Men's Skin Types: Your Guide to Better Skincare & Grooming

Whether you're dealing with post-shave irritation, beard dandruff, or that 3 PM shine that shows up in every Zoom call, knowing your skin type helps you choose the right products and techniques that deliver real results.

Below, we'll break down men's skin types and how you can build a grooming routine that works best for your skin. 

Why Men's Skin Is Different (And Why It Matters)

Here's something most guys don't realize: men's skin is structurally different from women's skin. According to research published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, men's skin is approximately 10-20% thicker.

Additionally, facial sebum (natural oils) differs between men and women across different facial regions. In turn, men are more prone to oiliness and larger pores, which also means our skin ages differently. We tend to see wrinkles later, but when they appear, they're often deeper.

Understanding these differences matters because generic skincare advice doesn't always apply. Your skin has unique needs, and your grooming routine should reflect that.

The Five Main Skin Types for Men

Normal Skin

If you rarely deal with breakouts, your face doesn't feel tight after washing, and you're not constantly reaching for blotting papers, congratulations—you've hit the genetic lottery with normal skin. This balanced skin type produces just the right amount of oil, has small pores, and maintains good texture without much effort.

Generally, you'll find that your face feels comfortable throughout the day without getting too oily or too dry. After cleansing, your skin is fresh but doesn't feel stripped or thirsty.

For grooming, don't overcomplicate things. A simple routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer with SPF, and targeted products for shaving or beard care is all you need. The key is to maintain what's already working rather than fix problems.

Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks adequate moisture and oil production, leading to that uncomfortable tight feeling, flakiness, and sometimes even rough patches. Fine lines may appear more prominent, and your skin might feel especially parched after shaving or washing.

On a daily basis, you may recognize this as your skin feeling tight 20 minutes after washing your face. You may notice flaky patches, especially around your beard area or after shaving. In winter, it gets even worse.

If this is your skin type, hydration is your best friend. Use a cream-based, fragrance-free cleanser (avoid anything that foams heavily—sulfates are often too harsh). Layer a hyaluronic acid serum under a rich, emollient moisturizer to lock in moisture. A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that products containing ceramides significantly improved skin barrier function in dry skin types.

When shaving, never skip pre-shave oil! These are perfect for creating a protective barrier. Use a thick, cream-based shaving product and always follow with an alcohol-free aftershave balm. For beard care, heavier beard oils and balms work beautifully on dry skin, providing much-needed nourishment to both facial hair and the skin underneath.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like! You've got oil production in some areas and dry or normal skin everywhere else. It's the most common skin type among men, which means many guys are unknowingly treating their entire face the same way when different zones need different care.

One way to identify this is when your forehead and nose get shiny while your cheeks feel normal or even a bit dry. You might get breakouts in certain areas but not others.

This is where multi-masking or zone-specific treatment comes in handy. Use a balanced, gentle cleanser that won't strip your dry areas or overstimulate your oily zones. Consider using a lightweight, gel moisturizer on your T-zone and a richer cream on your cheeks.

For shaving and beard care, pay attention to how different areas of your face respond. You might need a lighter touch with products on oilier areas, while being more generous with moisturizers on drier zones.

Oily Skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which leads to that noticeable shine—especially across your forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone). You'll typically have larger, more visible pores, and you might be more prone to blackheads and breakouts.

If this is your skin type, then you may notice that by midday, you could practically fry an egg on your forehead. Your face photographs with a noticeable sheen, and blotting papers are your best friend.

The biggest mistake guys with oily skin make is over-washing, which actually triggers their skin to produce more oil to compensate. Instead, cleanse twice daily with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer (yes, oily skin still needs moisture), and consider a mattifying primer or lightweight gel moisturizer.

For shaving, avoid heavy, oil-based shaving creams and instead opt for lightweight gels or foams that won't clog pores. If you're growing a beard, use just a few drops of a light beard oil, and focus on keeping the skin beneath clean with a beard wash.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin isn't technically a skin type in the traditional sense. It's really more of a skin condition that can affect any of the above types. If your skin frequently reacts to products with redness, burning, itching, or inflammation, you likely have sensitive skin. This can be genetic, but it's often triggered by harsh ingredients, environmental factors, or underlying conditions like rosacea or eczema.

You'll usually experience reactions to new products, like your face turning red easily, especially after shaving. Fragrances and alcohols in grooming products tend to cause immediate stinging or burning.

For grooming sensitive skin, simplicity and gentleness are paramount. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products with minimal ingredients. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves, heavily fragranced beard oils, and products with synthetic dyes. A study in Contact Dermatitis found that fragrance is one of the most common allergens in grooming products.

When shaving, use a single-blade razor if possible (multi-blade razors can be more irritating), always shave in the direction of hair growth, and use a soothing, alcohol-free aftershave. For beard care, stick with simple, natural oils like jojoba or argan oil.

Grooming Routines Based on Your Skin Type

Now that you've identified your skin type, let's talk about building a routine that works for you. Regardless of your skin type, these three steps are non-negotiable: Cleanse, Moisturize, and Protect. 

In the morning, cleanse and moisturize, then apply a daily facial SPF. In the evenings,  clean again to wash away the day’s grime. The night is when your body is rebuilding, so give it the moisture it needs, going heavier than the AM if needed. 

Adjust the intensity and product type to your skin's needs. Oily? Gel cleanser and lightweight moisturizer. Dry? Cream cleanser and rich moisturizer. It's that simple.

Shaving Strategies for Every Skin Type

Shaving is one of the most abrasive things we regularly do to our skin, so it's critical to adapt your technique to your skin type.  

Pre-shave prep is good practice for every skin type. Always shave after a warm shower when hair is softer. For those with dry or sensitive skin, you may explore pre-shave oils to provide extra protection and slip, then wait about a minute before the next step.

From there, apply a quality shaving gel or cream. Depending on your skin type, you may choose one or the other. Always use a sharp blade and shave with the grain, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Once you're all shaven, apply a gentle aftershave product suited to your skin. An aftershave balm is better for dry to sensitive skin types, whereas lightweight aftershave lotions work great for oily to normal skin.

Grooming Mistakes by Skin Type

1. Oily skin guys: Stop over-washing and using harsh products. You're triggering more oil production, and it doesn't have to be this way!

2. Dry skin guys: Stop skipping moisturizer because you think it's "too much" for a man. Your skin needs it, and future-you will be so proud.

3. Combination skin guys: Stop treating your whole face the same way. Zone-specific care exists for a reason, so meet those regions with more awareness.

4. Sensitive skin guys: Stop trying to "tough it out" through irritation. Your skin is telling you something isn't working... listen to it!

Beard Care Meets Skin Care

Growing a beard doesn't mean you can ignore the skin underneath. In fact, the skin beneath your beard needs just as much attention! Below are the best ways to combine your beard care and skin care routines to create a balanced, healthy environment for facial hair while keeping your skin happy, too!

• Beard wash: As we've noted, overwashing is a big no-no, specifically for dryer skin types. Most beard-specific shampoo recommendations suggest using it 2-3 times per week to remove debris and keep skin clean without over-stripping natural oils.

• Beard oil: For that added silky shine, apply beard oil to your whiskers each morning. Make sure to distribute it, perhaps with a beard brush, which will add moisture to both beard and skin. You can always adjust the amount based on your beard length and skin type.

• Beard balm: Especially beneficial for dry skin types, a beard balm will add hold and additional moisture to the skin. Our beard growth balm includes biotin to support healthy facial hair growth.

• Exfoliation: Use a soft beard brush daily to gently exfoliate. Beyond that, you may use a gentle exfoliating wash once a week to remove dead skin and product buildup, which ultimately helps to prevent ingrown hairs and beard acne. 

Adjusting for Seasons and Life Changes

Your skin type isn't completely static. Seasonal changes, stress, diet, and age all impact your skin. Many guys notice their skin gets drier in winter or oilier in summer. That's normal. Be willing to adjust your routine. For example, switching to a heavier moisturizer in cold months or a lighter one when it's humid.

Skin Deep: Understanding Your Needs

Understanding your skin type isn't about adding complexity to your grooming routine—it's about working smarter, not harder. When you choose products and techniques that match your skin's actual needs rather than what some generic guide recommends, you'll see better results with less effort.

Start by identifying your skin type, choose 3-4 quality products that address your specific needs, and stay consistent. In 4-6 weeks, you'll notice the difference: less irritation, better texture, and a grooming routine that actually fits your life.

Ready to upgrade your grooming game? Whether you're maintaining a clean shave or cultivating an impressive beard, having the right products for your skin type makes all the difference. Check out curated beard care from The Beard Club, designed specifically for men who want grooming that works as hard as they do.

Remember, when in doubt, start simple and build from there. Your skin will thank you.