How to Identify Your Skin Type (And Why It Matters)

Becoming a skincare guy is actually super easy. You just have to figure out your skin type first. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you know what kind of skin you’re working with, you can build a routine that works with your skin, not against it. That’s where we come in.

At MANSCAPED®, we've always been about the skin. Keeping it clean, feeling good, and well-groomed from head to toe, face included.

Why skin type actually matters.

If you’ve ever bought a face wash that left your skin super dry or a moisturizer that made you break out like you were 16 again, chances are you used something that wasn’t right for your skin type.

When you know what kind of skin you have, you can:

• Pick the right products (and stop wasting money on ones that don’t work)
• Prevent breakouts, redness, and irritation
• Build a routine that’s simple, smart, and actually effective

And once you’ve got that figured out? It’s smooth sailing.

The 5 main skin types.

Most guys fall into one of these five skin types:

1. Oily Skin

Signs you’ve got it:

• Shiny face (especially forehead, nose, and chin)
• Breakouts and blackheads
• Larger-looking pores

If your skin gets greasy a few hours after washing, you probably fall into this category.

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser is key here. It’ll clean deep without drying you out and making oily skin worse. Follow it up with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep things balanced.

2. Dry Skin

Signs you’ve got it:

• Flaky patches
• Tightness after washing
• Dull or rough texture

If your skin feels like it’s begging for moisture, especially in colder weather, you’ve probably got dry skin.

Hydration is your best friend here. Find a hydrating face wash and follow it up with some moisturizer.

3. Combination Skin

Signs you’ve got it:

• Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Dry or normal cheeks
• Occasional breakouts and flakiness

If you’re thinking, “I’ve got a little bit of everything,” you’re probably in the combo category.

Stick to gentle, balancing products. Use a gentle cleanser to keep things fresh without stripping your skin, and some light moisturizer to hydrate without feeling heavy or greasy—perfect for combo types.

4. Sensitive Skin

Signs you’ve got it:

• Gets red or itchy easily
• Reacts to new products
• Prone to razor burn or irritation

If your face throws a fit every time you try something new, your skin is probably sensitive.

Look for soothing, fragrance-free formulas, something that cools and calms irritation fast, especially after shaving.

5. Normal Skin

Signs you’ve got it:

• Not too oily or dry
• Rare breakouts
• Smooth, even tone

If your skin rarely gives you trouble, congrats—you’ve got what most of us are aiming for.

Don’t overthink it. Stick with the basics and remember to apply sunscreen. If it ain’t broke, just keep it clean and protected.

How to establish a balanced skincare routine.

Now that you understand your skin type, here's a straightforward routine to follow:

1. Cleanse – twice daily 

Cleanse your face morning and night to remove impurities without stripping natural oils.

2. Moisturize – always

Hydration is essential for healthy skin. Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to keep your skin smooth, soft, and protected.

3. SPF – every day

Protect your skin from sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.

4. Treat – address specific concerns

Use targeted treatments as needed for issues like breakouts, redness, or dark spots. Keep your routine simple and effective.

5. Refresh – on-the-go

For quick revitalization, especially after activities like the gym, consider using a hydrating spray to soothe dry or irritated skin.

This routine focuses on maintaining skin health without overwhelming it with unnecessary products.

Skincare for men with skin.

Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, fancy, or full of 12-step routines. It just needs to work, and that starts with knowing your skin type. Once you’ve got that dialed in, you can use the right products to clean, hydrate, and protect your skin without overthinking it.

Whether your face is dry, oily, sensitive, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you. Because everyone should feel good in their own skin.