For a lot of men, skincare consists of… nothing.
Maybe some soap in the shower. Sunscreen when they remember. Whatever moisturiser happens to be in the bathroom when their skin feels particularly dry.
And in some ways, it makes sense. Skincare has become increasingly complicated with multi-step routines, active ingredients, serums for every conceivable concern and shelves filled with products promising to transform your skin.
If you’re someone who has never been particularly interested in skincare, the easiest response is often to opt out altogether.
But simple skincare and no skincare aren’t quite the same thing.
Your skin is still doing an important job every day. It is your body’s outer barrier, constantly exposed to sun, wind, shaving, hot showers, air conditioning, heating, exercise and the general wear and tear of daily life.
Looking after it doesn’t need to mean adopting a complicated routine.
In fact, for many men, less may be exactly the right approach.
Why do so many men skip skincare?
Traditionally, skincare simply hasn’t been marketed to men in the same way it has to women.
Many men have therefore never developed the habit of cleansing and moisturising their face every day. Unless there is a specific problem such as dryness, irritation, shaving rash or visibly ageing skin, skincare can feel unnecessary.
There’s also the issue of complexity.
If looking after your skin appears to require a cleanser, toner, exfoliant, serum, eye cream, moisturiser and several different active ingredients, doing nothing can suddenly seem very appealing.
Then there’s fragrance.
Products marketed specifically towards men are often heavily scented, while mainstream skincare can contain perfumes or essential oils that some people simply don't enjoy using on their face.
The answer doesn't necessarily need to be more skincare.
It can simply be better, simpler skincare.
Your skin still needs support
Men's skin may have some physiological differences, including being thicker on average and producing more sebum, but it is still susceptible to dryness, irritation and disruption to the skin barrier.
Shaving in particular can place additional stress on the skin by repeatedly removing not only facial hair but some of the uppermost skin cells.
Hot showers, harsh cleansers and frequent washing can also strip away some of the oils that naturally help keep skin comfortable.
The signs aren't always dramatic.
Your face might simply feel tight after showering. Your cheeks may become dry in winter. You might notice rough areas around your nose or beard. Skin can become uncomfortable after shaving.
These are all occasions when a little additional support can make a noticeable difference.
Skincare doesn't need to be a hobby
This is perhaps the most important point.
You don't need to become interested in skincare to look after your skin.
You don't need seven products.
And you certainly don't need a bathroom shelf filled with bottles.
A very simple routine can be enough:
Morning: rinse or cleanse as needed, moisturise if your skin feels dry, and apply sunscreen.
Evening: cleanse away the day and replenish the skin with a face oil or balm.
That's it.
For particularly dry areas, a balm can also be used whenever your skin needs additional nourishment.
The aim isn't to create another job to complete every morning and night. It's simply to give your skin what it needs and leave out what it doesn't.
Why we created our Bare range
Skin Botanist's Bare range is particularly well suited to people who want their skincare uncomplicated.
The range is fragrance-free and made without essential oils. There are no elaborate scent profiles and no need to decipher a long routine.
Instead, we use carefully selected botanical oils, butters and waxes to create concentrated, water-free formulations designed to nourish and support the skin.
That makes Bare an easy starting point for men who might ordinarily use nothing at all.
Bare Face Oil
A few drops are all that's needed.
Face oil helps replenish the skin without the need for a conventional water-based moisturiser. It can be used after cleansing, after shaving or whenever skin feels dry or tight.
Bare Face Balm
For skin that needs something richer, Face Balm provides concentrated nourishment and is particularly useful at night or on dry areas.
Warm a small amount between your fingers and press it into the skin.
No elaborate technique required.
Bare Body Butter
Dry elbows, hands, knees, legs or patches of rough skin don't need to be ignored until they become uncomfortable.
Our water-free Body Butter gives dry skin a richer layer of nourishment, particularly after showering.
Bare Lip Balm
Probably the skincare product even the most committed skincare minimalist can appreciate.
This Lip Balm is simple, nourishing and fragrance-free, it can live in a pocket, desk drawer or car and be used whenever lips feel dry.
The advantage of water-free skincare
Most conventional creams and lotions contain a significant amount of water.
Skin Botanist products are different.
Our formulations are water-free and concentrated, meaning the oils, butters and waxes aren't there simply to fill out a formula around water. You generally only need a small amount at each application.
For someone who wants skincare to be straightforward, that matters.
A little goes a long way.
If you've always done nothing, start with one thing
We aren't going to tell you that everyone needs an elaborate skincare routine.
They don't.
But there is a considerable amount of space between a ten-step routine and doing absolutely nothing.
If you've never used skincare before, start with the thing your skin seems to need most.
If your face feels dry after showering, try a few drops of Face Oil.
If winter leaves your skin rough or tight, try Face Balm.
If your hands or body become dry, keep Body Butter nearby.
And regardless of how minimalist you want your routine to be, daily sun protection remains one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated.
Sometimes taking care of your skin simply means using a few well-chosen products, consistently.
