Best in K-Beauty for Men | Top Tips to Glow As A Guy

More and more men are starting to use skincare routines, growing to 50% use in 2024 and continuing to rise. Men are more likely to struggle with skin disorders – that are preventable; such as infections, acne and skin cancer. Women are more attuned to their face changes (which can be good and bad), but more easily fixed problems can go unnoticed in men. So, evaluating if your skin needs a change now and then is good. You don’t need a 10-step routine, but starting with the basics (a great cleanser and moisturizer) can boost your confidence (with minimal effort).

Although gender is a spectrum, there is a few key differences that run between men and women’s skincare routines. Men typically have thicker skin, which is also balanced with typically better hydration (it’s harder to lose moisture). This means products should be deeper absorbing, but men are less likely to need hydrating and gentle moisture. Men are more likely, however, to have sebum build-up, which means investing in a good cleanser is a great investment to help keep skin balanced (especially if you struggle with acne). Men are also more likely to struggle with dark spots, which can make ingredients such as niacinamide, TXA and glutathione really beneficial. 

So, in summary – men are more likely to see benefits from stronger formulas (due to having less permeable, thicker skin), are more likely to struggle with dark spots and oil-build up.  

Lots of guys don’t actually notice or realize how much oil-build up is affecting their skin. It can appear as acne or blackheads and often is easy to tackle with a simple foam cleanser. A low pH cleanser is great combined with exfolating acids (AHA/BHA) that help clear pores. Brightening cleansers make a big difference on their own and can be used morning/night as you prefer.

1. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel 
After a simple addition that makes a big difference? This gentle, centella-based cleanser is infused with fruit extracts to leave a natural glow, whilst giving you a soft cleanse. It’s a nourishing, foamy cleanser that won’t strip natural oils, but softens your skin.

2. Frudia Citrus Brightening Micro Cleansing Foam 
For a personal favourite, Frudia infuses grape, apricot, mango and grapefruit into this brightening cleanser that deeply refreshes skin. This is an easy addition to the shower, which provides a deep cleanse every time. Enriched with vitamins to brighten your complexion. 

3. Medicube Azelaic Acid Niacinamide Deep Clean Foam Cleanser 
Struggling with acne spots? This cleanser provides an easy reduction in red spots and helps easily balance skin texture. Boosted with neem tree extract, it provides an immediate refresh to your skin and helps tackle outbreaks. 

Too busy to cleanse morning and night? On those lazier days where you can’t fathom a whole shower (or even washing your face), you can quickly freshen up your look with toning pads! The cotton helps brush away debris and dead skin cells, whilst the pH-balancing formula will help your skin have a healthy shine. For trouble spots, you can also apply a specialized toning pad like a mini facemask and leave for 5 minutes to help soak in deeper.

1. Arencia PDRN + Hyaluronic Deep Hydration Pads 
Struggling with dry skin? This combination is perfect for a deep, dewy finish. These gentle pads help easily remove residue from the day, giving a refreshing cleanse, as well as a boost to hydration. With a boost of green tea, they’re also great to reduce general redness and help cool the summer heat. 

2. Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Niacinamide Concentrated Pad 
After a classic, vitamin-rich daily treatment that will leave you glowing? Not only that, but these pads are infused with hydrating agents and exfoliating agents, to help scrub away dead cells for a bright, healthy finish. With Vitamin C and Vitamin E, they help treat dark spots and scars, giving you a refreshed face each time. 

3. Dr Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad 
Struggling with oily skin, blackheads or acne? Chances are you need to increase your cleansing routine a bit more and these pads are a perfect remedy. Salicylic acid is not only a calming agent (reducing redness and heat from your face), but also deeply cleanses pores to help refresh spots quickly. Balanced with nourishing witch hazel, these pads are perfect to tackle an outbreak quickly and vanish blackheads. 

A face serum is best if you’re looking to improve a specific skin concern. Otherwise, a good hydrating serum can generally replace a moisturizer (especially if they are too thick or irritating for yourself). Serums are great for tackling dryness, dark spots, acne, fine lines or wrinkles. Used after cleansing, a serum absorbs deeper than a standard moisturizer and can yield great results for men. Here are our favourite picks for men’s skincare – depending on what concern you might be struggling with:

Dark Spots: Missha Vita C Plus Spot Correcting Concentrate Ampoule 
This ampoule is perfect for when you need to vanish dark spots quickly, but also want to improve your youthful glow. With a light exfoliant (PHA) to improve brightness, this ampoule is also balanced with Vitamin E and ceramide to hydrate cells. You only need a small amount (1-2 pumps) for lasting improvement. 

Fine Lines: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum 
I’ve tried out a ton of serums for fine lines, and this is still by far the most effective and satisfactory. It is enriched with peptides that literally reduce fine lines on your face by interacting with your facial muscles, as well as stimulating natural collagen production for an easy boost. I know it’s pink (which can be off-putting for the lads), but it’s truly the best you can get. 

Acne: Nine Less A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum 
This serum is a perfect and easy-to-use product for acne. Azelaic acid has a multi-tool approach to acne (reducing redness, improving exfoliating and limiting bacterial growth), to create a really easy, soothing serum for your skin. If you want to reduce acne quickly, this serum alone can make a great difference. 

Dryness: Dr Althea Aqua Marine Deep Serum 
This serum provides a deep, easy boost to hydration. Wit 70% bamboo water, blended with centella and cyprus extract – it's an easy addition to any routine for any skin types and the thinner formula allows deeper penetration than moisturizer. 

If you shave your face, chances are you’ve had razor burn before. Commonly scratchy, red and irritated skin after shaving is a common problem for men and it’s an easy fix. Firstly, ensure you are using a clean and sharp razor and appropriate shaving cream to prep your face. Second, give yourself a good aftercare. Rinse with warm water, dry skin and follow with a gentle moisturizer. This soaks into skin quickly, boosts healing and gives your skin an even texture.

1. Etude Soon Jung 2X Barrier Intensive Cream 
This deep absorbing moisturizer is perfect for dry skin or a compromised barrier. This simple, yet highly effective barrier cream helps keep your skin biome sealed overnight and prevents flaking or rough skin from forming. 

2. Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Mask Firming Jelly 
Looking to treat both fine lines and achieve a deep glow? This overnight jelly is the perfect addition to your routine. It's perfect to balance uneven skin tones and holds overnight to give you a quick lift to skin. If you’re getting self conscious about fine lines or want a boost to radiance, this overnight moisturizer alone will have people asking what you’ve had done. Not only that, but any irritation from shaving will vanish overnight – with this cooling jelly. 

3. Dr Althea 345 Barrier Cream 
Again, if you’re struggling with spots and acne (a common concern for men), this barrier cream is a perfect addition to your routine. Enriched with cactus extract, niacinamide and panthenol, it helps combat long-term skin damage and provides a base for enriched and gentle skincare. It helps cool skin after shaving and creates a nourished balance. 

Men are most likely to have skin cancer on their face, neck and head. Sun protection (hats) is vital, but so is a daily sunscreen. Cosmetic sunscreens are incredibly light and absorb quickly, so you don’t have to struggle with that oily residue all day and greatly reduces your risk in future of some nasty spots. If you only give yourself one moment of skincare, please let it always be sunscreen. It’s not just a hygiene step – it's vitally important for your ongoing health (especially in Australia) and many men end up with higher-risk skin cancer than women do.

1. Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh Sun Serum 
Need something light, easy-to-apply every morning and invisible? This sun serum is perfect for you. It’s deeply hydrating (can easily replace a moisturizer), cools general redness and provides an SPF+50 protection for your work day. Infused with rice and panthenol, you’ll see immediate benefits and it’ll prevent wrinkles from forming as you get older. 

2. Skin1004 Madagacar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum 
This light sunscreen feels exactly like a light moisturizer, absorbing quickly and providing a boost of hydration. It just also happens to give SPF+50 protection, with zero oily finish and a great cooling effect from botanical extracts. Perfect for all skin types and super easy to use. 

3. Nine Less MELA-PRO Tranexamic Acid Sun Screen 
Struggling with dark spots? A sunscreen is the perfect solution! And this one is enriched with tranexamic acid to help reduce appearance of dark spots and refresh tone. Balanced with niacinamide and SPF+50 protection, it’s perfect for even sensitive skin to give a natural finish.

Although the overarching principles of general skincare are present for both men and women, culturally it’s less accepted for men to access similar care. It's been proven that upgrading your skincare just a little can yield great benefits and also boost your confidence. Starting small – even just with a sunscreen or cleanser, can help show great improvements for yourself and give you that little extra self care. 

Looking for nourishing products to keep you looking good? Check out the curated range of skincare available on Arktastic! Authentic Korean skincare delivered to your home.

Looking for more skincare tips to get your face glowing? Check out our guide to our best products for treating dark spots and for treating acne:

Top Products for Dark Spots 
Top Products to Treat Acne 

Is Men’s Skincare Different Than Women? 
Yes, although gender is a spectrum there is a difference in men and women’s skin types due to general hormone differences. Men tend to have thicker and oilier skin (except on the forehead), which means they are less likely to struggle with dry and irritated skin. They do also need deeper absorbing formulas for improvement, as the skin barrier can be less permeable. Men are also more likely to struggle with dark spots and pigmentation, so seeking out ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide and glutathione are great to help balance skin texture. 

How to Care for Skin (in Men)? 
As men tend to have oilier skin types, it’s important to invest in a well-balanced cleanser that helps clear away dead skin cells and oils. Gentle exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA or PHA) are great to help improve natural shine and create a healthier appearance. Follow irritating activities (such as shaving, sunburn or heavy-duty activity) with a soothing moisturizer. Also keep a pack of toning pads on hand, for when you need to clean skin quickly or on-the-go. It will help your skin feel more balanced and hydrated. 

Do Men Need Sunscreen? 
Yes, men are more likely to get skin cancer of the face, neck and top of the head – so it’s vital to always wear a hat and get into your daily habit of wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also is the number 1 cause of fine lines and wrinkles, so if you want to keep looking youthful, a sunscreen should be your first investment. A quality sunscreen also acts as a moisturizer and will help keep your skin soft, balanced and free of blemishes. 

Do Men Need Less Skincare Than Women? 
Although men are less likely to suffer from irritative/autoimmune skin conditions than women, the benefits that women get from a strong skincare routine are equally beneficial to men. Having a good cleansing routine helps maintain hygiene and prevent blemishes and blackheads forming. Following with a great sunscreen helps keep skin healthy, prevent dark spots and fine lines. And an evening moisturizer is a strong investment to help maintain soft and radiant texture which can be as good as a facelift for some.