o skin care products

The Best Skincare Products for Men: How to Achieve Healthy and Clear Skin

It’s the 21st century and everyone has a right to take good care of themselves, specifically men, who tend to ignore self-care and hygienic problems. If you want to look your best all the time, a proper skincare routine is essential and here are our guides to the best skincare products for men for those who are in need.

Best Face Soaps for Men

Cleansing is one of the most important steps in skincare which helps you clean, remove dirt and oil on your face after a day. There are various types of face wash on the market and it might be quite confusing to people who are new to skincare, but don’t worry, we have a few recommendations for you:

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: If you have oily skin and are struggling with finding the suitable face wash, this is the one for you. CeraVe Foaming Facial cleanser has been liked and chosen by many customers for a long time as it’s an effective cleansing product for oily faces without making their skin feel dry and dehydrated.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash: For those who are having dull, tired-looking skin, you really should try out this product. Kiehl’s facial energizing cleanser contains caffeine, menthol and vitamin E which can help skin resist the effects of environmental stress and gives your skin a fresher, healthier appearance. However, if you’re on a budget, you should take it into consideration before purchasing it since this product is quite pricey.

Best Face Lotions for Men

Face lotion is an item that keeps your skin hydrated, locks in moisture and nutrients and protects it from environmental irritants. Here are a few high-quality, popular face lotions for men:

Clinique for Men Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate: Men who have dry skin can totally count on this product to keep their skin moisturized all day as there are hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water in the ingredients, which do wonders in hydrating. But those with oily skin can skip Clinique men’s face lotion because it might be too moist on their skin, which might lead to acne.

Bulldog Skincare Original Moisturizer: This moisturizer for men is designed to provide all-day hydration without leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky. 96% of the ingredients of Bulldog Original face lotion are natural which feels very soft and gentle on your skin. If you don’t like products that have a strong scent, this is not for you as some customers said that the scent of it was too powerful.

Best Face Masks for Men

We know that you think the term “Face mask” sounds girly but in fact, people of all genders can wear a face mask without being associated with femininity because self-care is genderless. Let us introduce you to one of the most popular face masks:

Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: Origins charcoal masks are perfect for people with oily or acne-prone skin since they can deep clean and draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers like impurities, debris, reduces excess oils that can lead to blemishes and elevate the appearance of skin’s texture and pores. Many people love this item for its effectiveness in face cleansing but there are also consumers complaining that this product dries too quickly on the skin.

L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Detox and Brighten Mask: This mask with 3 Pure Clays and Charcoal can help you reduce dull skin and increase luminosity which makes your skin look brighter with a healthy glow, smoother and more even skin tone. People love this mask a lot and they have seen many improvements after using it for weeks. However, if you have a sensitive nose, the scent of it might irritate you.

Best Anti-Aging Creams for Men

Like many women, men do want to stay young and youthful for years, that’s why anti-aging creams for men exist. Here are our recommendations:

Lab Series Max LS Power V Lifting Cream: Anti-Age Max LS Cream gives users a visible lift against the effects of gravity, such as sagging and decreased firmness for more sculpted-looking, youthful skin. There are many natural ingredients in it, such as goji berry, coffee Arabica seed oil and oat protein. Many people have used it and love how smooth and young their skin looks after at least a month. But this item is quite expensive so it’s not for those who are on a tight budget.

L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Moisturizer: This cream is designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin firmness as it contains Pro-Retinol which does wonders in stimulating collagen production. Most of the reviews of L’Oreal Men Anti-Wrinkle and Firming moisturizer are quite positive, whereas there are consumers complaining that this product feels plastic on their faces.

Best Hyaluronic Acids for Men’s Face

For those who don’t know, Hyaluronic acid AKA HA, is a substance that is quite commonly used in the skincare field to moisturize, help skin stretch, flex and reduce skin wrinkles and fine lines and it can even heal wounds.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: This serum of Drunk Elephant will keep your skin hydrated all day as there is a blend of hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide which can improve your skin texture and tone, maintaining its hydration. This is a great product overall, however, the price of it might upset some potential consumers because Drunk Elephant is famous not only for its great products but also expensive prices.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel: If you have dry skin and are looking for a product that can moisturize your crusty, dry skin, this might be the one. The brand claims that: This oil-free moisturizer combines vitamin B5 with hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, to help bind moisture to the skin. It can be used alone or with a daily moisturizer to provide extra hydration and is an ideal moisturizer for acne-prone skin. A lot of customers love it and have been using it for years. They say that this product feels very light on their skin and they can see their wrinkles and lines fading. But it works best in the cold, dry weather of the winter because the hot and moist summer will make your skin feel heavy when you apply it.

Best Eye Bag Creams for Men

Not only women but there are men who are concerned about their eye bags as they can be very visible after just one night of lack of sleep. Here are some products that can help you with this issue.

Brickell Men’s Restoring Eye Cream: Brickell Men’s eye cream is formulated with natural ingredients such as caffeine, green tea and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of eye bags and puffiness while firming and hydrating the skin around the eyes. This cream is said to be effective in fading the appearance of dark circles and eye bags while also moisturizing and hydrating that area. However, if you have really dark eye bags, this product might not be strong enough.

Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair Cream: Another exclusively for men product is an eye cream from Kiehl’s. Kiehl’s informed on their official website that this product contains Rye seed extract which can decrease the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes, Linseed extract for firmer skin and blurring minerals to brighten the eyes area. This product is loved by customers thanks to its amazing moisturization but it might take you at least more than 1 to 2 months to see any visible result.

Best Retinol Creams for Men 

If retinol sounds unfamiliar to you, we can explain it. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is added to skin creams, lotions and serums for its anti-aging effects and acne elimination. If you’re interested in those 2 benefits that we said above, here are our suggestions for you.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream: This cream from Neutrogena not only has retinol, it also contains HA which can help you hydrate the skin and improve skin texture. Like any retinol product on the market, Neutrogena retinol cream is chosen by customers because it really makes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines fade over time, but irritations after applying it are inevitable.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer: This product is formulated with retinol and vitamin B3, these 2 substances combined, provide users with better skin texture and of course, a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines. Overall it’s a nice moisturizing product but in terms of anti-aging, many customers complain that this product is too slow on fading aging signs.

Best Shave Creams for Men

Besides using retinol or HA to appear younger, men can also shave daily to maintain a neat, youthful look. A good shave cream can provide a smooth and comfortable shave while also hydrating and nourishing the skin. 

Proraso Shaving Cream: The main ingredients of this shaving cream are Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol which is a purifying and toning action with a refreshing and revitalizing effect that can be used for every kind of beard and skin type. Many customers like its smell because it’s not too strong like other shaving creams. However, you might feel a little bit of burn on your skin after shaving.

The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream: This product is specially formulated to avoid irritations, razor burns and leave you with smooth, hydrated skin after shaving. It’s also very rich in glycerin, coconut and pure sandalwood essential oil, giving it a very nature-like scent. This product is highly rated on many online shopping websites, however, many people find its smell too strong, which irritates those with sensitive noses.

Investing in yourself will never be a waste of money, especially when you understand your needs and skin status well, skincare is not gonna be too difficult for everyone, even beginners. If you’re new to this aspect of self-love, you can use our article as a reference for any future purchases.

THE TATTOO AFTERCARE: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the real work begins after you leave the artist’s chair. Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for ensuring your new ink heals beautifully and minimizes the risk of infection or complications. This involves a delicate balance of keeping the area clean while allowing it to breathe and heal naturally. 

This guide will provide you with essential tips and information on how to care for your fresh tattoo, from the immediate post-tattoo steps to long-term considerations. By following these guidelines, you can help your tattoo heal optimally and enjoy its vibrant colors and intricate designs for years to come.

TATTOO AFTERCARE: FIRST 30 DAYS AND BEYOND

Healing time varies depending on your tattoo’s size and intricacy. Larger tattoos tend to stay red and swollen for longer as they cause more trauma to the skin.

Day 1

When you leave the tattoo studio, your tattoo will be covered with a dressing. Your artist will tell you when to remove it. Plastic wrap and gauze are typically removed after a few hours, while medical-grade adhesive (known as “second skin”) can stay on for several days. Brands like Dermalize, Flexifix, Saniderm, SecondSkin, Tatu-Derm, and Tegaderm are commonly used.


Fluid, including blood, plasma, and excess ink, may ooze from your tattoo. It will also be red, sore, and warm to the touch. When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling it off. Cleanse the area with warm water and fragrance-free soap, rinse well, and then lightly pat dry. Afterward, wait a few minutes before applying the ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Days 2–3:
Your tattoo will likely have a duller, cloudier appearance as your skin starts healing. Scabs may form.


Continue washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and don’t worry if some ink runs into the sink. This is just excess ink coming up through your skin. Let your skin dry completely before applying the recommended ointment or lotion.

Days 4–6:
By now, the second skin should be removed. Some artists suggest running the area under water while peeling off the adhesive. Make sure your hands are clean before starting.
Gently stretch the adhesive and peel it off slowly. Afterward, cleanse the area, let it dry, and apply the recommended ointment or lotion.


Redness should be fading, and light scabbing may appear. Avoid picking at the scabs, as this can cause scarring. Continue washing your tattoo once or twice daily and applying ointment as needed.

Days 6–14:
Scabs will begin to flake off naturally, but don’t pick at them. Pulling them off prematurely can remove ink and cause scarring. Itching is common during this time. To soothe it, use a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer several times a day. If the tattoo remains red and swollen, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for advice on possible infection.

Days 15–30:
By now, most scabs should be gone, and any remaining flakes will fall off. The tattooed area may still look dry and dull, but it should start to feel smoother. Continue moisturizing until the skin appears hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer skin layers will have healed, but deeper layers may take 3–4 months to fully heal.

Expect your tattoo to look bright and vivid again by the end of the third month.

Tips for Long-Term Tattoo Care:
Once your tattoo has healed, it’s important to maintain its appearance.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and keep your skin elastic.
  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage and keep the colors vibrant.
  • Avoid Rapid Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch and distort your tattoo.

SELECTING THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR TATTOO AFTERCARE

USE SOAP

Always opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the tattooed area.

Many tattoo artists recommend:

  • Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
  • Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap (although not fragrance-free, some artists recommend it)

USE OINTMENT


For the first day or two, some artists suggest using A+D Original Ointment. Afterward, you can switch to Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm.

USE LOTION

After the first week, you can switch to a lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Just ensure it is free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and additives like colored dyes that can dry out your skin.

Some recommended lotions are:

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

AVOID 100% PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

It’s best to avoid using products that are 100% petroleum-based, such as original Vaseline, during the initial healing process.

Petroleum products are thick and can trap moisture, preventing proper airflow to the tattoo. This can hinder healing and may even cause the ink to fade. Always choose products that allow your skin to breathe while supporting the healing process.

COMPLICATIONS DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

While some discomfort and changes in your tattoo are normal, certain complications can arise. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

INFECTION

Improper care of your tattoo can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include:

  • Redness, warmth, and pain around the tattooed area
  • Leaking pus or other unusual fluids

In rare cases, contamination of tattoo equipment or ink can lead to serious bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin infections have also been reported.

ALLERGIC REACTION

If you’re allergic to the ink, you may experience a red, itchy reaction at the tattoo site. Red dyes are most likely to cause allergies, although blue and black dyes can also trigger skin reactions like photosensitivity. Always consult your artist or a healthcare professional if you suspect an allergic reaction.

SCARRING

Improper healing, such as picking at scabs or damage from the needle, can lead to scarring. Scar tissue can be permanent, so it’s important to avoid picking or scratching the tattoo while it heals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When should you start aftercare for a new tattoo?
Aftercare begins immediately after your tattoo is completed. Your artist will typically apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Follow their aftercare instructions on when to cleanse and what products to use.

2. How long should you keep your tattoo covered after your appointment?
Keep the dressing on for the duration recommended by your artist, typically anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The dressing prevents bacteria from entering, absorbs excess ink and fluid, and shields the tattoo from friction or irritation.

3. What is proper aftercare for a new tattoo?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the covering.
  • Gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
  • Let your skin breathe by keeping the dressing off after initial care.
  • Follow this routine for the first few weeks and avoid sun exposure until fully healed.

4. What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?

  • Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. Gently patting the area can relieve itching.
  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub or irritate the tattoo.
  • Stay away from bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, or submerging your tattoo in water.
  • Don’t apply sunblock until the tattoo has fully healed, and avoid direct sun exposure during healing.

5. Can you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on a healing tattoo. Unlike pure petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), Aquaphor is more breathable and allows air to circulate, aiding the healing process without suffocating the skin.

CONCLUSION

A tattoo is not only a form of personal expression and art, but also a medical procedure. The artist uses a needle to deposit ink beneath your skin, which creates a wound. Anytime the skin is broken, there’s a risk of scarring and infection. Proper aftercare is essential to minimize these risks and promote healthy healing of your tattoo.