Despite my insistence to ditch it, my husband relies on a regular bar of soap to wash his face. This habit, developed in his adolescence, dries out his skin, which toils for several hours after shower to recover its suppleness. He is not the only man I know whose skincare routine is almost non-existent. From family members to male friends, most tend to shun even the most basic of skin products – moisturizers and creams are women’s stuff, they contend.

Even post teenagehood, men’s skin secretes more sebum than women’s, often sprouting stubborn acne that lasts into adulthood. Although men enjoy higher collagen density than women, their skin exhibits deeper sun damage – only because men are not used to slathering sunscreen or using UV-filter products like women are. While shaving exfoliates men’s skin, it can also leave it irritated and itching.

Yet, men seem to resist daily care. Many beauty brands respond to men’s aversion to structured skincare by offering simpler men’s lines that often do not get the same marketing attention or high price tags women’s do. Yet, men can adopt some simple steps – and products – that would help them fight age and pollutants without demanding more than several minutes in front of the mirror.

Replace the soap with skin-type appropriate facial wash

Most mild face washes unclog pores without dehydrating the skin. Try Clinique Charcoal Face Wash, whose natural charcoal concoction sucks out impurities and, at the same time, soothes the skin.

Embrace after-shower moisturizers

Some avoid moisturizers because of the discomforting, heavy feeling they prompt. Yet, not all moisturizers are created the same. Opt for Clinique Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate – its ultralight formula contains liquid spheres of antioxidants that wash away imperfections.

D0 not forger the sunscreen

Although thicker than women’s skin, men’s skin is equally susceptible to harmful UV exposure, which triggers the formation of wrinkles and discolorations. Hence, sunscreen is essential yet often overlooked part of men’s skincare. Try Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock, whose light, oil-free formula absorbs quickly to both protect and hydrate the skin.

Fight the wrinkles around the eyes

Delicate and thin, the skin around the eyes often shows the first signs of aging and stress. Anthony High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream contains a bunch of natural ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, carrot root extract and caffeine that not only reduce fine lines but also diminish dark circles and puffiness.