Should I moisturise every day? How do I get rid of dry skin? What can I put on this spot? All totally valid questions my beauty-oblivious boyfriend has bombarded me with since pretty much our first date… Turns out, he’s not the only one. Last week we reached out on Instagram to find out what beauty queries puzzle guys the most. So, next time the men in your life reach out for tips, we’ve got you covered.
Want the expert advice? Scroll down for the answers to your boyfriend’s/dad’s/husband’s/best mate’s burning beauty questions.
“Good products for bad blackheads around the nose on male skin?“
Beauty editor recommends: “Try using Revolution Skincare Targeted Blemish Serum 2% Salicylic Acid on affected areas. This ingredient is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) which cleverly works by breaking down the buildup that clogs pores and forms blackheads.”
“I’d like to know how to prevent or stop ingrown hair for men?”
Beauty editor recommends: “Ingrown hairs are caused when a clogged hair follicle causes the hair to grow sideways rather than upwards. The best way to get rid of them and prevent this from happening is to exfoliate. This will stop the follicle from getting clogged. You can use a scrub or a chemical exfoliant like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.”
“What is a good way to treat pimples on the shoulders and back?”
Beauty editor recommends: “This is a common concern for guys! The best thing to do is cleanse with a body wash that’s specifically made with blemish-fighting ingredients like the Mario Badescu Special Cleansing Lotion O. It contains ingredients like camphor and niacinamide which will help to calm and clear blemishes.”
“My boyfriend is 25 and has bad acne and oily skin – nothing helps, what should he do?”
Beauty editor recommends: “Make sure he’s moisturising every day and not using harsh products. Hydrated skin is healthy skin, so it’s better able to defend against bacteria, and hydration will also help to balance out redness and oiliness. I’d recommend a basic but nourishing moisturiser like Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre.”
“My bf has dry/sensitive skin. What would be some good products for a simple skincare routine for him?”
Beauty editor recommends: “A gentle cream cleanser and a nourishing moisturiser will help to bring balance back to his skin. Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid (Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid) which helps to hydrate skin but won’t irritate sensitivity in the process.”
“Of all the products in a skincare routine, which should men be using most?”
Beauty editor recommends: “Lots of guys prefer a low maintenance skincare routine! Stick to the basics like cleanser and moisturiser. If he wants to add in an extra step – choose a serum that will address any skin concerns he has. E.g. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for dry or dehydrated skin, Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion for breakouts, or Revolution Skincare 0.3% Retinol if he’s experiencing fine lines or loose skin.”
“Products/tips to reduce redness in the face? Not caused by spots, just in general!“
Beauty editor recommends: “This type of redness is typically due to skin being sensitive and more easily irritated – which causes inflammation. Revolution Skincare’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum will help to calm facial redness and make skin tone appear more even, all while strengthening the skin’s barrier to reduce sensitivity issues. Win, win.
“How to stop a rash on my boyfriend’s face and neck after shaving? He has sensitive skin!”
Beauty editor recommends: “Razor burn is another really common one for guys – especially in sensitive skin. To prevent the post-shave rash, always use a cream to shave with and don’t press too hard on skin while you’re shaving. Afterwards, use a refreshing face mist like Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe Herbs & Rosewater to soothe skin and moisturise immediately after. If irritation is particularly bad immediately after shaving, try a (refrigerated) hydrating sheet mask – the cooling sensation will instantly soothe that itchy sensation and prevent skin from flaring up.”
“Since starting to use skincare, my bf’s skin breaks out a bit more and is dry around his nose. What products should he use?”
Beauty editor recommends: “A lot of people experience reactions to products if they have sensitive skin. It’s likely that the products he’s using are a bit strong and maybe quite fragranced as this can cause irritation that leads to dryness. Keep things super simple with a really gentle cleanser (The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser) and basic moisturiser (By BEAUTY BAY Thirst Class Rich Moisturiser) that are formulated for sensitive skin. Then, if he wants to use more targeted products, gradually introduce them to his routine one at a time over a few weeks. That way, if his skin reacts, you’ll know what caused it.”
“My husband has acne on both of his cheeks. What should he do?”
Beauty editor recommends: “I’d recommend that he use a clearing cleanser like Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash morning and night – this will keep his skin clean while targeting his existing breakouts. He could also use a chemical exfoliant (like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution) two or three times a week, and a clay-based mask on his cheeks a couple of times a week to draw out congestion. It’s also really important that he moisturises daily and keeps his skin hydrate. This will strengthen his moisture barrier and mean it can better defend itself against bacteria.”
“What can he use to get rid of red marks after spots?”
Beauty editor recommends: “A glycolic or lactic acid-based toner like Freck Cactus Water Cleansing Lactic Acid Toner will really help. These acids work by gently breaking down the top layer of skin where the red marks are strongest. As each layer is removed, the redness will fade until the mark completely disappears.”
“Tips for my boyfriend’s under eye dark circles?”
Beauty editor recommends: “Most of the time dark circles are actually genetic, so there’s not a lot that can be done for them. However, there are a few things you can do to make them look less obvious. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and using cooling gel-based eye products like Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber Detox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches will really help.”
“My boyfriend is 20 and is starting to get really bad crow’s feet! What can I do to help?”
Beauty editor recommends: “The skin around the eyes is actually the thinnest skin on the face, so that’s why it’s the first to show up fine lines. Most people begin to notice it in their early twenties. Using an eye cream will help to hydrate this skin and plump it up, which makes the lines appear less deep and obvious. Choose one with SPF (like Alpha H Absolute Eye Cream SPF15) to prevent the lines from worsening.”
“Best foot creams and scrubs for a guy that spends all day on his feet in boots?”
Beauty editor recommends: “A foot mask with peppermint in like TonyMoly’s Fresh Peppermint Foot Mask will be the ultimate treat for his feet after a long day in boots. Peppermint is cooling and zesty so it will feel really refreshing, and this mask has a particularly hydrating formula that will leave skin super-soft. Top tip: Keep the mask in the fridge before using to boost its cooling benefits.”
“My bf has really dry skin under his beard, what can he use that doesn’t get his beard greasy?”
Beauty editor recommends: “Suitable for use on both skin and hair, The Ordinary’s 100% Plant Derived Hemi Squalane serum is super nourishing so will really help with any dry skin issues. At the same time, the texture is quite thin and watery, so it won’t leave greasy residue in his beard like other oils.”
