Key takeaways
- Men's skin differs from women's in thickness, oil and how it ages, but sun is the main driver for both.
- A three-step routine covers most of what matters: sunscreen, retinoid, moisturiser.
- Men generally have stronger facial muscles and may need different doses of anti-wrinkle injections.
- Treatments must preserve male features. Arched brows or an over-smooth forehead look wrong on most men.
- Discreet, gradual steps suit most men better than one big change.
How does men's skin age differently?
When men come to see me, they usually say, "Doctor, I don't want anything fancy. I just don't want to look tired in meetings."
See, what happens is, men's skin is influenced mainly by androgens such as testosterone. A clinical review in the PMFA Journal explains that androgens thicken both the outer and deeper layers and support collagen production. Female skin, by contrast, depends more on estrogen, which drops sharply at menopause. The review notes that male and female skin differ in thickness, the rate of collagen loss, fat under the skin and the pace of ageing.
Other differences the review notes: - Beard hair offers some protection from ultraviolet light in bearded areas. - Shaving can irritate the skin, cause ingrown hairs and weaken the barrier. - Skin hydration declines from around 40.
Then there are habits. In my experience, many men skip sunscreen entirely, spend long hours driving or outdoors, and some smoke. Basically, sun and habits often matter more than biology.
What is a simple routine that works?
Most men will not follow a ten-step routine, and they do not need to.
| Step | When | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanse | Morning and night | Gentle face wash, not bath soap |
| Sunscreen | Every morning | Broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or more; a gel or matte formula if oily |
| Retinoid | Night, 2 to 3 times a week to start | Retinol, or a prescription retinoid after assessment |
| Moisturiser | As needed | Light gel in humidity, richer cream in AC or winter |
The evidence behind this is solid. In a randomised trial in Australia, adults under 55 who used sunscreen daily for about four and a half years were 24% less likely to show increased skin ageing than those who used it occasionally. Retinoids have randomised trials showing improvement in fine and coarse wrinkles. See an evidence-based anti-ageing routine.
Shaving tips: - Apply your retinoid on non-shaving nights, or well away from shaving time. - Use a sharp blade and shave with the grain if you get ingrown hairs. - Sunscreen goes on after shaving and moisturiser, not before.
Which treatments do men commonly choose?
The PMFA review lists forehead lines, crow's feet, frown lines and skin laxity as the most frequent non-surgical concerns in men. In my clinic that matches what I see.
Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin)
Mayo Clinic lists frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet as the areas where these injections work best. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery notes effects typically last about three months.
For men, two things change: - Dose. The PMFA review notes men typically have greater muscle mass and generally need higher doses. The dose is the skill. - Shape. A male brow is usually low and flat. Over-treating the forehead can lift and arch the brows, which looks feminine. The review states that excessive brow arching and complete removal of forehead lines are not desirable in men.
I usually leave some movement. A few lines on a man's forehead look natural. A shiny, motionless one does not.
Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers can support a softening jawline or chin, or a deep under-eye hollow. The PMFA review notes tear troughs are often deeper in men, and that projecting the chin is usually a masculine change, while adding volume to the front of the cheeks can feminise the face. So placement matters. See cheek and jawline fillers.
Skin tightening and lasers
Radio frequency, including Intragen, and HIFU can firm early laxity gradually. Lasers, including RecoSMA, can improve texture and fine lines. In brown skin, settings must be careful to avoid pigment changes. These suit men who want no visible downtime, or a short, planned one.
What should men avoid?
- Doing too much at once. One change at a time keeps you looking like yourself.
- Copying treatments designed for women. Lip filler and cheek volume that suit many women can look odd on men.
- Skipping sunscreen because of a beard. The beard protects only where it grows. Forehead, nose and cheeks still burn.
- Mixed creams of unknown content. Some contain steroids that damage the skin over time.
What about hair loss and weight?
Many men who come for anti-ageing are also thinking about hair or weight. These matter for how old you look, sometimes more than lines. If hair thinning bothers you, our hair programme starts with a diagnosis. If weight is the issue, our weight programme is online across India. Losing weight quickly can change the face, so I plan both together. See facial ageing after weight loss.
How we approach this at Dr Tvacha
At a face assessment within the Long Game Anti-ageing Plan, I ask where you want to be in five years and what you are willing to keep up. For most men, that means a simple routine and one or two discreet treatments, reviewed yearly. Any injectable product and dose is written down and fees quoted before treatment. Our Andheri centre sees patients in the evenings, which suits many working men; find all our centres here.
Frequently asked questions
Do men need a different skincare routine from women?
The basics are the same: cleanser, sunscreen, a retinoid and moisturiser as needed. If your skin is oily, lighter gel or matte textures may feel better. Shaving adds irritation, so retinoids are best applied away from shaving time. The biggest difference in practice is that men need to actually start using sunscreen every day.
Will anti-wrinkle injections make me look feminine?
They should not, if done with male anatomy in mind. Men usually have a low, flat brow, and over-treating the forehead can lift and arch it, which looks feminine. Men also tend to need higher doses because of stronger muscles. I aim to soften lines while leaving some movement, so you look rested rather than treated.
At what age should men start anti-ageing care?
Sunscreen should start as early as possible, ideally in your teens or 20s. A retinoid can be added in your late 20s or 30s if your skin tolerates it. Treatments are only needed when a specific change bothers you. Many men never need treatments at all; the routine does most of the work.
Does a beard protect against skin ageing?
Partly. Beard hair offers some protection from ultraviolet light where it grows, according to a clinical review of male aesthetics. But it does not protect your forehead, nose, cheeks above the beard line or the area around the eyes, which are where most lines and spots appear. Sunscreen is still needed on all exposed skin.
Are anti-ageing treatments for men noticeable?
They should not be, when done conservatively. The goal is that people notice you look well, not that you have had something done. That means small doses, careful placement that respects male features, and one change at a time. Most men prefer gradual improvement over months, which also allows natural adjustment to the result.
Written by
Dr Amit KarkhanisAesthetic Physician · MBBS, Dip. Dermatology (UK) · Reg. No. 2001/02/1124Founder of Dr Tvacha, practising in Thane since 2005. Leads the weight loss and hair programmes.
Sources
- Male aesthetic treatments: a review (PMFA Journal)
- Wrinkles: diagnosis and treatment (Mayo Clinic)
- Neuromodulators (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery)
- Daily sunscreen slowed skin aging in middle-aged adults (MDedge, on the Nambour trial)
- Tretinoin for photodamaged facial skin: systematic review and meta-analysis (Dermatology Practical and Conceptual, 2025)
This article is for general education and does not replace a consultation. Medicines and treatments are prescribed only after a doctor's assessment. Last reviewed 25 October 2026.