light moisturiser would be the last product in this holy trinity.

As for the cleanser, don’t make it a new step. Instead, put it in the shower next to their shampoo; when they see it there, they will use it without feeling they are ‘adding’ a step or time. It works, it’s simple, and it isn’t a new step for them if in the shower. You’ll manage to get an outstanding cleanser within his ritual without him noticing.

How can it be elevated?

A great way to elevate a skincare routine is through devices. At Dr. LEVY Switzerland, we’re truly amazed by how people have embraced the ThermoGlow Pro and made it their own. Some use the ThermoGlow Pro essentially for its cooling mode, while others will use it every day for deep purification.

Our clients even use the device in ways we had never anticipated. Recently, we heard that one person was using it to prevent shaving rash.

One reason all of them love the ThermoGlow Pro (especially men who want simple, straightforward routines), is it intensifies your results, without needing to spend more time on your routine.

Can men use women’s skincare, and vice versa? Or do men need different products?

Men’s skin fundamentally has the same needs as women, whether that’s anti-ageing or anti-pigmentation. Therefore, men don’t necessarily need products tailored to them, but rather tailored to their skincare concern.

And since men are more likely to choose a straightforward routine, they will lean towards simplicity when selecting products. Most importantly, texture and smell are essential: men will use products that they feel has no smell (that includes the good-old ‘grandma’ cream smell) and are ultra-light. Any shiny finish is a big no-no.

What are some of the big skincare trends we should know about for 2025?

Epigenetics – a biohacking method that rewrites the skin’s future by influencing gene activity – is set to be a huge hit in 2025, as it promotes cellular longevity and resilience to optimise skin rejuvenation and cellular vitality. It also offers clear results that you can see in the skin’s density and firmness.

Any other advice you’d give to a man starting on their skincare journey?

To any men starting on their skincare journey I would suggest starting with a simple routine. Start with one product at a time – first with a serum – and use it when convenient (morning, evening, or both). Then, as you see results, add another one slowly until you feel you have reached a skincare routine that works for you.

About The Expert

Julien Levy is the Co-Founder and CEO of Swiss cosmeceutical brand, Dr. LEVY Switzerland®, a medi-luxe brand produced in Switzerland for all skin types, genders and ages, bringing medical-like results through a simple, yet luxurious Swiss experience. drlevy.swiss

Images courtesy of Dr. LEVY Switzerland®