A Dermatologist Rates Your Skincare Habits - Men, This One's for You

Dr Deepika Lunawat
Apr 16
4 min read

By Dr. Deepika Lunawat, Dermatologist — Mahi Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic, Chennai

As a dermatologist, I see men walk into my clinic every day with skin concerns that could have been avoided — or at the very least, managed better. And a lot of it comes down to everyday habits: the small things you do (or don't do) that quietly add up over time.

So I decided to rate some of the most common men's skincare habits I hear about — honestly, and straight from a dermatologist's perspective. No fluff, no marketing. Just the truth about what's helping your skin and what's quietly damaging it.

Shaving Over Acne

Dr. Deepika's Rating: 0 / 10 — Don't Do It

This one gets a hard zero from me. Shaving over active acne is one of those habits that seems harmless in the moment but can cause real, lasting damage. When you drag a razor over an inflamed pimple, you're aggravating the acne — spreading bacteria, breaking the skin, and dramatically increasing the risk of scarring.

If you have active breakouts, work around them as much as possible. Use a fresh blade, a gentle shaving gel, and avoid pressing down hard. And if your acne is persistent, please see a dermatologist rather than shaving through it every day and hoping for the best.

Washing Your Face After a Workout

Dr. Deepika's Rating: 10 / 10 — Must Do — Every Single Time

This gets a perfect 10 from me, and I wish more people understood why. When you work out, your skin sweats — and that sweat mixes with dirt, oil, and bacteria already sitting on the surface of your skin. If you leave that on your face, it clogs your pores and leads to breakouts, especially along the forehead, chin, and jaw.

Washing your face after a workout removes all of that buildup before it has a chance to cause damage. You don't need anything fancy — a gentle, mild face wash is all it takes. But it has to happen. Skipping this step and heading to bed or sitting in post-workout sweat is one of the fastest ways to trigger acne.

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Skipping Sunscreen

Dr. Deepika's Rating: 0 / 10 — Not Again — Please

Another zero. Skipping sunscreen is a habit I see far too often, and it is one of the most damaging things you can do for your skin long-term. UV radiation is the single biggest cause of premature ageing, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and skin cancer. And in India, with the amount of sun exposure we get, this is not optional.

The common excuses — "I'm indoors", "it's cloudy", "my skin is dark" — none of them hold up. UVA rays penetrate glass and clouds. Darker skin tones are still affected by UV damage; it just shows up differently. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied every morning, is the single most effective anti-ageing step you can add to your routine. No exceptions.

Using the Same Soap for Your Body and Face

Dr. Deepika's Rating: 4–5 / 10 — Depends on What You're Using

This one I'll give a 4 or 5 out of 10, because the answer really depends on what soap you're using. If it's a gentle, mild soap, it's okay — not ideal, but okay. But if you're using something harsh on your body — a strong antibacterial bar, a soap with heavy fragrance or harsh detergents — please do not bring that anywhere near your face.

The skin on your face is more sensitive and thinner than the skin on your body. Harsh soaps strip away your skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving it dry, irritated, and more prone to breakouts. The better option is always to use a mild face wash or a dedicated cleanser formulated specifically for the face. It doesn't have to be expensive — it just has to be gentle.

Using Beard Oil

Dr. Deepika's Rating: 6 / 10 — Good — With One Important Caveat

Beard oil gets a 6 from me — it's generally a positive habit, and I'm glad more men are paying attention to beard care. Keeping the beard and the skin underneath moisturised is important, especially since dry, flaky skin under the beard is a common and frustrating problem.

However — and this is important — avoid the ones that are heavy. Thick, occlusive beard oils can clog your pores and lead to breakouts along the jawline and cheeks, an area already prone to acne in many men. Look for lighter, non-comedogenic oils and use them in small amounts. A little goes a long way.

The Quick Recap

Shaving over acne — 0/10. Stop immediately.

Washing face after workout — 10/10. Non-negotiable.

Skipping sunscreen — 0/10. The worst habit on this list.

Same soap for body and face — 4–5/10. Switch to a mild face wash.

Beard oil — 6/10. Use it, but keep it light.

Have Skin Concerns You Want to Address?

Whether it's persistent acne, post-shave irritation, pigmentation, or just wanting a proper skincare routine that actually works for your skin — we're here to help. Book a consultation with me at Mahi Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic in Chennai, and let's get your skin where it needs to be.

Because good skin isn't about a complicated routine. It's about the right habits, done consistently.