Simple Skincare Routine Can Help Men Manage Aging

Dermatologists share tips on how to tell the difference between tired skin and aging skin, and how to build an effective anti-aging regimen.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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As men get older, it can be difficult to tell if changes in their skin are due to aging or just fatigue. Dermatologists say that while tired skin shows up quickly with puffiness, dullness, and dehydration, aging skin exhibits more permanent changes like fine lines, texture shifts, and uneven skin tone. To combat the signs of aging, experts recommend building a consistent nighttime skincare routine focused on hydrating, barrier-supporting, and collagen-boosting ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and retinoids. For more stubborn issues, in-office treatments like neurotoxins and fillers can also help. The key is starting an anti-aging routine before problems become severe.

Why it matters

As men get older, many struggle to distinguish between temporary skin issues caused by fatigue versus the more permanent changes associated with aging. Understanding the differences can help guide the right skincare approach and prevent men from making common mistakes like over-correcting too late or using products that are too harsh. Building a consistent anti-aging routine early on is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin as the years go by.

The details

According to dermatologists, tired skin shows up quickly with signs like puffiness, dullness, and dehydration, while aging skin exhibits more permanent changes like fine lines, texture shifts, and uneven skin tone. A simple light test can help determine if darkness under the eyes is caused by shadowing from volume loss (aging) or true pigmentation (sun damage). The key to an effective anti-aging routine is focusing on hydrating, barrier-supporting, and collagen-boosting ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and retinoids used consistently, especially in the nighttime routine when skin can better absorb the products. For more stubborn issues like deep expression lines or persistent volume loss, in-office treatments like neurotoxins and fillers can also help, though they are optional tools not requirements.

  • Experts say they hear the question 'am I aging or am I just tired?' from male patients constantly.

The players

Joshua Zeichner, MD

Director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai.

Lei Takahashi

A facialist at Altered States in Brooklyn, New York.

Chris Salgardo

Founder of men's skincare brand Atwater and former president of Kiehl's.

Bob Gearing

A New York-based writer covering men's grooming from the perspective of a very real (and very sweaty) dude.

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What they’re saying

“If you're living a stressful life, not eating as well as you should, or not sleeping enough, those factors absolutely accelerate how your skin ages.”

— Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai (menshealth.com)

“I can feel it the second I touch the face. Tired skin shows up fast and leaves fast. Puffiness, dullness, dehydration. Those are temporary signals. They calm down once the skin is supported.”

— Lei Takahashi, Facialist at Altered States in Brooklyn, New York (menshealth.com)

“Men want fast fixes. But skincare is both routine and strategy. The goal isn't to erase age. It's to care for your skin so it holds up better over time.”

— Chris Salgardo, Founder of men's skincare brand Atwater and former president of Kiehl's (menshealth.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.