Skincare Myths Men Need to Stop Believing

Let’s face it — when it comes to skincare, men have been fed a load of rubbish. “Real men don’t moisturise.” “If your face is oily, wash it more.” “You only need sunscreen in summer.” Sound familiar? These skincare myths for men aren’t just outdated — they’re actively sabotaging your skin.

And it’s no surprise. Skincare has long been marketed with vague terms and flashy packaging, while most guys were taught to grab the nearest bar of soap and hope for the best. But here’s the truth: understanding your skin is one of the most powerful steps you can take towards looking and feeling better, every day.

In this guide, we’re tackling the most common men’s skin myths, breaking them down with facts, logic, and real-world advice. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone trying to fine-tune your routine, you’ll walk away with clear, honest answers — and none of the fluff.

Myth 1: Men Don’t Need Skincare

The Truth: Everyone Has Skin — It Needs Care

Let’s get this out of the way first. Skincare isn’t about vanity — it’s about hygiene and health. You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth, would you? Your skin deserves the same daily maintenance.

Men’s skin is biologically different — it’s thicker, oilier, and often has larger pores. But that doesn’t mean it’s immune to problems like:

• Acne and blackheads
• Dryness and flaking
• Premature ageing
• Irritation from shaving

A simple, targeted routine keeps your skin clear, comfortable, and looking sharp — no spa days required.

Myth 2: Soap and Water Are Enough

The Truth: Most Soaps Strip and Damage Your Skin

Traditional bar soaps may leave you feeling clean, but they often do more harm than good. They’re usually packed with fragrance, alcohol, and harsh surfactants that:

• Strip away your natural oils
• Throw off your skin’s pH
• Lead to tightness, dryness, or breakouts

A proper facial cleanser is designed to clean without compromising your skin’s barrier. The result? Less irritation, better hydration, and a face that actually feels refreshed.

Myth 3: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturiser

The Truth: Moisturiser Helps Control Oil — Not Add to It

This one’s huge. Many men with oily or acne-prone skin skip moisturiser, thinking it’ll make them shinier. In fact, the opposite is true.

When your skin is dehydrated, it overcompensates by producing even more oil. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser helps balance your skin, reduce oil production, and improve texture.

Myth 4: You Only Need Sunscreen When It’s Sunny

The Truth: UV Rays Damage Skin Every Single Day

Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach — it’s your best daily anti-ageing tool. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin. That means you’re getting slow, silent skin damage just walking to your car or sitting by a window.

Daily SPF helps:

• Prevent wrinkles and sunspots
• Reduce risk of skin cancer
• Maintain skin tone and texture

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. Your future face will thank you.

Myth 5: Shaving More Often Makes Hair Grow Thicker

The Truth: It’s an Optical Illusion

This myth has been around forever — but it’s completely false. Shaving simply cuts the hair at the surface. It doesn’t affect the root, follicle, or growth rate.

Freshly shaved hairs can feel rough or appear darker, making it seem like they’re growing back thicker — but it’s all perception.

If you’re dealing with irritation from daily shaving, switch to:

• A single-blade safety razor
• A gentle shave cream or oil
• A soothing aftershave balm with aloe or witch hazel

Myth 6: Anti-Ageing Skincare Is Only for Older Men

The Truth: Prevention Starts Early

You don’t wait for your car to break down to start maintenance, right? It’s the same with your skin. Starting anti-ageing care in your 20s or 30s can delay wrinkles, sagging, and dullness later on.

A basic anti-ageing routine includes:

• Daily SPF
• A retinol-based product at night
• A hydrating moisturiser with ingredients like peptides or hyaluronic acid

The earlier you start, the more you maintain — and the less you’ll need to fix later.

Myth 7: Natural Products Are Always Better

The Truth: “Natural” Doesn’t Mean Safer or More Effective

There’s a lot of marketing behind “clean” or “natural” products. And while ingredients like aloe or tea tree oil can be fantastic, natural doesn’t always mean non-irritating — or scientifically proven.

Some natural ingredients can:

• Cause allergic reactions (like essential oils or citrus extracts)
• Be poorly stabilised, making them ineffective
• Lack proper testing or clinical support

The key is to choose evidence-backed ingredients — whether they’re lab-made or plant-derived.

Myth 8: You Can Shrink Your Pores

The Truth: You Can Minimise Their Appearance — But Not Their Size

Pore size is largely genetic. You can’t shrink them permanently, but you can make them look smaller by:

• Keeping them clean with salicylic acid
• Controlling oil with niacinamide
• Using clay masks weekly to draw out impurities
• Applying SPF daily (sun damage enlarges pores over time)

With the right care, your pores can look refined and less noticeable, even if they don’t technically “shrink.”

Myth 9: Skincare Takes Too Much Time

The Truth: A Solid Routine Takes Less Than 3 Minutes

Let’s simplify things. You don’t need a shelf full of jars and serums. You just need:

1. Cleanser (30 seconds)
2. Moisturiser (30 seconds)
3. Sunscreen (AM) or treatment serum (PM) (30 seconds)

That’s it. Two to three minutes, max. The key is consistency, not complexity.

Myth 10: You’ll See Results Overnight

The Truth: Good Skincare Takes Time

In a world of instant gratification, it’s tempting to expect a magic fix. But skin needs time to adjust and renew.

Most products take:

• 2–4 weeks to see minor improvements
• 6–8 weeks for clearer, smoother texture
• 3–6 months for anti-ageing benefits like reduced lines and dark spots

Stick with your routine, track your progress (photos help), and don’t give up too soon.

Recommended Essentials to Start With

If you’re ready to ditch the myths and upgrade your skincare, here’s a beginner-friendly toolkit:

• Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Moisturiser: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
• Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50
• Treatment (PM): The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane or Niacinamide 10% + Zinc

All are widely available, budget-friendly, and formulated with men’s skin in mind.

Skincare Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated — Just Smart

Myths, marketing hype, and misinformation have long clouded skincare for men. But the truth is simpler than you think. Your skin doesn’t care about trends — it cares about consistency, care, and smart choices.

Start today. Ditch the myths, simplify your routine, and give your skin the support it deserves.

Have a skincare myth you once believed? Or a tip that’s changed your routine for the better? Drop it in the comments, share this post with a mate still using body wash on his face, and subscribe for more no-BS skincare advice built for real men.