When He Borrows Your Skincare And Actually Enjoys It

Let’s be honest. Many of us have been there. That moment when your other half accidentally discovers your moisturiser, falls in love with it, and suddenly it is his too. What once might have felt like a private ritual is now quietly shared. And guess what? That’s actually part of a much bigger shift.

Men’s interest in skincare has grown in a way that feels both natural and long overdue. No pressure. No jokes. Just good habits spreading because they make sense and they feel good.

Here’s the friendly truth about why he might be raiding your routine and why that’s totally fine.

The Culture Around Men And Skincare Is Changing

For decades skincare was seen as “just for women,” and that outdated idea is fading fast. Today, nearly half of all adult men report using skincare products at least occasionally. In the United States more than 50% of men now use facial skincare products, up from just around 30% a few years ago. That represents a nearly 68 per cent increase in a short space of time.

In the UK too the trend is clear. Around 40 per cent of British men say they use skincare products at least sometimes, with many learning about routines through social media, partners, friends and online research. That means it is not unusual for your other half to pick up a cleanser, eye cream or moisturiser and actually use it consistently. And that is a very good thing.

Men Are Catching On To The Basics

Across all genders the most common steps in a routine are cleansing and moisturising. A majority of men who follow a routine include cleansing and apply a moisturiser regularly. This matters because the basics work. Gentle cleansing removes build up from the day and a good moisturiser supports hydration and barrier health. These are the same foundational steps that dermatologists recommend for healthy skin regardless of gender. So when he borrows your cleanser or does not complain about a gentle cream, it is not coincidence. It is smart skincare in action.

Younger Men Are Especially Curious

Data shows that younger men, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are more likely to have established a skincare routine than older generations. About three in ten young men say they follow a routine compared with around one in five of men across all age groups. This shift is not about aesthetics alone. Many young men report that skincare helps them feel better and boosts confidence as much as it improves their appearance.

Using The Same Products Isn’t Weird, It Is Efficient

Here’s something worth saying gently. Skincare products do not have a gender. What matters are formulation and function. A product that hydrates, protects or replenishes works the same whether it sits on a shelf labelled for men or for women. So if your partner is “borrowing” your serum or moisturiser, it is not strange or silly. It simply means they are recognising that quality products with effective ingredients make life a little better. That is exactly what self care should do.

Fewer Products. Better Results.

There is a growing understanding that skincare does not need to be complex to be effective. In fact, overuse and frequent switching often cause more problems than they solve. A streamlined routine built around high quality formulations tends to deliver better long term results.

"Cleanse. Moisturise. Support the skin barrier. Repeat."

When both partners use the same core products, routines become easier to maintain. Less clutter. Less guesswork. Better outcomes.

Practical Steps That Make Skincare Work Better

If your other half has started using what is already in the bathroom, it is often a sign that his skin needs support but the options feel unclear. This is a good moment to step back and simplify rather than share everything indefinitely.

Start by noticing how his skin behaves. Does it feel tight after washing. Is there redness from shaving. Does dryness appear by the end of the day. These small signals help guide better choices.

A gentle cleanser that does not strip the skin is usually the first priority. From there, a moisturiser that restores hydration and supports the skin barrier will do most of the work. Texture matters. Many men prefer products that absorb quickly and do not leave residue.

Choosing products with clear ingredient lists makes this easier. It reduces trial and error and allows routines to stay consistent. When skincare fits the skin it is far more likely to be used properly and regularly.

When someone finds products that meet their skin’s needs, routines become simpler, skin becomes more comfortable, and confidence follows naturally. That is not a boundary crossed. It is a practical improvement. And practical improvements are always worth making.