Ask a French pharmacist what a man really needs for his skin and you'll get a short answer: wash it properly, moisturize it, protect it from the sun, and look after it when you shave. That's it. The French approach to men's skincare isn't about owning lots of products — it's about choosing a few good ones and using them every day.
Why men's skin needs its own approach
Men's skin is typically thicker, oilier and has larger pores than women's. Daily shaving also creates its own problems: micro-irritation, razor bumps and dryness. A good routine for men should control shine without stripping the skin, and calm the face after the razor.
Step 1 — Cleanse (morning and night)
Using shower gel or bar soap on your face is the most common mistake. They're too harsh and leave skin tight, which often makes it produce more oil. Switch to a face cleanser made for combination to oily skin. Bioderma's Sébium Foaming Gel cleans thoroughly, helps control shine and rinses off easily — 30 seconds, morning and evening.
BiodermaSébium Foaming Gel — a cleanser that controls shine without stripping
Shop nowStep 2 — Shave smarter
Shave after a warm shower, when the hair is softer. Use a shaving foam or gel rather than soap, shave in the direction of hair growth, and change blades often. Rinse with cool water when you're done.
Then apply an alcohol-free post-shave balm instead of a stinging aftershave lotion. Vichy Homme Sensi Baume is a French classic: it soothes the feeling of razor burn and leaves a light, non-greasy finish.
VichyHomme Sensi Baume — the post-shave soother
Shop nowStep 3 — Moisturize (yes, even oily skin)
Oily skin still needs hydration — dehydrated skin often overcompensates with more oil. Look for a light, fast-absorbing texture. Vichy Homme Hydra Mag C+ is designed for men's skin and works on both face and eye area, so you don't need a separate eye cream. One product, done.
VichyHomme Hydra Mag C+ — one cream for face and eyes
Shop nowStep 4 — Protect with SPF
Sunscreen is the most effective "anti-aging" product there is, and it's the step men skip most. Daily UV exposure — even in winter, even through car windows — is a major cause of wrinkles and uneven tone. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream is fragrance-free and comfortable enough to replace your moisturizer on busy mornings.
La Roche-PosayAnthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream SPF50+
Shop nowThe bonus step: a deodorant that respects your skin
Underarm skin is sensitive, especially if you shave or trim. Pharmacy deodorants are formulated with that in mind. Vichy Homme's Invisible Resist 72h roll-on is a favorite for its long-lasting freshness, and it's designed not to leave white marks on clothes.
VichyHomme Invisible Resist 72h Roll-On — sensitive-skin deodorant
Shop nowYour three-minute daily routine
- Morning: cleanse → (shave → soothing balm) → moisturizer → SPF.
- Evening: cleanse → moisturizer.
- Once or twice a week: a gentle exfoliant helps prevent ingrown hairs.
Going further
Once these basics are a habit, you can add one targeted product: a hyaluronic acid serum for dehydrated skin, a retinol serum for fine lines (read our guide Retinol, Retinal or Bakuchiol), or an anti-dandruff shampoo if flakes are an issue. But resist the urge to buy everything at once — consistency matters more than the number of products.
Frequently asked questions
Do men really need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UVA rays, which are largely responsible for visible aging, are present all year round and pass through clouds and windows. A daily SPF is the single most effective habit for keeping skin looking younger.
What's the difference between aftershave lotion and aftershave balm?
Lotions often contain alcohol, which stings and dries the skin. Balms are creamy, usually alcohol-free and designed to calm redness — a better choice for most skin types, especially sensitive skin.
I have a beard. Do I still need a moisturizer?
Yes. The skin under a beard gets dry too, which can cause itchiness and flakes. Massage a light moisturizer into the skin under the beard after washing.
How long before I see a difference?
Many men notice less shine and more comfortable skin within a few weeks of a consistent routine.
Should I use an eye cream?
If you have dark circles or puffiness, a light eye gel helps. Otherwise, a cream like Hydra Mag C+, which is formulated for both the face and the eye area, keeps the routine simple.
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