The secret to men’s glowing skin: is simplicity the key to skincare success?

Let’s face it, skincare can feel unfair.

Women often spend countless hours (and thousands of rands) perfecting 10-step routines, only to battle persistent breakouts, dryness and frustration. Meanwhile, men slap on a bar of soap meant for their face, their body and their hair and somehow walk away with glowing skin. 

The absurdity of this imbalance has sparked a viral conversation online, with millions of users poking fun at the simplicity of male grooming habits and questioning how this “one-bar miracle” even works. 

Now, a viral trend: “Wash your face like a man” has social media is abuzz with hilarious and relatable commentary on men’s minimalist hygiene. It all started when Instagram creator Martha shared a video demonstrating how men aggressively scrub their faces with just soap and water and still manage to have clear skin.  

The video, now boasting over 4.3 million views, resonated deeply as women everywhere chimed in with disbelief and humour.

Here are some of the responses to the viral video:

• “Men treat their face like a car windshield and still have perfect skin.”  
• “My man uses dish soap and has the nerve to glow.”  
• “Why do they wash their eyeballs so aggressively?”  

While the trend delivers plenty of laughs, it also raises a serious question: why does this low-maintenance routine work for some and is it actually healthy for your skin? 

The truth about soap and skin  

According to dermatologists, the soap-and-go lifestyle isn’t as universally effective as it appears. What works for one person’s skin might wreak havoc on another’s.  

1. Soap strips natural oils

Speaking to the "Hindustan Times", Dr Anil KV Minz, a senior dermatologist at Marengo Asia Hospitals, explained that regular soap can strip the skin of its natural oils.

“While some people with normal skin may get away with using soap, it can cause dryness and irritation, particularly in sensitive areas like the beard, ears and eyebrows,” he said.  

For individuals with dry skin, eczema or allergies, soap can aggravate existing issues. Even those with oily skin might experience dryness and irritation if soap is overused. 

2. Soap disrupts your skin’s pH balance

Most soaps are alkaline, while our skin naturally prefers a slightly acidic pH of 5.5.  When you use soap on your face, it can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance.

This disruption can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, tightness, redness, or even more breakouts over time.  Differently, facial cleansers are specifically formulated to be gentle, maintaining the skin's natural pH while still removing dirt and oil.  

The viral trend might make it seem like men’s minimalism is the secret to flawless skin but dermatologists agree: that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Some men with naturally oily or resilient skin might be able to handle soap without issue, especially in hot and humid climates. But for most people especially those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin soap alone can cause long-term damage.  

The key is tailoring your skincare to your skin type and lifestyle. A simple routine doesn’t have to involve 10 steps or need to break the bank.

Even adding a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser can make a world of difference.  

Why some men’s skin “glows” effortlessly

So, why do men often seem to have better skin despite their low-effort routines?

Experts suggest a few reasons:  

1. Thicker skin: Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than women’s, thanks to testosterone. This makes it more resilient to environmental damage.  

2. Higher oil production: Men’s sebaceous glands produce more oil, which naturally moisturises the skin and helps maintain its glow. 

3. Simple routines: Minimalism might actually help. Using fewer products means fewer chances of irritation from harsh ingredients or over-exfoliation.  

The humour of the “wash your face like a man” trend underscores an important point: skincare is deeply personal. While men’s low-maintenance routines might work for them, many people especially women need more care to keep their skin healthy and comfortable.