How To Choose a CeraVe Facial Moisturiser For Men

Does Men’s Skin Need Moisturiser?

Research has found that the dermis of men’s skin (the layer that lies just below the skin’s surface) is 20% thicker than women’s skin.² But that doesn’t mean men’s skin requires any less hydration, nourishment, or protection from sun damage. In fact, some scientific literature shows that men’s skin may be more susceptible to UV damage than women’s skin.³ Men may also experience larger pores and drier skin overall—despite generally having more oil.²

The right facial moisturiser can help address the unique needs of men’s skin, while simultaneously sealing in moisture and replenishing hydration. For men who shave or spend a lot of time outdoors, face moisturising is especially important, as these factors can place additional stress on the skin barrier.

At What Age Should Men Start Using a Face Moisturiser?

Using a facial moisturiser can be beneficial for men of all ages. It’s all about finding the right formula that suits your skin’s current needs (which can change with age). If you’re a younger guy who struggles with blemishes, for example, you might want to focus your moisturising regimen around lightweight, non-greasy lotions. Additionally, it’s helpful to choose non-comedogenic formulas, which are formulated to moisturise without clogging your pores.

How To Choose a Face Moisturiser for Men’s Skin

Fortunately, there’s a men’s facial moisturiser out there for everyone. It all comes down to knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing your moisturiser. Read on to discover our top tips for choosing a facial moisturiser.

1. Identify your skin type

The first step is determining your skin type. Your skin type is defined by your skin’s usual qualities. The primary skin types include oily, normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin. If you’re not sure of your skin type, try observing how your skin looks and feels approximately 30 minutes after cleansing. If your skin has excess shine, you likely have oily skin. Dry skin, on the other hand, may feel tight, itchy, and uncomfortable. And whereas normal skin will appear neither too oily nor too dry, combination skin tends to have a mix of both dry and oily areas (especially around the T-zone)

2. Choose a moisturiser with ceramides

Research shows that sun exposure, harsh climates, and age can all influence skin barrier function, potentially contributing to dry skin on your face.4 Since men’s skin may be more prone to dryness, we recommend choosing a moisturiser that’s formulated with ceramides. Appearing naturally in skin, ceramides make up approximately 50% of the skin’s lipids that help form the skin barrier. They also can be found in skincare products that replenish the skin barrier for healthy-looking skin. CeraVe moisturisers are all formulated with three essential ceramides, in formulas which work to lock in moisture and help maintain said barrier. Discover more about our ceramides by visiting What are Ceramides?

3. Look for non-comedogenic formulas

Even though men’s skin may produce more oil, it still requires plenty of hydration to look (and feel) its best. In fact, when your skin becomes too dry, it may actually trigger increased oiliness and shine as a result. That’s why using a moisturiser twice daily is so essential, even if your skin is prone to excess oiliness. Remember to look for men’s moisturisers that are lightweight, and non-comedogenic.

4. Choose different moisturisers for daytime and nighttime

If you’re someone who usually skips moisturiser altogether, you may be surprised to hear that it’s a good idea to have two different types of moisturiser on hand: a daytime and a nighttime formula. This is because A.M. and P.M. moisturisers can help support your skin’s needs in different ways.

Daytime moisturisers tend to have lighter textures, with a focus on protection from environmental aggressors, like the sun’s UV rays. Nighttime moisturisers, on the other hand, tend to be richer and more nourishing, with a focus on deep hydration and restorative benefits. For the ideal daytime/nighttime duo, we recommend using CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 during the day and PM Facial Moisturising Lotion in the evening.

5. Address rough skin texture

One way to help combat concerns of roughness is by choosing gentle moisturisers with beneficial ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. CeraVe’s AM and PM Facial Moisturisers include both, making either one a great option for supporting soft, comfortable-feeling skin. If you have additional questions about ingrown hairs or other specific concerns, consult with a healthcare professional

6. Look for a minimum of SPF 30 in your daytime moisturiser

Sun protection is, of course, essential for men who spend a lot of time outdoors throughout the day. But sunscreen should be a core skincare step in any routine—365 days per year, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors.

We recommend choosing a daytime moisturiser with SPF for men that includes SPF 30 to help ensure your skin is adequately protected from the sun. You’ll also want to look for the term “broad-spectrum” on the label, which means that the product helps protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. One moisturiser CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF30 .

Remember: Sunscreen alone doesn’t fully protect men’s skin from sun damage. Always apply (and reapply) per the product label and follow additional sun protective measures, like seeking shade whenever possible, avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wearing protective clothing.

When it comes to caring for men’s skin, it’s never too early (or too late) to get started. For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our routine finder tool.