No-Fuss, Just Facts: A Guide to Skincare for Men

We’re back with Jane Scrivner to talk skincare—but this time, we’re putting men in the spotlight. Whether you’re brand new to skincare or you’ve borrowed a bit from your partner’s shelf, Jane is breaking down the essentials.

We’ll explore some frequently asked questions about what skincare really means for men, the benefits of building a simple routine, and how to use products the right way!

With Father’s Day just around the corner, this is also the perfect time to get clued up or share the gift of great skin. Expect practical tips, straightforward science, and product know-how.

 Let’s dive in!

Q. Let’s start simple: Do men really need skincare? (Spoiler: Yes. But we’ll explain why.)v

What’s not to love about skin looking vital, healthy and strong – whoever you are?!

Q. How is men’s skin different to women’s? And does that mean they need different products?

Male skin is massively different to female skin – whilst being identical too.  Both have the same system, the same layers and the same needs but how male skin ’behaves’ is where the difference lies.

Male skin is thicker due to collagen density, which means they appear to age more slowly. Male skin is subject to light/micro trauma, inflammation and damage daily once shaving is introduced into the daily routine.

They also produce higher levels of sebum, leading to a higher prevalence of breakout and congestion. And male skin is naturally more hydrated, naturally produce more oil/sebum and naturally have a more acidic pH than female skin.

So, you should look for products that calm, balance, and reconfigure these differences as opposed to female skincare which tends to focus on extending, promoting and maintaining aspects of our skin that are in constant deterioration.  

Q. I’ve never had a skincare routine. Where do I even start?

It’s always best to build your routine by starting with a cleanser. Cleansed skin removes any impurities, dirt, and congestion (well, choosing a JANE SCRIVNER cleanser does!)

Our cleansers are intelligent, and work hard to remove excess sebum, without challenging the surface acidity, whilst maintaining a healthy biome.

Then I recommend a good moisturiser, not only to hydrate, but also to feed your skin with nutritional vitamins and omegas to promote health and strength.

If you are wanting more, following the Five Step Programme is key to nourished skin. By adding Skinfoliate as an exfoliator, this will maintain the surface acidity, decongest and prevent any breakouts. And using Bioluronic Buzz will promote all-round health, and finally nourish with the most appropriate facial oil to keep pores clear and skin looking fresh!

Q. How much, and how often should I be doing my skincare?

And a full PM routine – great skin is great skin, but if you wanted to strip back on your PM routine, then cleansing is crucial – it removes the dirt of the day and any SPF – then the rest of your PM routine could be your targeted needs.

Q. What ingredients should I look out for—and why?

If you’re prone to sensitive skin (and this could be the case, if you shave your facial hair, or experience skin conditions such as eczema) I’d look out for these calming ingredients; oat oil, argan oil, and ANYTHING JOJOBA!

If you’re looking for something anti-inflammatory or ant irritant – labdanum.

For soothing skin, opoponax is your best friend. And of course, aloe vera for hydration.

And not only does it smell divine, but sandalwood is great for decongestion, and salicylic acid for deeper pore cleansing.

I could go on, but suffice to say, our range is pumped full of these ingredients in their ultimate quality!

Q. Let’s bust a myth - is it true that shaving counts as exfoliating?

Sort of! Shaving does remove the uppermost layers of skin, which can mimic the effects of exfoliation. But it's important to understand what that really means for your skin.

The average man spends six months of his life shaving, and that ongoing stress can lead to dryness, sensitivity, irritation, and inflammation. While shaving does stimulate skin renewal through what’s known as the “wound/heal” cycle, shaving every day can also cause fatigue and compromise the skin barrier.

So, while shaving does have an exfoliating effect, it’s not a substitute for proper skincare! Daily physical exfoliation isn’t necessary (and could be too harsh), but incorporating a gentle acid exfoliant to help maintain surface acidity and skin health can be beneficial.

Q. My skin’s dry/oily/sensitive. What should I be doing differently?

This is where a full skincare routine really makes a difference. Whatever your skin type, it has daily needs: gentle yet thorough cleansing, effective but sensitive exfoliation, deep hydration, nourishment, and protective moisturisation.

Dry skin might be lacking oil (dry) or water (dehydrated) — or both. Either way, layering your routine helps lock in moisture and restore comfort.

Oily skin needs balance. That means reducing excess oil without overloading the skin or using harsh ingredients that strip it and make things worse.

Sensitive skin is often the result of damage: a weakened barrier, an unbalanced pH, a disrupted microbiome, or skin that’s dehydrated and undernourished.

That’s where our Five Step Programme comes in. It’s customisable, gentle, and designed to meet your skin’s needs every single day.

Q. I’m in my 40s/50s/60s—does that change anything?
Yes, but maybe not in the way you’d expect. Male skin is naturally thicker than female skin, thanks to a higher collagen density. That means it tends to age more slowly.

Male skin stays fairly constant until the mid-40s or early 50s. After that, it does begin to thin, and signs of ageing like lines and wrinkles appear, they can look deeper due to loss of subcutaneous fat.

Interestingly (and somewhat unfairly!), female skin is genetically programmed to appear around 15 years older than male skin of the same age.

So, implementing a good routine from your mid to late 20’s will stand male skin in good stead - and unless you go through major life changes, that same routine can continue to serve you well for decades!

Q. I don’t want anything fussy. Can I keep it simple and still see results?

Not only can you keep it simple, but you can keep it constant!

That said, it’s great to have the option to switch things up now and then — adding in a targeted product when your skin needs a little extra care. But the foundation stays the same.

Keep your essentials in your gym bag, work locker, bathroom shelf, or in the man cave — and you’re sorted.

Q. What’s one product every man should have on his shelf?

A great place to start is with a Post Shave Cleansing Wash.

It cleanses without stripping your skin, keeps things balanced, and is packed with ingredients that support healthy, well-maintained skin — perfect for daily use.

BUT I would also add in Expert Moisture Protect to truly, truly make sure your bases are covered, by locking in hydration, defending your skin barrier, and helping to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Together, they’re a simple, powerful duo for everyday skin maintenance.

Ready to put it into practice?
Whether you're starting fresh or fine-tuning your routine, the key is keeping it simple, consistent, and tailored to your skin. Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to work. 

That’s exactly why we created the Scrivner for Men range: no-fuss, plant potent formulas designed to deliver real results. Clean, effective, and rooted in skin science—just how it should be!

Explore the range and find the products that work for you.