Men’s facial skin is typically thicker than women’s and less likely to be sensitive to ingredients in facial cleansers and moisturisers. But shaving is another story. For men with heavy beards or curly or kinky hair, irritation and razor bumps can be a big problem. With proper face care, though, those hazards can be made a thing of the past and a clean, smooth face can become a welcome daily occurrence.

Most men prefer bars to liquid cleansers. That’s fine as long as you have normal or oily skin. But bar soap tends to dry skin out more than liquid cleansers. If your skin feels tight or a little itchy after you wash your face, try switching to a liquid cleanser. If you insist on bar soap, look for moisturising soaps with emollients such as glycerin. Many are made with vitamin E oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil.

You may experience problems with acne if you have very oily skin. Acne is caused by excess oil production that clogs pores, causing inflammation. Look for soaps or liquid cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzyl peroxide. All three of these exfoliating agents remove the upper layers of dead skin and allow for deeper cleaning of pores. They also have antibacterial properties.

Some soaps are laced with moisturiser, and for some men they work just fine. But the surest way to moisten your skin after washing it is to apply a moisturiser. You’ll get far more protection over time by making sure you use a face moisturiser with sunscreen in it every day. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an everyday moisturiser with SPF-30.

Most men find a comfortable way to shave and stick with it. If you’re still suffering nicks, cuts, razor burn, or razor bumps, it’s time for a change. If your face gets irritated from shaving, try a shaving cream with aloe. Try lathering up with a little extra water and leave it on your face for a minute before you shave to soften beard hairs. Pre-shaving oil is another solution. Applied several minutes before shaving, the oil helps moisturise skin and soften beard hairs. Avoid toners and astringents that contain alcohol, which causes dryness.

By taking care of these points, men can effectively take care of their skin needs.