Dermatologist-Approved Face Wash For Men Of Every Skin Type

Men are not immune to bad skin days. As Clarins revealed, half of UK men said if they’d woken up with ‘bad skin’ one morning, their self-confidence would be affected, followed by happiness and social confidence.

After all, men are not exempt from external and internal aggressors. The harsh UVs and city pollution can still get you and your skin, along with heightened stress, anxiety, and insufficient sleep.

“Common facial skin concerns men complain about include facial dandruff, flaking, oiliness, and acne,” Dr Karan Lal, a US-based cosmetic dermatologist shared.

The good news is that you can start fighting these skin issues with a good face wash for men, so you can adequately prime your face for what remains of your grooming regime.

We ask leading dermatologists about the importance of using a dedicated face wash for men (so you won’t have to secretly use your partner’s skincare products). Plus, a guide to the best face wash for men is recommended by the pros so you can make informed purchases when you go face wash shopping!

Is face wash good for men?

Let’s get it out of the way: a decent skincare routine is the cornerstone of good grooming, and a great face wash is the foundation of any grooming arsenal, so it’s not only good but important.

“A man’s skin is 25% thicker than a woman’s, which is why we differentiate between men’s and women’s skincare as a brand,” explains Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager. “The reason for the difference? Testosterone levels result in a denser epidermis, and men’s skin is subject to slightly different aggressors. So when a man starts shaving, that’s when their skin changes.”

It’s also widely known that men have larger pore sizes due to DNA and the lack of appropriate skincare regimens. But it’s never too late to change that.

When looking for products, opt for a men’s skincare range like ClarinsMen; these products are tested and tailored to men’s specific needs and concerns. No fuss and straightforward, just the way it should be.

What do men need to look for in a cleanser?

When choosing a cleanser, there are certain things to remember, such as your specific skin type and skin concerns. Eventually, it also boils down to your preference. There are many face wash products for men in the market, and quite frankly, it’s hard to judge by the label. The good thing is Dr Lal has a piece of advice to get started.

According to Dr Lal, the best cleanser for men is the one with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

“Salicylic acid gently removes dead skin cells and reduces oil production. In addition, benzoyl peroxide fights many organisms, including the yeast involved in facial dandruff. It also gently exfoliates the skin,” he explains.

Men’s exfoliating face wash

Since men have thicker epidermis than women, men need regular exfoliation. Besides leaving skin less bumpy and rough, daily scrub also reduces the appearance of ingrown hair.

“Male facial skin is inherently thicker than female facial skin. As a result, men with beards often end up having a condition called seborrheic dermatitis [which causes beard dandruff]. This is due to an overgrowth of a yeast called pityrosporum. This is what causes redness and flakiness of the skin.

Many of these complaints can be alleviated with a gentle exfoliating cleanser such as one that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide,” Dr Lal says.

Men’s detoxifying face wash

Men produce more sebum than women, making them more susceptible to shiny skin. Without a cleanser to combat this, in addition to the daily pollution, grime and slime, your skin will indeed suffer.

You can prevent this by arming yourself with an everyday detoxifying foaming cleanser that can help draw impurities away from your skin.

Active Face Wash is the best face cleanser for men that detoxifies, softens and brightens without drying the skin. This is in a light, gel texture formulation, in which oilier skin tends to respond well.

This cleanser guarantees an ultra-clean complexion thanks to the superpowers of grindelia and gaultheria extracts, which cleanse deeply and revitalise your face. It’s also your best ally against razor burn irritation and can be used twice a day.

How to use: Splash your face with water, and lather a small amount between your plans, massage on damp skin and rinse.

For men battling dry skin, Dr Lal recommends: “I recommend low concentration salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Multiple concentrations are available over the counter. For example, standard cleansers have 1% or 2% salicylic acid, 4% or 10% benzoyl peroxide. You may also look for cleansers with standard concentrations but ingredients like ceramides, which will help retain moisture as you cleanse.”

Is only cleanser enough for men?

Even after using the best men’s face wash product, it is still necessary for men to use at least a moisturiser to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming.

We recommend ClarinsMen Line Control Cream - a cream that can visibly firm and smooth deep lines and wrinkles on the face and neck while tightening sagging skin around the chin. Plus, ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm is also an intense moisturiser for dry skin designed specifically for men.

For better recommendations, Clarins has formed an essential skincare kit for men which includes the best facial cleanser for men, light serum, shampoo & shower and moisturise balm. This is an expert skincare treatment specially formulated for men's skin and enriched with bison grass extract (organic plant), which has energising properties.