Gone are the days when skincare was primarily a women’s domain. In 2025, a quiet revolution is sweeping across India and the globe, as men increasingly embrace comprehensive skincare routines. From busy professionals in Mumbai to college students in Bengaluru, the focus has shifted towards achieving healthier, younger-looking skin.
The numbers speak for themselves: the male anti-ageing market has seen a 70% increase in aesthetic treatments since 2021. Men now constitute a significant 16% of the ‘tweakments’ market in 2024. Globally, the men’s grooming market is projected to surge to US$23 billion by 2030. More specifically, the men’s skincare category has experienced nearly 60% growth in sales over the past three years, with search interest for “men skincare routine” skyrocketing by 857% in the past five years. This signals a profound shift, making it an opportune moment for men to re-evaluate their approach to skin health.
Why This Skincare Boom for Men?
Several compelling factors are fueling this change, particularly noticeable in a dynamic market like India:
Fading Stigma
The long-held stigma around men using skincare is rapidly disappearing. Younger generations, especially millennials and Gen Z, view skincare as gender-neutral and an essential part of hygiene and self-care.
Social Media & Influencers:
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a crucial role in normalizing routines. Male skincare influencers, dermatologists, and grooming bloggers are making it easier for men to discover products and learn without feeling out of place.
Broader Definition of Masculinity:
Taking care of one’s appearance is now seen as part of a more encompassing definition of masculinity, akin to prioritizing fitness or fashion.
Increased Awareness & Wellness Focus:
There’s a growing awareness among consumers about personal care and the benefits of a holistic wellness routine. Many men observe their partners’ skincare efforts and recognizing the benefits for themselves.
Practicality and Results:
Men often prefer practical, straightforward solutions that deliver tangible results with minimal time commitment. This inclination leads them to be more open-minded when seeking professional advice from dermatologists.
The Foundational Skincare Routine for Every Indian Man
While men’s skin can differ from women’s (e.g., men’s skin is often thicker), the core principles of an effective skincare plan remain universal.
Identify Your Skin Type:
This is the crucial first step to choosing the right products for you.
- Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use.
- Normal skin is clear and not sensitive.
- Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough.
- Oily skin is shiny and greasy.
- Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.
Cleanse Daily:
Start your anti-pollution routine by cleansing your face daily, and always after exercise. Pollution intensely affects the skin’s outer layer, making it dull and dehydrated, leading to clogged pores, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
- Opt for a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm water, avoiding harsh bar soaps.
- Charcoal-infused anti-pollution face washes are excellent for removing dust, dirt, and impurities deeply trapped in your skin.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week to prevent pollutants and bacteria from building up.
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Moisturise for Nourishment:
Pollution can make your skin dull and dehydrated, so moisturizing is essential for proper nourishment.
- Look for anti-pollution moisturisers, especially those enriched with ingredients like green tea and lemon, which not only hydrate but also help tackle dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- For the best results, apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering, or shaving while your skin is still damp. This helps trap water, reducing the appearance of fine lines and making your skin look brighter and younger. Hydrating dry skin can make a significant visible difference.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen:
This is arguably the most vital step in your routine. Sunscreens create a barrier that prevents UV rays from penetrating the skin, thereby protecting collagen and elastic fibres, which helps prevent wrinkles, sagging skin, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen also safeguards your skin from pollutants by preventing UV rays from activating their detrimental effects.
- Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Remember, sunblock is considered the cheapest and most effective way to protect your skin from ageing and skin cancer.
Product Selection & Shaving Techniques:
- For acne-prone skin, choose cleansers and moisturisers that are “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic”.
- If you have sensitive skin, opt for mild, “fragrance-free” products to avoid irritation.
- Skincare doesn’t need to be marketed specifically “for men”; focus on ingredients and texture rather than just packaging.
If you experience razor bumps or ingrown hairs, try a single- or double-blade razor and avoid stretching your skin while shaving. Always wet your skin and hair before shaving, use a moisturizing shaving cream, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Change your blade frequently (after five to seven shaves).
Advanced Treatments Men Are Choosing in 2025
Skincare is no longer just a woman’s domain. Today, more men are visiting clinics to treat concerns like aging, acne, and uneven skin tone. Unlike women who often do deep research, men usually prefer expert advice and are more open to dermatologist-recommended treatments.
Clinics like Urban Skin and Hair Clinic, with locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, are seeing a growing number of male clients looking for visible, long-term results.
Top In-Clinic Treatments Men Prefer
1. Anti-Aging & Rejuvenation
Men in their 30s and beyond are turning to anti-aging treatments like Botox and dermal fillers. These reduce fine lines, restore lost volume, and give a more refreshed, youthful look, without changing natural expressions.
2. Improving Skin Texture
Microneedling with PRP or Radio Frequency is ideal for boosting collagen and improving skin firmness. These treatments offer gradual improvement with minimal downtime. For deeper texture issues, advanced laser treatments may be suggested.
3. Acne & Scar Management
Active acne and leftover scars are common concerns. Clinics offer solutions like chemical peels, gentle facials, and microneedling to treat acne and fade marks over time. These treatments work well when combined with a good home care routine.
4. Brightening & Pigmentation Control
Men often seek help for uneven skin tone, tanning, or dark spots. Treatments for pigmentation, dark circles, and dullness help restore a clearer, brighter complexion.
5. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is becoming popular for beard shaping, chest, back, and full body hair reduction. It offers long-term results and saves time in daily grooming.
6. Custom Medifacials
Men benefit from advanced facials designed to hydrate, exfoliate, and cleanse the skin deeply. Options like hydrafacials, peels, or vampire facials are chosen based on skin type and concerns.
7. Other Concerns
Skin growths like moles, tags, or warts can also be professionally removed. Some men also seek help for body shaping, stretch marks, or underarm darkening issues that are best addressed under expert care.
Expert Help Makes All the Difference
While home skincare is essential, seeing a certified dermatologist ensures your skin gets what it really needs. At Urban Skin and Hair Clinic, treatments are backed by FDA-approved technology and personalized care plans for long-lasting results
Conclusion
The rise of men’s skincare is more than just a passing trend; it’s a testament to evolving attitudes and a proactive approach to self-care and confidence. With an array of effective home care products and advanced in-clinic treatments available, including those offered by reputable clinics like Urban Skin and Hair Clinic across India, men are increasingly empowered to achieve healthy, radiant skin. Remember, every man’s skin is unique, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to tailor a routine that’s perfect for you.
