My 52-year-old dad has always taken care of his skin. These are the skin care products he swears by

CNN

08-04-2025

Men's mature skin care quick picks
Face cleanser: Dove Men+Care Hydrate + Facial Cleanser Moisturizing Face Wash
Shaving cream: Phil's Shaving Cream
Moisturizer: Jackfir Daily Classic Moisturizer
Anti-aging serum: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
Sunscreen: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion Unlike most guys, my father has always been dedicated to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Over the years, I've turned to him for skin care advice because of his deep passion for health and wellness. Having worked in health care for over 20 years as both a clinical manager and a family nurse practitioner, he has gathered a wealth of knowledge about the best practices to keep people happy and healthy. Along his journey, he got interested in skin care and how important it is for your health. 'Your skin is the body's first line of defense against illness,' my dad said.
Overly dry skin can chafe and crack, allowing germs and bacteria to fester. Unhealthy skin can also make you look a lot older than your age. Our skin is the body's largest organ, and he's instilled in me that it requires proper care to stay healthy. Now, at 52, he has a comprehensive mature men's skin care routine, and I think other guys could benefit from my dad's dedication to his regimen.
As men age, their skin undergoes changes, making it crucial to adjust their skin care routine accordingly. Men's skin tends to be oilier and thicker than women's, leading to issues like ingrown hairs, razor bumps and acne. 'Men's skin is about 25% thicker than women's due to higher collagen density from testosterone. This delays the appearance of wrinkles, but once collagen breakdown begins (around age 40 to 50), men experience a more rapid decline than women,' board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman said.
'The earliest signs [of aging] typically include fine lines around the eyes (commonly known as crow's feet), forehead lines and dull or uneven skin tone,' board-certified dermatologist Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo added. 'Many men also start to see sun spots or areas of hyperpigmentation, especially if they've had years of sun exposure without regular SPF use. A gradual loss of firmness along the jawline and mild sagging in the lower face may also begin to appear.' It's also worth noting that by age 50, men are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
As he's gotten older, my dad has adapted his skin care routine to meet the changing needs of his skin. He uses a variety of products to maintain its health, and below are some of the essential products and the steps he swears by for keeping his skin in top shape.
Rinsing his face with plain cold water is my dad's first step in his morning routine. 'I always use cold water when I wash my face and I stay away from using anything with alcohol in it to prevent dehydration,' he said. After his initial splash, he uses a face wash during his grooming and shower routine. At night, he washes his face again to remove any sunscreen or dirt from his face.
Dove Men+Care Hydrate + Facial Cleanser Moisturizing Face Wash
My dad uses this daily as a staple in his skin care routine. He likes that it isn't heavy and leaves his skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Every Man Jack Small Batch Beard + Face Wash
This is a great face wash for men who have facial hair, like my dad. He likes to use this before going out because it leaves his beard feeling soft and it also smells great. Another added bonus is that this product is also certified cruelty-free.
Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash With 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
This wash is great for treating acne, and not just on your face. 'If I have any acne breakouts on my back this is my go-to,' my dad said. He said it does a great job drying out blemishes, so you only have to use it once in a while. My dad has gone through many stages with his facial hair, from being completely bare to having a full-on beard. From all of his facial hair experience, he knows a thing or two about shaving. In order to clean up his facial hair, he doesn't just shave; he makes sure he uses the right products to ensure his shaving routine doesn't irritate his skin or cause any damage.
Phil's Shaving Cream
My dad said he loves the way this feels on his face and how it helps his razor glide smoothly while giving him a close shave. He also pointed out that unlike typical shave creams, this one is translucent, so you can easily see where you are shaving. Not only does it contain shea butter, but it also contains niacinamide, which helps balance your skin's natural oils and has anti-aging benefits.
Thayers Unscented Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner
This toner is alcohol-free, so it's a gentle option to prep the skin post-shave. It is made with aloe vera, which also helps to hydrate the skin and gives you that glow without working too hard for it. A good face moisturizer is a must for any skin care regimen to avoid flaky, itchy skin and to help promote rehydration. To keep his skin moisturized, my dad uses a daily face cream in the morning and at night.
He also stays hydrated from the inside out. 'I stay away from using alcohol on my skin, and I also do my best to avoid caffeine and drink lots of water,' my father said. He loves to use his Brumate tumbler, which was a winner for one of our drink spill tests, to make sure he's drinking as much water as possible throughout the day.
Jackfir Daily Classic Moisturizer
This moisturizer is weightless, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you feeling oily. 'A little goes a long way, so I really feel like I am getting my money's worth,' my dad said. It will easily fit into a gym bag so you can take it on the go to the gym or anywhere. Not only is this product cruelty-free but it is also EWG verified to be free from harmful ingredients.
Eucerin Radiant Tone Night Cream Dark Spot Corrector
After applying his retinol serum at night, my dad uses this moisturizer to even out his skin tone and also to lighten dark spots. He likes the way it makes his skin feel and said it is very moisturizing. Serums are formulated to address specific concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. For example, a vitamin C serum can brighten the skin and reduce dark spots, while a hyaluronic acid serum can provide intense hydration. Retinoids such as over-the-counter retinol or prescription tretinoin may help support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and texture. 'The top three anti-aging ingredients for men are retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid,' Jaliman said.
For his adult acne on his face, my dad swears by a special regimen. He uses sulfacetamide sodium topical solution 10% lotion and applies it on the spot. He then blow-dries it with a hair dryer, and it quickly dries up and goes away. This lotion is prescription only, but if you have bad adult acne, my dad highly recommends you ask your health care provider about it.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
'This is an essential part of my nighttime skin care routine,' my dad said. 'Everyone is always commenting that I look so young for my age and I think this really helps keep the wrinkles at bay.' It's lightweight and leaves his skin feeling soft.
Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum
This helps to brighten and even out your skin tone and also reduces the appearance of dark spots. 'It goes on smooth and leaves my skin feeling nice, not sticky,' my father said. The pump enables you to just use a little, which is all you need to have your skin feeling plumped and moisturized.
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream
My dad likes that this cream is thick, not runny, so it is easy to use with the applicator. It absorbs quickly and despite it being thick, is surprisingly lightweight. He said the area under his eyes is smooth and there are no bags when he uses this, so he looks less tired.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion
Protection from harmful UV rays is essential to keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy. My dad used to barely use SPF when he was younger and his face would catch a sunburn super easily. Now, he uses this daily and his face doesn't burn, his skin feels healthier and his overall skin health has greatly improved since introducing SPF to his routine.
Nira Pro Laser
My dad uses this at-home laser treatment for just a few minutes every night before putting on his retinol. He says it is quick and easy to use and he has noticed a real difference in the appearance of his wrinkles. It makes his skin look tighter and healthier too. Lasers like this are a great alternative to costly injections or surgery, plus there is the added convenience of being able to use it in your own home.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick For Immediate Relief With Coconut Oil
This lip balm is helpful during the winter months when the wind blows cold and the air is dry. My dad uses this daily to prevent his lips from chapping. It goes on smooth and leaves his lips feeling soft and moist. The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo, Dr. Debra Jaliman and Dr. Bruce Katz.
What is the best skin care regimen for a 50-year-old man?
What is the best skin care regimen for a 50-year-old man?
'For a man in his fifties, the regimen should focus on protection, hydration and renewal,' Del Campo said. The dermatologist advised a morning routine consisting of cleanser, vitamin C serum, a ceramide-based moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. At night, he said to use a cleanser, a retinol two to three nights a week and a richer moisturizer with peptides and ceramides. 'Weekly exfoliation with a mild chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid can also support smoother skin,' he added. 'Since skin needs can vary widely at this stage, it's worth seeking out a board-certified dermatologist to customize a regimen based on individual goal.'
What do dermatologists recommend for men's mature skin care?
What do dermatologists recommend for men's mature skin care?
The steps outlined in the previous question are a good starting point. Since most men like to keep it simple, Jaliman offered an even more basic routine consisting of a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid moisturizer, sunscreen and retinol at night.
What is the best moisturizer for men's skin care routine?
What is the best moisturizer for men's skin care routine?
All the dermatologists we spoke with agree that dryness is a concern as men age, as is dehydration, so moisturizing is a must. 'The best moisturizer depends on a man's skin type, but in most cases, a ceramide-based moisturizer is a smart and effective choice,' Del Campo said. 'Ceramides help restore the skin's barrier, retain moisture and protect against environmental stress. Men with oilier skin can benefit from lightweight, non-comedogenic ceramide formulations, while those with drier skin may prefer richer creams that also include hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.'
Katz recommended Eucerin or CeraVe as trusted moisturizer brands for men.
How can men prevent and treat sun damage if they've neglected SPF in the past?
How can men prevent and treat sun damage if they've neglected SPF in the past?
Jaliman recommended using sunscreen with a high SPF to protect you from harmful UV rays and prevent further damage. As Del Campo said above, a SPF 30 or higher is advised. For those who are already seeing the effects, 'an IPL laser will get rid of sun damage,' Jaliman said.
What are the biggest skin concerns men face as they age?
What are the biggest skin concerns men face as they age?
'As men age, the most common concerns include the development of fine lines and deeper wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and forehead,' Del Campo said. 'There's also a gradual loss of firmness and elasticity along the jawline and neck.' According to the dermatologist, other noticeable changes include uneven skin tone, sun spots and rough texture from cumulative sun damage. Men may also experience drier skin or increased skin sensitivity as natural oil production tends to decrease with age, Del Campo said.
For this article I consulted with the following experts to gain their professional insights on skin care for mature men.
Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo, board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic
Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Bruce Katz, board-certified dermatologist at Juva Skin and Laser Center
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, social coordinator Gabriella Triolo consulted her dad about his favorite skin care for mature men and also reached out to dermatologists for their insight. She has previously covered cruelty-free beauty and participated in beauty testing for our guide to the best under-eye patches.