Best Grooming Guide for Men: Face Wash for Oily Skin, Shaving Cream & Long-Lasting Perfumes 

Before we dive into products and routines, it helps to understand why oily skin behaves the way it does — and why standard soaps or heavy creams often fail us.

• People with oily skin produce more sebum via overactive sebaceous glands. That shine, that greasy feel — it’s a natural process. But if we treat oily skin the same way as normal or dry skin (heavy creams, harsh soaps, over-cleansing), we may worsen oil production, cause clogged pores, or trigger acne. (American Academy of Dermatology)

• Over-washing or scrubbing hard tends to backfire. A too-harsh cleanser strips away natural oils; in response, skin may overcompensate by producing even more oil. (Garnier)

• Also, many creams and moisturisers are thick or comedogenic — heavy for oily skin and likely to block pores. (Garnier)

When selecting a face wash suitable for oily skin, especially for men, here are the features and ingredients we prioritised — and why they matter:

✅ Oil-free and Non-Comedogenic  

A good face wash should explicitly say “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” — that means it won’t clog pores. (American Academy of Dermatology)

✅ Gentle Cleansing — Not Harsh Soaps or Bar Soaps  

Instead of traditional soap (which often has harsh detergents and can strip skin), a mild facial cleanser is recommended. Preferably one designed for oily or acne-prone skin. (American Academy of Dermatology)

✅ Ingredients That Help Regulate Oil and Clear Pores  

Look for cleansers with:

• Salicylic Acid (or other mild acids) — helps exfoliate inside pores, unclog them, fight acne, and reduce oil build-up. (Byrdie)

• Clay, charcoal, or mineral-based components — these can absorb excess sebum and impurities. (The Times of India)

• Soothing/calming agents (like aloe vera, mild botanical extracts) — to avoid irritation. (Healthline)

✅ Balanced Routine: Cleanse + Optional Exfoliation + Moisture Protection  

• Cleanse twice daily (morning and evening), but don’t over-wash. (Zeelab Pharmacy)

• Exfoliate only 1–2 times a week (or as per skin tolerance). Over-exfoliation may lead to dryness or trigger more oil. (Clarins India)

• After cleansing, if skin feels dry or tight, apply a light, water-based or gel moisturiser — skipping moisturiser altogether could backfire, causing skin to compensate by producing more oil. (Clarins India)

Here’s a routine we recommend — one that balances cleansing, controlling oil, and keeping skin healthy, especially for men living in hot, humid, or polluted Indian cities.

For many men, shaving is part of daily grooming. But for oily-skin folks, shaving can be tricky: improper shaving can irritate skin, cause razor burn, and even trigger breakouts. That’s where a good man's shaving cream comes into play.

⚠️ What Goes Wrong with Bad Shaving Practices  

• Shaving without adequate lubrication or using harsh soaps may leave skin dry, razor-burned, or damaged.

• Razor friction and micro-cuts make oily skin more prone to absorbing dirt, leading to clogged pores or pimples.

• Post-shave dryness often makes skin produce extra oil to compensate, worsening shine.

✅ How the Right Shaving Cream Helps  

A proper shaving cream (or gel) – especially one that’s alcohol-free, gentle, and ideally suited for oily skin — helps in:

• Softening facial hair and skin for a smoother shave (less tugging, fewer micro-cuts).

• Minimizing irritation, redness, and razor burn.

• Allowing the razor to glide reduces friction, which is critical for oily skin prone to clogging or acne. (nivea.co.za)

Also, after shaving, we should rinse properly, pat dry, and optionally apply a light after-shave balm or moisturiser to calm skin and restore hydration. (Brickell Men’s Products®)

In climates like India — humidity, sweat, dust — a gentle, non-greasy shaving cream + after-shave care makes a big difference.

Grooming isn’t just about skin; it’s about the overall impression we make. A carefully chosen perfume or fragrance adds that final touch — a subtle (or bold) signature that complements clean skin and neat grooming.

For men, especially in social or professional contexts, the “best fragrance perfume” isn’t necessarily the strongest or most expensive, but one that:

• Lasts longer (in Indian weather or after a commute).

• Smells good without being overpowering (sweat, dryness, humidity)

• Matches personal style and context — office, casual, date night, social events.

A good fragrance also boosts confidence — there’s a psychological effect: when we know we smell good, we carry ourselves differently. For men with oily skin, clean skin + good scent = sharp, put-together vibe.

Putting together everything above, here’s a simple but effective minimum routine we recommend for men — especially if you live in a city like Delhi (heat, pollution, fast pace) and want to manage oily skin, grooming, and scent without overcomplicating your life:

1. Oil-free face wash (gel/foam, salicylic/clay-based) — morning & evening

2. Gentle shaving cream + correct shave routine + after-shave care — daily or as needed

3. A well-chosen, long-lasting fragrance/perfume — to finish the grooming

• It prevents overstripping oil (which triggers more oil), yet controls sebum and reduces breakouts. (Garnier)

• It avoids heavy or pore-clogging creams, preventing irritation or acne even after shaving. (Garnier)

• It keeps skin clean, comfortable, and manageable — a big plus in the Indian climate and pollution levels.

• Over-washing / over-scrubbing — more cleansing does not equal better skin. It often backfires.

• Using heavy creams/moisturisers — oils and heavy moisturisers promised “hydration,” but ended up blocking pores and making skin greasy.

• Ignoring proper shaving prep (cream + technique + aftercare) — shaving with soap or dry can cause irritation and post-shave breakouts.

• Neglecting fragrance — a clean skin + smart grooming + good scent = confidence. Without perfume, even a good routine can feel incomplete.

Here’s how we follow the above routine in a typical busy day:

• Morning (7–8 AM): Splash lukewarm water ➝ use oil-free face wash (gel/foam) ➝ pat dry ➝ apply a light, water-based moisturiser if skin feels dry ➝ light spritz of fragrance/perfume ➝ go off for the day.

• Mid-day (after commuting or gym or heavy sweat): Rinse face with water or wipe gently — avoid heavy scrubs.

• Evening (after work): Wash face again with the same oil-free face wash ➝ shave (if needed) using gentle shaving cream ➝ rinse, pat dry ➝ apply after-shave balm / light moisturiser ➝ optionally reapply a light fragrance before stepping out.

• Once or twice a week (evening): After cleansing, apply a clay or charcoal mask / gentle exfoliant (depending on skin tolerance) ➝ rinse ➝ moisturise ➝ skip shaving that day (or shave with extra care).

When we commit to a routine tailored for oily skin — combining a good face wash, a proper shaving ritual, and a fragrance that lasts — grooming stops being a chore. It becomes part of how we present ourselves.

It’s not about “looking like a movie star.” It’s about feeling presentable, comfortable, and confident — every day, from morning commute to evening meetups.

In the world of grooming, especially for men with oily skin living in India, less is more — but what you choose to use does matter. With a simple but smart routine centered around a proper face wash, a quality shaving cream and technique, and a well-chosen fragrance, we can stay clean, fresh, and confident all day long.

We don’t need a dozen expensive creams or overly complicated steps. We need consistency, good products, and habits that respect our skin type. Because when we take care of ourselves — skin, grooming, scent — we show up not just looking good, but feeling good. And that confidence shines through.

Q: Do men with oily skin really need moisturiser?
A: Yes. Contrary to common belief, skipping moisturiser can make the skin over-produce oil in compensation. It’s better to use a lightweight, water-based or gel moisturiser that won’t clog pores.

Q: How often should we wash our faces if our skin gets oily quickly?
A: Twice a day — morning and evening — with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps or frequent scrubbing, which can trigger rebound oiliness.

Q: Isn’t exfoliation risky for oily skin? Won’t it make the skin dry or produce more oil?
A: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce oil buildup — but only once or twice a week. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, causing dryness or triggering more oil production.

Q: Is shaving bad for oily or acne-prone skin?
A: Not if done properly. Using a gentle, alcohol-free shaving cream, shaving carefully (with the grain), and following up with after-shave moisturiser or balm can keep skin irritation-free. Avoid harsh soaps or dry shaving.