Skincare isn’t reserved for any gender. And while us girly pops have known this (and been preaching it to our boyfriends for years now), it’s taken a hot minute for guys to realise that skincare is more than slapping pointless serums, gels and creams onto your skin.
There’s been a 20.7 per cent in men’s skincare routines over the past five years, according to Roy Morgan research. Finally, the guys are realising that water and a week-old towel won’t cut it!
More men’s skincare brands are popping up as male self-care becomes more popular, but with that, so is debate of whether or not men’s skincare is actually different to women’s, or if it’s just being used as a marketing and commercialisation tool.
If you’re not a skincare aficionado, it can be bloody confusing. However, if you strip it back and start with the basics, it doesn’t need to be complicated. We spoke to Bulldog Skincare’s local expert and marketing manager for men’s grooming in ANZ, Deana Lolas, to break it down for us.
Is Men’s Skin Actually Different To Women’s, Or Is That Just Marketing?
“In general, male skin tends to be thicker and oilier, and for a lot of guys, shaving adds another layer of stress like irritation, dryness, or ingrown hairs,” Lolas said.
“That doesn’t mean every man needs an overcomplicated ‘men’s routine’, but it does mean products should work with those realities, not ignore them.”
Lolas explained to PEDESTRIAN that Bulldog Skincare’s range is straightforward, built to solve these issues for men who are starting out in their routines and don’t want products full of jargon.
The Overcomplicating Of Men’s Skincare: Why It’s Easier To Avoid Than Address
Skincare isn’t just complicated for men — it’s pretty overwhelming for anyone without a vested interest in skincare or beauty. The constant trends and contradicting opinions on the best routines, ingredients and products are a lot to take in.
“A lot of men have been turned off by skincare that feels overloaded with rules, trends and language that doesn’t feel made for them. If you’re standing there wondering whether you need seven steps before 8am, it’s pretty easy to just do nothing instead,” Lolas pointed out.
She said that “men are much more likely to stick with skincare” when they know exactly what a product does and why it deserves a space on their bathroom shelf. Trust is a huge factor, whether they’re getting a word-of-mouth recommendation from friends or are reading reviews.
One misconception men often have about skincare routines is that they have to be all or nothing, We’re talking 10-step Korean skincare routines, or going days at a time without touching a cleanser. Lolas said that this doesn’t have to be the case.
“Even a basic routine with the right face wash and moisturiser is a solid start, and that’s very much the Bulldog philosophy: simple, effective skincare for men that works in the real world,” she told PEDESTRIAN.
How Should Someone Build A Routine If They’ve Never Used Skincare Before?
Lolas’ biggest piece of advice to men (or anyone) building a skincare routine for the first time is to start small. Don’t go crazy buying a bunch of products that your skin may not actually need; start with the basics and gradually build upon it.
Below is Lolas’ recommended routine if you’re starting from scratch:
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a cleanser morning and night to remove sweat, oil, dirt and whatever the day’s thrown at your face. We recommend starting with a face wash as the foundation of a routine, since regularly helps prep the skin for everything else.
Step 2: Moisturise
Straight after cleansing, use a moisturiser. This helps keep skin hydrated and comfortable, which is especially handy in Australia when you’re dealing with heat, dry air, surf, wind, air con, and sometimes all in one day. Bulldog’s ranges are built around different needs, so you can keep it simple: Original for normal to dry skin, Sensitive for easily irritated skin, Oil Control for oily or combination skin, and Age Defence for guys wanting something a bit more targeted.
Step 3: Add A Scrub (But Only If You Need It)
A face scrub a couple of times a week can help lift away dead skin and leave skin smoother, but it’s not an everyday hero for most blokes. Bulldog’s own guidance is to use a scrub two to three times a week rather than overdoing it.
Does Shaving Change How Men Should Approach Skincare?
Lolas said that shaving is a form of exfoliation, so it adds an extra layer of skincare for men to address/be cautious about.
“It can leave skin more exposed, more reactive and more prone to irritation. It can also contribute to razor bumps and ingrown hairs if you’re using the wrong products or technique,” she explained.
Lolas told PEDESTRIAN that a good shave gel really makes a difference, helping soften the hair, improve glide and reduce friction on the skin, leading to a more comfortable shave (and less irritation or ingrown hairs to deal with afterwards).
“A simple approach is: cleanse first, use a proper shave gel, shave carefully with a quality razor, then follow with an aftershave balm to keep skin feeling calm and hydrated,” she said.
“For guys who shave regularly, getting those basics right can make a noticeable difference.”
If you’re feeling a little more confident about starting your skincare routine, you can shop Bulldog Skincare’s complete range here.
Image credit: American Psycho
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