5 Skincare Mistakes Most Men Make and How to Fix Them

Your Skin Can’t Be on Auto-Pilot—It Needs a Strategy

Most men weren’t raised to care for their skin. We were taught to tough it out, rinse with water, and keep it pushing. But neglect isn’t power—it’s passive. And skin that’s ignored eventually tells on you.

Let’s correct course. These are the five most common skincare mistakes men make—and how to fix them.

1. Using Bar Soap Meant for Your Body on Your Face

Bar soap strips your skin of its natural oils. The result? Dryness, tightness, and irritation—especially for melanin-rich skin.

Fix it: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. CDLV’s cleanser respects your skin’s tone and texture while clearing buildup.

2. Skipping Moisturizer (or Only Using Lotion on “Ashy” Days)

If you're only moisturizing when your hands look dusty, you're already behind. Hydration isn’t seasonal—it’s foundational.

Fix it: Apply moisturizer daily—morning and night. For deeper nourishment, follow with a butter or oil to seal it in.

3. Shaving Against the Grain or Dry Shaving

Razor bumps and ingrown hairs are the silent killers of smooth skin. Many men of color are especially prone due to hair texture.

Fix it: Use a warm towel before shaving, shave with the grain, and always follow with a hydrating oil or balm.

4. Not Wearing Sunscreen

Yes, you need sunscreen. Melanin helps, but it’s not invincible. UV rays worsen dark spots, discoloration, and early aging.

Fix it: Find a mineral or hybrid SPF that won’t leave a white cast. Use daily—even on cloudy days.

5. Doing Too Much, Too Fast

Trying 8 new products at once is a recipe for confusion and breakouts. Good skincare is about consistency, not clutter.

Fix it: Stick to a 3- or 4-step routine and build from there. Give products time to work before switching them out.

Skincare Isn’t Optional—It’s Operational

Your skin is the first thing people see. It tells the world how you treat yourself. If you’re about discipline, success, and elevation—your skincare needs to reflect that.

Product Spotlight: CDLV Self-Care Essentials

A curated trio to cleanse, hydrate, and protect melanin-rich skin. Simplified steps. Maximum presence.

Shop Self-Care Essentials


Skincare is strategy. Make it work for you—not against you.

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