Inspiring your man to embrace skincare

It was a typical Saturday when I decided to ask a few guy friends about their skincare routines, expecting maybe a shrug or a quick mention of face wash. What I got instead was a mix of reactions that left me stunned, some hilarious, others downright baffling. Kim, with a smirk, said, “Soap and water. Done.” Harvey, ever the jokester, declared, “Skincare? That is for my girlfriend. She has got enough creams for both of us!”

Their answers echoed a common thread: skincare, especially a routine, feels feminine to many men. But that narrative is flawed, outdated, and frankly a bit ridiculous. Skincare is not a woman’s thing. It is a universal act of care, like brushing your teeth or hitting the gym. And with a little nudge, you can help your man see it that way too.

Men’s skin takes a beating. Daily shaving scrapes away natural oils, sun exposure speeds up aging, and that “I will just use soap” mindset leaves skin rough, red, or lined before its time. But for every guy confidently applying sunscreen, others still face hurdles: stigma, confusion, or the fear of seeming vain. The truth is, skincare is not about vanity, it is about confidence, health, and showing up as your best self.

So how do you help your man embrace it? Let us dive into a story of breaking misconceptions and turning skincare into a shared joyful ritual.

Gloria, a Nairobi CBD based grooming expert who runs skincare workshops, sees the stigma up close. “I get women flocking to my sessions, eager to learn about serums, masks, you name it,” she says. “But men? I am lucky if two show up. They will lurk outside, ask a quick question, then bolt. It is like they think skincare will steal their tough guy card.”

Gloria’s workshops, aim to make skincare approachable for everyone. She has noticed a shift. More men are curious, especially younger ones, but the hesitation still lingers. “They think it is complicated or girly,” she says. “I tell them, you shave, right? You work out? Skincare is just another tool to look sharp.”

For guys like Kim and Harvey, the resistance is clear. Their bath only approach is common, but it misses the mark. Soap strips skin of its natural moisture, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and premature wrinkles. Dr Bundi, a Nairobi based dermatologist, puts it bluntly: “Skincare is not cosmetic, it is health. Men’s skin is thicker and oilier, but it still needs protection from sun damage, shaving irritation, and aging. A simple routine of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen prevents issues and boosts confidence.”

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So how do you get past the I am fine excuses? Start small and keep it natural. Place a bottle of gentle cleanser in his shower with a casual, “Try this. It feels refreshing.” A week later, he might be raving about how clean his face feels without the tightness. Gifting is another great move. Slip a sleek, no frills moisturizer with masculine packaging into his gym bag for his birthday or a special occasion. Keep it simple: “It is like lotion for your face.” Before long, he could be using it daily, noticing less razor burn and smoother skin.

Gloria swears by this approach. “Do not overwhelm him with a ten step routine,” she advises. “Start with one product, cleanser or sunscreen. Men like simplicity. Offer something that fits their vibe.” She suggests involving him in the process. Visit a local beauty store together or browse online. Let him choose something that feels right. “It is about making it his choice, not a chore,” Gloria adds.

Think of a spa night where you both try face masks, laughing at the absurdity and bonding over the experience. It could become a Sunday ritual: five minutes of cleansing and moisturizing while chatting about the week. For a basic routine, stick to three steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Keep explanations simple. Cleanser removes dirt, moisturizer hydrates, sunscreen protects. If he grumbles, compare it to shaving: a quick habit that pays off.

A month into the routine, his skin could be visibly smoother, with shaving irritation gone. Those shared moments become more than a routine, they become a ritual. Dr Bundi emphasizes the bigger picture: “Skincare prevents acne, sun damage, even skin cancer. Men who start early look younger longer and feel better in their skin.”