The Clean Skin-Care Checklist for Men
Men’s skin might age more slowly than women’s—because men have thicker skin, wrinkles don’t necessarily show up as readily—but like everything else on earth, age it does. A certain degree of maintenance can help with wrinkles, sagging, pigmentation, puffiness, and more so that skin looks and feels its best, no matter your age. And because bodies of any gender are vulnerable to the still-too-common chemicals known or suspected to harm human health in conventional beauty and personal-care products, clean formulas made without them are essential, no matter how simple or complex your routine. The guide below outlines seven skin-care all-stars that really work; combine them for your healthiest-looking skin ever.
1
Mineral Sunscreen
The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 50, goop, $69
If you do nothing else, wear sunscreen every day. Sun damage shows up as wrinkles, sagging, spots, and rough texture, and the best way to stave it off is mineral sunscreen (the cleanest, most effective “wrinkle cream” there is). This light cream is brilliant for face and body and blends into any skin tone (not to mention facial hair) seamlessly.
2
Vitamin C Skin Serum
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum, goop, $125/$112 with subscription
For noticeably better-looking skin, there’s nothing like vitamin C. Brighten, firm, and improve texture with this genius antioxidant serum made with L-ascorbic acid—the purest, best-for-skin form of vitamin C—and hydrating hyaluronic acid. (Pro tip: Apply it in the morning—vitamin C has been shown to have sun-protective benefits, too, though don’t forget the SPF.)
3
Exfoliating Treatment (This One Works While You Sleep)
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk, goop, $98/$89 with subscription
Our skin cells turn over more slowly as we age; look at a baby’s skin to see what regular exfoliation can do: smooth, even, healthy-looking skin. (It’s also one of the best ways to mitigate razor burn.) This turbocharged exfoliating serum targets wrinkles, clogged pores, and more—alpha hydroxy acids are tempered with soothing botanical extracts—while you sleep. Smooth it on and wake up looking fresh; the benefits also accumulate over time.
4
Eye Cream That Fakes a Great Night’s Sleep
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm, goop, $62
Men are always asking us, “Do I need eye cream?” Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, and this one soothes, depuffs, and brightens the under-eye area with potent plant extracts, ceramides, and hydrating humectants.
5
Cleanser for Morning and Night
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser, goop, $35/$25 with subscription
Wash your face twice a day with this gently exfoliating blend of fruit enzymes, bitter orange peel, and omega-rich cloudberry for healthier-looking and healthier-feeling skin. Bonus: The jelly texture feels springy and fantastic against your skin.
6
Face Moisturizer for All Skin Types
Humanrace Humidifying Cream, goop, $52
Whether oily, dry, or combination, all skin needs moisturizer—and this one sinks in on contact, hydrates, and smooths the look of wrinkles (plus, the sleek package is brilliantly refillable). The mastermind behind it is record producer, fashion designer, and rapper Pharrell Williams.
7
Bonus: Once-a-Week Chemical Peel
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel, goop, $125/$112 with subscription
Do this glycolic acid peel once a week (no more, as it’s incredibly strong) to keep your skin in its very best shape: Whether your concern is breakouts, wrinkles, or razor bumps, this peel really delivers. Smooth it over your face, the backs of hands (a sun-damage hub), your neck, and anywhere you want to smooth (it’s great on the back) to brighten, retexturize, and restore skin.
