This Is The Bare Minimum Skin Care Routine For Men 50+

Here, experts explain the basic steps to a great skin care routine for men over 50. With these easy tips, perhaps Dad will finally slather on that mineral sunscreen you oh-so-subtly gifted him.

"Men's skin is thicker than women's skin, due to increased amounts of testosterone," board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, M.D., FAAD, and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, tells mbg. "Testosterone also accounts for why men's skin texture is rougher." And we can't forget facial hair: "If men are consistently shaving their face, their skin may be drier than women's skin," Hartman explains.

Experts attest that this is the ideal bare minimum routine for men 50 and over. That being said, different skin concerns call for different products, so always consult a dermatologist if you're looking to treat a skin condition of any kind. Otherwise, proceed with the basics:

If you struggle with excess oil or congested skin, try to find something with exfoliating or oil-balancing properties. Look for ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or niacinamide. Not sure what to pick? Here's a roundup of some of our go-to cleansers. 

You may be thinking, "Isn't retinol an extra step?" But here's the thing: Retinol has tons of benefits, especially for aging skin. Don't just take our word for it; according to Hartman, retinol has the power to regulate cell turnover, exfoliate the skin, even tone, control oil production, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and hamper the breakdown of collagen. But only apply it at night—retinol causes photosensitivity. You can read more about the science-backed benefits of retinol here.

While most men tend to have oilier skin (thanks, again, to the testosterone), everyone with aging skin can struggle with dryness as well. Here's a list of our favorite moisturizers for combination skin, if you're in the market for something middle-ground. 

We could dedicate an entire article to the importance of daily SPF, but we'll just send you here to learn more about proper sun care.

Healthy skin starts from the inside out. Yes, this means drinking enough water and eating a nutritious diet, but it also means maintaining your collagen production. Collagen, after all, is what keeps your skin firm and taut.*

What does adding a collagen supplement do for the skin, exactly? Well, if you select a high-quality, well-researched product with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, like the mbg beauty & gut collagen+, the formula can promote skin elasticity and hydration, help protect cells from oxidative stress and photoaging (which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles), and support a healthy intestinal lining.* 

When it comes to skin care for men 50-plus, we understand the value of a less-is-more approach. Truth be told, while there are plenty of fancy and enticing products out there, the essential steps are quite simple: Cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect. And if you want to go the extra mile, adding skin-loving supplements can contribute to healthy aging from the inside out. Want to learn more about collagen supplementation? Here's our full guide to understanding why it works.*