When it comes to skin care, let’s admit it, guys — most of us were late to the game. For years, my routine consisted of little more than splashing my face with water and calling it a day. But as I got older and started noticing dullness, rough patches, and a few stubborn ingrown hairs, I realized it was time for an upgrade in my routine. That’s around the time when I discovered the “magic” of exfoliation.
I’m here to tell you: exfoliating for men is not just some made-up process to sell you more products you don’t need. It’s a legitimate part of good skin care. Stay with me as I walk you through everything you need to know to get smoother, healthier skin with a variety of men’s exfoliators. And trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Is Exfoliating Necessary For Men?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? See previous answer. Our skin is up to 30% thicker than women’s skin and it produces more oil. That means dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells build up fast, leading to clogged pores, dullness, and even breakouts.
Think of exfoliation as the ultimate reset button for your skin. By removing the dead cells sitting on your face, exfoliation reveals the fresh skin underneath. Not only does this help you look better, but it also prevents ingrown hairs and makes shaving smoother.
But don’t take my word for it. Give it a shot, and you’ll see the difference. Once I started exfoliating (it’s been quite a few years now since I first began), I couldn’t believe how much softer my skin felt and how much easier shaving was. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about giving my face (and body) a good scrub after a long day.
How to Exfoliate For Men’s Faces & Bodies
I’m going to break this down step by step to make it even easier. Exfoliating isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind so that you can do it right.
Male Face Exfoliation
The skin on your face is more delicate than the rest of your body, so it’s important to use a product specifically designed for this area. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with warm water. Wet your face with lukewarm-to-warm water so that those pores open up.
- Use a gentle exfoliating face wash or scrub. I swear by Anthony’s Facial Scrub for its perfect balance of grit and hydration.
- Massage the product in circular motions. Focus on areas prone to blackheads and dryness, like your nose and forehead. But be gentle — you’re scrubbing your face, not sanding a piece of wood.
- Rinse thoroughly. Make sure to remove all the product to avoid unwanted irritation.
- Follow up with moisturizer. Lock in hydration to keep your skin soft and smooth (this step has always been super important for me).
Male Body Exfoliation
For the rest of your body, you can use a more robust exfoliating body scrub for men like Anthony's Blue Sea Kelp Body Scrub, or something a little more traditional like the Exfoliating Cleansing Bar. The skin on your body is thicker, so you can feel free to go a little harder. I’ve found that scrubbing about twice as hard works best for me, but if you ever feel any discomfort, dial it back a few notches until you find a method that works best for your skin. Now let’s look at how you can incorporate these exfoliating products into your daily routine:
- Hop in the shower. Warm water helps soften the skin and makes exfoliation more effective.
- Apply your exfoliating scrub. Use a dollop of the scrub of your choice or lather up an exfoliating soap bar (I’ve had great success with either option).
- Focus on rough areas. Pay extra attention to elbows, knees, and feet — these spots tend to build up dead skin the fastest. Personally, I scrub my elbows about twice as hard as I scrub the rest of my body.
- Rinse off and hydrate. A good body lotion post-shower will keep your skin feeling like a million bucks.
Exfoliating For Men: General Tips & Advice
- Don’t overdo it. Exfoliating two to three times per week is enough for most guys (including me). Overdoing it in terms of frequency or the pressure you apply to your skin can strip away too many skin cells and cause irritation.
- Avoid harsh products. Skip anything with jagged particles that can create micro-tears in your skin. I’ve had bad experiences with products that seem like they’re going to give me the best exfoliation of my life, only to end up with red, damaged skin.
- Choose the right exfoliator for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend something more gentle, like Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser. For oily or acne-prone skin, I’d try out the Deep Pore Cleansing Clay Mask.
- Shave smarter. Exfoliate before shaving to lift hairs and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Even if you do end up with an ingrown hair or two, you can always use Anthony’s Ingrown Hair Treatment.
The Best Male Exfoliators by Anthony
There are quite literally thousands of exfoliating products out there, so we know things can get overwhelming when you want to find the right products for you. At Anthony, we like to keep things as simple as possible while also ensuring that you get the results you need. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from gritty drugstore scrubs to super-expensive products, but with Anthony, you can trust natural formulations that are safe, effective, and affordable.
I’ve already mentioned some of these products in this guide, but here’s an overview of all of my top picks for exfoliating:
- Facial Scrub - This is my go-to male face exfoliation product. It’s gentle but effective, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed without any irritation. I personally believe this is the best exfoliating face scrub on the market.
- Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes - A perfect male face exfoliator for guys on the go. These wipes are a quick and easy way to exfoliate without water (a big plus if you’re a traveler like me!)
- Charcoal Face Wash - This doubles as a cleanser and mild exfoliator, ideal for daily use to keep your skin clear. If your skin is sensitive, this might just be the best exfoliator for men’s faces that you can find.
- Deep Pore Cleansing Clay Mask - This one really pulls out the dirt and grime from your pores, and it’s a staple of my weekly skin routine.
- Glycolic Facial Cleanser - Not only does it cleanse and exfoliate, but this one helps my skin look really healthy and youthful.
- Blue Sea Kelp Body Scrub - A personal favorite body exfoliator for tackling rough patches on my arms and legs. If you want a powerful exfoliating scrub for men — this is it.
- Exfoliating Cleansing Bar - A no-nonsense exfoliating soap that gets the job done while leaving my skin well-hydrated.
- Buff It Hydrating Bar - Great for guys who prefer a traditional bar of soap. It exfoliates and moisturizes in just one step.
And there you have it! These are all of my top choices to help you take your skin care regimen to the next level with quality, natural exfoliation products for men. You can thank me later!
Want to learn even more about how to exfoliate for men? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
