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Vogue
4 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
What Is the Ideal Skincare Routine for Men?
These days, try researching a standard skin-care routine for men, and you'll be met with elaborate—not to mention daunting—20-step processes. As someone who has always been extremely lazy with skincare, I always wonder when met with such laborious proposals: Do we really need to be doing all of that? Surely, an effective regimen needn't be so complicated! To test the theory, though, Vogue reached out to two leading dermatologists for their expert opinions. Here, Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. Noah Gratch, to weigh in with their ideal men's skincare routine—including the essential steps you simply can't skip. Unsurprisingly, both of their essential skincare tips were in sync, both doubling down on the importance of daily cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing SPF. Below, the ideal five-step skincare routine for men, according to dermatologists. Vogue's Favorite Skincare for Men In This Story Step One: Cleanser Both dermatologists agree that cleansing the skin is an essential first step of any daily skin-care routine. To start, 'use a cleanser twice a day to help remove excess oil, dirt, and pollution that can cause acne and skin irritation,' says Dr. Camp. What type of face wash you use, meanwhile, will depend on your skin type. Dr. Gratch's general rule of thumb is to 'choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won't strip your skin of essential oils.' For those who lean towards dry skin, Dr. Camp even suggests cleansing only once a day, or using water only as a cleanser. Ensuring all impurities before moving onto the next step is key, in order to properly set the stage for new products to adequately absorb into skin. Step Two: Exfoliate (Only Sometimes!) While exfoliating is not recommended every single day, dermatologists do suggest doing regularly. 'I recommend exfoliating at least two or three times per week, as it removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and can help prevent ingrown hairs,' Dr. Gratch explains. 'This is ideal for men who shave regularly.' Product-wise, he recommends looking for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid known to resurface and rejuvenate the skin with ease. Paula's Choice's 2% BHA toner is known to reduce blackheads and unclog pores; but those more interested in a single-use toner pad will appreciate the Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel—packed with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to improve radiance and overall skin feel. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads $65 AMAZON Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel $92 AMAZON Step Three: Serum After cleansing and exfoliating, dermatologists recommend prepping skin with serum. 'Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns like dullness, fine lines, or dark spots,' says Dr. Gratch. A great universal serum? Vitamin C, which 'brightens and protects against environmental stressors.' Dr. Camp also cites its benefits, explaining that the antioxidant-rich ingredient has the ability to 'neutralize the free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins,' he says. 'Used on a regular basis, they can also help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots. Products with vitamin C or retinol are effective for encouraging collagen production and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.' Whereas, those with oily or breakout-prone skin types might appreciate a niacinamide serum—a great anti-aging option to minimize pore size, reduce inflammation, and regulate sebum production. Step Four: Moisturizer Perhaps the most universally-known skin-care step, moisturizing is a necessary step to keep the skin hydrated and plump. 'After applying a serum or treatment, apply a moisturizer to lock in the active ingredients,' Dr. Camp instructs. 'Even if not using a serum, apply a face moisturizer to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and improve the skin's ability to remain hydrated.' Even if one has oily skin, dermatologists agree that moisturizing is key—just look for ingredients that are tailored to your needs. 'Men with oily skin should still use moisturizer, but it's best to use a lightweight, oil-free option,' Dr. Gratch adds, citing his endorsement of non-comedogenic formulas. 'I recommend moisturizing daily, morning and night. It keeps the skin barrier healthy, prevents dryness, and can help reduce signs of aging.' Certainly, feel free to use any of these as a night cream, too. Step Five: SPF Lastly, both dermatologists advise to end your routine with an SPF. Remember: sunscreen daily is a must—not just for when you are directly in the sun or on vacation. Now its just about what type of SPF you opt for to shield against those damaging UV rays. Aside from traditional sunscreen offerings, you can even find many moisturizers with SPF options on the market, meaning you can combine steps four and five if you prefer to streamline stpes. 'Include a daily SPF-infused moisturizer to your skin-care routine, and use it year-round,' says Dr. Camp. 'An SPF moisturizer may help prevent skin cancer, and it can lessen the impact of UV radiation on premature aging. This includes reducing the likelihood of developing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.' Dr. Gratch agrees, and suggests using at least a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. 'This is non-negotiable! Sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage, prevents premature aging, and reduces skin cancer risk,' he says. What is the ideal men's skincare routine? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron While the above regimens are pretty foolproof, there are specific considerations that one should take into account, however. For one, knowing your skin type is essential, as whether you have sensitive, combination, oily, or dry skin will help determine which products and ingredients you use. 'For example, someone with oily or acne-prone skin may want to stick with oil-free or water-based moisturizers; while, someone with dry, sensitive skin may want to avoid potentially aggravating ingredients like fragrances or dyes,' says Dr. Camp. The derms also agree this skin-care routine is a starting point—meaning, you can certainly build upon it. 'Once you have your basics locked in (think: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen), then you can start adding serums, exfoliants, and toners,' Dr. Gratch explains. One could even add in an eye cream for dark circles, pimple patches to combat rogue blemishes, or beauty tools like LED face masks; though, he always recommends that simpler is better. 'As a dermatologist, I often remind my male patients that skincare does not have to be complicated. A solid routine is efficient, effective and includes quality ingredients.' Meet the Experts AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. He is based in New York. Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
Vogue
16-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue
The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is Gentler on Skin—And the Planet
While the guidelines for delineating reef-safe SPF products are nebulous at best, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says the best reef-safe sunscreens are 'usually free of ingredients potentially harmful to marine life like coral reefs.' Unlike many traditional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—two common culprits behind coral bleaching—reef-safe formulas skip the harsh stuff in favor of ocean-friendly alternatives that tend to also be gentler on sensitive skin. Most rely on mineral filters like non-nano zinc oxide, though there are a few chemical formulas that pass the test, too. With that in mind, below are 10 of the best reef-safe sunscreens to swap into your routine. From easy-to-pack SPF sticks and lightweight body mists to tinted formulas that double as makeup, each one is vetted with input from leading dermatologists. Vogue's Favorite Reef-Safe Sunscreens: In This Story: Best Overall: Ultra Violette Velvet Screen Why We Love It: 'Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen offers a matte finish and contains Kakadu plum as a source of antioxidants and pentavitin, a plant-based carbohydrate complex that helps moisturize the skin,' explains Dr. Camp. It has a velvety texture that feels great on the skin—never sticky or chalky. And unlike a lot of sunscreens that leave behind a shiny, almost glittery finish, this one delivers a matte, skin-like effect that works like a real-life blur filter. 'Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen offers a matte finish and contains Kakadu plum as a source of antioxidants and pentavitin, a plant-based carbohydrate complex that helps moisturize the skin,' explains Dr. Camp. It has a velvety texture that feels great on the skin—never sticky or chalky. And unlike a lot of sunscreens that leave behind a shiny, almost glittery finish, this one delivers a matte, skin-like effect that works like a real-life blur filter. Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, pentavitin Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, pentavitin SPF Level: 50 50 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 1.7 oz Best Spray: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist $36 AMAZON Why We Love It: While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has anti-aging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says, 'This is great for those looking for sun protection but also wanting to target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and blemishes.' It goes on clear (no white cast, we promise!) and, because it's a spray, it's super easy to reapply every few hours. While the packaging alone caught our eye when we were first introduced to it, Soleil Toujours also has anti-aging benefits in addition to sun protection, thanks to its formula packed with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman says, 'This is great for those looking for sun protection but also wanting to target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and blemishes.' It goes on clear (no white cast, we promise!) and, because it's a spray, it's super easy to reapply every few hours. Chemical or Physical: Chemical Chemical Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E Aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, vitamin E SPF Level: 50 50 Texture: Spray Spray Size: 6 oz Best Scent: Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen Why We Love It: An ode to her mother who lost her life to melanoma skin cancer, Trisha Trimble, the founder of Suntegrity, is not cutting corners when it comes to her brand's formulations. Designed for the body, this mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, which Dr. Spearman says makes it reef-safe and effective. That said, she notes it's lightly scented, so those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear. An ode to her mother who lost her life to melanoma skin cancer, Trisha Trimble, the founder of Suntegrity, is not cutting corners when it comes to her brand's formulations. Designed for the body, this mineral sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, which Dr. Spearman says makes it reef-safe and effective. That said, she notes it's lightly scented, so those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear. Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil Green tea extract, cucumber extract, pomegranate seed oil SPF Level: 30 30 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 3 oz, 5 oz Best Drugstore: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen $11 AMAZON Why We Love It: A drugstore classic (now with new packaging!), this is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot on sunscreen and (or!) have plenty of kids to slather. Dr. Spearman explains that it's formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe, and a 'very good option for sensitive skin.' She also notes that it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so whether you're headed to swim practice or the beach, you're covered. A drugstore classic (now with new packaging!), this is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot on sunscreen and (or!) have plenty of kids to slather. Dr. Spearman explains that it's formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe, and a 'very good option for sensitive skin.' She also notes that it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so whether you're headed to swim practice or the beach, you're covered. Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera SPF Level: 50 50 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 3 oz Best Lotion: Vacation Mineral Lotion Why We Love It: Not your mother's sunscreen—this chic mineral lotion from Vacation is 'a non-nano mineral formula with zinc oxide and includes ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter for nourishing and regulating the skin,' says Dr. Spearman. Unlike some of the brand's other formulations, this one is fragrance-free, which she notes is ideal for sensitive skin types. Not your mother's sunscreen—this chic mineral lotion from Vacation is 'a non-nano mineral formula with zinc oxide and includes ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter for nourishing and regulating the skin,' says Dr. Spearman. Unlike some of the brand's other formulations, this one is fragrance-free, which she notes is ideal for sensitive skin types. Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: S hea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E hea butter, niacinamide, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin E SPF Level: 30 30 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 3.4 oz Best Tinted: Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 Why We Love It: If base makeup feels like too much in the summer heat, might we suggest adding Weekend Skin to your routine? It comes in four sheer, radiant shades—pale pink glow, golden glow, bronze glow, and a universal glow if you want something more classic. You can also use it as a makeup primer if you decide to layer on more coverage. Aside from how good it looks on the skin, it's formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and it's reef-safe. 'If you have dry skin and uneven texture, this one is great,' adds Dr. Spearman. If base makeup feels like too much in the summer heat, might we suggest adding Weekend Skin to your routine? It comes in four sheer, radiant shades—pale pink glow, golden glow, bronze glow, and a universal glow if you want something more classic. You can also use it as a makeup primer if you decide to layer on more coverage. Aside from how good it looks on the skin, it's formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and it's reef-safe. 'If you have dry skin and uneven texture, this one is great,' adds Dr. Spearman. Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide Vitamin C, niacinamide, zinc oxide SPF Level: 50 50 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 1.18 oz Best Broad-Spectrum Formula: Dune The Bodyguard Invisible Gel Sunscreen Why We Love It: 'Made with hibiscus fruit extract, neem leaf and flower extract, and vitamin E, this SPF 30 sea salt–scented, gel-based chemical sunscreen is reef-safe, offers broad spectrum coverage, and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,' says Dr. Camp. And like the name implies, it's an invisible gel formula, so if you've ever had a beach vacation photo ruined by a white cast, you're in the clear (literally). 'Made with hibiscus fruit extract, neem leaf and flower extract, and vitamin E, this SPF 30 sea salt–scented, gel-based chemical sunscreen is reef-safe, offers broad spectrum coverage, and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,' says Dr. Camp. And like the name implies, it's an invisible gel formula, so if you've ever had a beach vacation photo ruined by a white cast, you're in the clear (literally). Chemical or Physical: Chemical Chemical Key Ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf extract, flower extract, vitamin E SPF Level: 30 30 Texture: Gel Gel Size: 8.4 oz Best Glowy: Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen Why We Love It: 'Available in peach or golden hues, this lightweight SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is also rated for UVA protection,' says Dr. Camp. Thanks to a formula that includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it works well as a standalone product or a hydrating base under makeup. It now comes in two mini sizes too, making it perfect for travel or tossing in your bag for quick midday touch-ups (which you should be doing every two to three hours, FYI). 'Available in peach or golden hues, this lightweight SPF 40 mineral sunscreen is also rated for UVA protection,' says Dr. Camp. Thanks to a formula that includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it works well as a standalone product or a hydrating base under makeup. It now comes in two mini sizes too, making it perfect for travel or tossing in your bag for quick midday touch-ups (which you should be doing every two to three hours, FYI). Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid SPF Level: 40 40 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 1.3 oz Best Sunscreen Stick: Cay Skin Isle Invisible Sunstick Cay Skin Invisible Sunstick $24 AMAZON Why We Love It: Not only is this sunscreen stick TSA-approved and easy to apply and reapply, but Dr. Camp assures us it's safe to use on the lips and even over makeup without disturbing it. The stick is totally clear, so there's no white cast to worry about, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for everyday sweating, outdoor activities, and even snorkeling through the coral reef if you're lucky enough to find yourself there. Not only is this sunscreen stick TSA-approved and easy to apply and reapply, but Dr. Camp assures us it's safe to use on the lips and even over makeup without disturbing it. The stick is totally clear, so there's no white cast to worry about, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for everyday sweating, outdoor activities, and even snorkeling through the coral reef if you're lucky enough to find yourself there. Chemical or Physical: Chemical Chemical Key Ingredients: Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells Sea moss, jojoba oil, aloe stem cells SPF Level: 35 35 Texture: Balm Balm Size: 0.5 oz Best for Mature Skin: Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen Why We Love It: Fans of The Rich Cream can breathe a sigh of relief—Augustinus Bader has finally ventured into TCF8-infused sunscreen. Dr. Camp explains that non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients in this mineral-based, reef-safe SPF 50, which also contains microalgae extract and cotton seed extract. It leaves a nice sheer finish on the skin, though it may take a few sweeping motions to fully blend in without any white cast. Fans of The Rich Cream can breathe a sigh of relief—Augustinus Bader has finally ventured into TCF8-infused sunscreen. Dr. Camp explains that non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the active ingredients in this mineral-based, reef-safe SPF 50, which also contains microalgae extract and cotton seed extract. It leaves a nice sheer finish on the skin, though it may take a few sweeping motions to fully blend in without any white cast. Chemical or Physical: Physical Physical Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, raspberry seed oil SPF Level: 50 50 Texture: Cream Cream Size: 1 oz Everything You Need to Know
