Best skincare routine for men in the Middle East: What experts recommend in 2025
Dubai: Let’s face it, summer in the UAE turns up the heat, and your skin pays the price. At 45°C, clogged pores, dehydration, and razor irritation turn your daily grooming into a challenge. But the game is changing: more discerning men are now turning to expert clinics and aesthetic centers, not for quick fixes, but for enduring skin health, elevated confidence, and a naturally rejuvenated glow.
Gone are the days when a splash of water and bar soap defined men’s skincare. In 2025, men in Dubai and across the region are embracing smart, science-backed skincare solutions to not only survive the summer but thrive in their appearance, without compromising their masculinity.
Shelfred Surdilla, a Dubai-based professional, candidly shares what first pushed him to explore aesthetic treatments.
“It started with wanting to feel fresher and more energized in my appearance,” he says. “I noticed dullness and volume loss that no cream could fix. I wanted a subtle, natural enhancement that still looked like me, just a more restored version.”
Under the expert care of Dr Shiva Faramarzi at Beverly Hills Wellness & Aesthetics (Waldorf Astoria, The Palm), Surdilla underwent Forza laser lipolysis, facial fillers, and Salmon DNA therapy—a cocktail of high-performance treatments that deliver subtle, yet powerful, results.
“Within a month, I looked more rested and brighter,” he adds. It’s not about looking younger, it’s about looking well. People asked if I’d been on vacation!”
For Surdilla, skincare used to mean one thing: moisturiser and maybe a facial. But after diving into professional treatments, his entire mindset shifted.
“I used to think skincare was just creams,” he says. “Now I understand collagen stimulation, tissue regeneration and how men’s skin actually behaves differently.”
The biggest takeaway? You don’t need a drawer full of products. Just the right routine, done consistently, makes all the difference.
And what about the stigma that men shouldn’t care too much about their looks?
“There’s still some stigma, but it’s fading fast. Men are starting to view skincare the same way they do fitness or nutrition, it’s basic, smart maintenance,” says Surdilla.
He adds: “It’s not about vanity. It’s about investing in yourself. Just like working out or eating well, taking care of your skin is part of showing up as your best self.”
According to Dr Vikesh Vij, plastic surgeon at Kaya Clinic, the secret to men’s skincare is simplicity.
“Men’s skincare has come a long way, it’s no longer just soap and water,” he says.
“Most of my male clients want results, but they don’t want to spend 20 minutes in front of the mirror.”
His go-to routine for men is refreshingly no-fuss:
· Morning: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen (non-negotiable)
· Night: Cleanse again, followed by a hydrating serum or moisturizer.
And the key? Consistency.
“Even with just two steps a day, you’ll see a big difference,” Dr Vij says. “It’s not about quantity, it’s about the right products and routine for your skin type.”
Gone are the days when clinical skincare treatments were viewed as ‘feminine.’ Today’s aesthetic landscape in Dubai is buzzing with male clientele booking advanced treatments, and they know exactly what they want.
At Kaya Clinic, popular treatments for men include:
· HydraFacials for deep pore cleansing
· Microneedling for fine lines and acne scars
· Chemical peels for dull skin and pigmentation
· Laser beard shaping
· Botox—yes, it’s just as popular with men now
“The difference with men lies in the approach,” explains Dr Vij.
“They prefer subtle, results-driven treatments with minimal downtime. While women may gravitate toward glow-enhancing facials, men tend to focus on oil control, pore cleansing, or wrinkle prevention. The goal is the same, healthy, refreshed skin, but the methods are tailored to thicker skin, facial hair, and distinct aesthetic preferences.”
Let’s not forget the unique skincare struggles men face here: daily shaving, excessive sun exposure, and high humidity.
“Lifestyle matters,” says Jitin Jaggi, Managing Director of Circadia SAMENA.
“Men who shave frequently deal with irritation and inflammation, and if they’re outdoors a lot, that’s a double whammy.”
His solution? Treatments and routines tailored for men’s skin, which is naturally thicker, oilier, and more reactive than women’s.
One of the most popular treatments among his male clients is the C2O2 Facial, featuring Circadia’s Oxygen RX technology. It reduces redness, clears clogged pores, and brightens dull, fatigued skin.
Jaggi also recommends enzyme-based exfoliants and hydrating masks that calm and restore skin stressed from heat, shaving, or sport.
If you’re new to professional skincare, don’t worry, there’s no pressure, no fluff, and definitely no judgment.
According to both experts, a typical men’s facial includes:
1. A personalized skin consultation
2. A double cleanse to remove oil and debris
3. Exfoliation (enzyme or acid-based)
4. Blackhead extractions, if needed
5. A treatment mask (hydrating, purifying, or calming)
6. Targeted serums and moisturizers
7. Always finishes with SPF
“It’s functional, not fussy,” Jaggi explains. “We customize every step based on the client’s skin type and concerns.”
Men are often skeptical, until they see the results. Here’s what professional skincare will typically cost in the UAE:
Treatment - Estimated cost
Facials - Dh250 - 600
Chemical peels - Dh400 - 900
Laser treatments - Dh500 - 2000
C2O2/Oxygen RX facial - Dh500 – 1,000
Microblading (eyebrows) - Dh2,000+
Hair regeneration (PRP/Exosomes)
varies (case by case)
“The long-term value is undeniable. Especially when you pair professional treatments with consistent home care,” says Dr Vij.
Both Jaggi and Dr Vij agree: Men are getting more comfortable addressing brow thinning, hairline recession, and early hair loss. Subtle fixes like:
Microblading for fuller, natural-looking brows (lasts 1–2 years)
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for camouflaging bald patches
Hair regeneration treatments like PRP, exosomes, and stem cells
“These aren’t just cosmetic, they’re confidence boosters. And they work best when started early,” says Jaggi.
Today’s man knows the value of showing up well, whether at work, at the gym, or on a date. And in 2025, great skin isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling sharp, confident, and in control.
So this summer, whether you're hitting the beach, leading a meeting, or just tired of your tired face, don’t settle for the bare minimum. Skincare isn’t a trend. It’s a tool. And there’s no shame in the glow, it’s a reflection of self-respect.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox