Spring skin savers for men

Dr LeWinn's Men, Day Moisturiser SPF15, 50ml. Photos / Babiche Martens

Male skincare can come out of the closet - it's official, most of you not only shave, but cleanse and moisturise too. Three-quarters of men in a survey done for L'Oreal in New Zealand and Australia said they used moisturiser, up from just 26 per cent in 2004.

Women are the big spenders on skincare, but in the age group 55-65, men's spending inches ahead to around $30 a month. This could be explained by the thicker male hide, which starts to crack up later than women's thinner skin, but when it does, the wrinkles are more deeply etched.

To keep your skin in condition a three-step cleanse, shave and moisturising regime with pretty much any decent skincare product from supermarket to premium brand is the starting point. As the weather warms up, don't forget to make an extra effort with sun protection and hydration.

If you're really interested in advanced skincare, have a consultation and start budgeting.

1. Dermalogica Daily defence Block SPF15, 100ml $81

Very nice stuff, says our tester. "Quite thick and takes a little time for skin to absorb but non-greasy and really makes your skin feel soft. Only thing is that it smells slightly medicinal, like Savlon." (Probably because this product is fragrance free). dermalogica.co.nz

2. Dr LeWinn's Men, Day Moisturiser SPF15, 50ml $49.90

Our tester said this was OK. "Has a slightly sort of drier consistency to it than the other two and absorbs quite quickly. Softens, but if you wipe your hand across your skin you can feel it hours later." (Part of the top-selling Australian skincare range. It contains a peptide said to firm skin with regular use).

3. L'Oreal Hydra Sensitive 24-hour Moisturising Cream, 50ml $21.99

Claims "4 fortifying minerals" on the box, but I have no idea what this means, says our tester. "Goes on well, absorbs a little slower than the Dr LeWinn's but certainly makes your skin feel nice, moisturises and seems to last all day." Does not include an SPF.

(A brochure tells me the magic minerals are calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper, which are said to combine with a plant-based Active Defence System to strengthen and stimulate skin - Boys, welcome to the world of skincare gobbledegook).

4. Biohance Man Morning Balm $49.95

Biohance Man is a new skincare range developed and produced in New Zealand to deliver active skincare of the sort more commonly found in appearance medicine clinics. Peptide technology helps boost collagen production for firmer, younger looking skin. This soothing balm is a key product and can be used alone as a day or night moisturiser.

5. Trilogy Men Moisturiser with SPF15 $36.90

This is from New Zealand's leading natural skincare company. Based on plant oils, it too contains minerals, in this case zinc, copper and magnesium, said to "restore skin vitality." While this initially feels firm on the skin it doesn't drag. Smells deliciously citrus fresh. trilogy.co.nz

* Pacifica Organics also makes a good men's moisturiser with flaxseed oil, but doesn't have a dedicated range of products like Trilogy.

6. Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche Anti-Shine Moisturising After Shave $111

Combining fragrance and skincare, this new product soothes and delicately perfumes skin while offering anti-shine and hydrating benefits. Allure Homme Edition Blanche is a fresh, creamy oriental fragrance also in an eau de toilette.

7. Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Age defence for Eyes $62

Men are much less likely than women to use a dedicated eye cream, but the delicate skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than other facial skin and calls for special attention. Pat on this lightweight cream which is said to reduce puffiness and dark circles while hydrating and firming.

8. Coppertone Sport Faces SPF50, 118ml $19.99

One for the beach or sport, this is dubbed "breathable block" which, being oil-free, won't clog pores or run. Gives good protection in the water, but like all blocks does need reapplying after a while. There's an SPF30 Ultra Sweatproof spray-on version for the body and a stick for touch-ups too. The famous Coppertone fragrance is muted, but the brand remains as strong as ever, with modern formulations that won't leave you looking like a cream puff covered in sand.

9. Rhino Repair Cream $26.58

This is the sort of handy use-for-everything cream everyone should have in their cupboard. It's made by South Island-based Oasis Beauty from natural and organic ingredients and is a good all purpose moisturiser and a skin soother for mild eczema and sunburn that's said to deter peeling. Has a slight smell of manuka honey. www.oasisbeauty.co.nz

10. Clarins Men UBV Protection Oil-Free SPF40, 30ml $48

A straight-out sunblock rather than a moisturiser (though Clarins has one of the best skincare ranges around), this comes in a small size for toting about, making it ideal for the office if you're heading outdoors at lunchtime. (Don't forget the chrome dome). It's suitable for sensitive skins, is oil-free and a mineral rather than a chemical block. For the degree of coverage it offers the texture is remarkably light and absorbent. It did impart an initial shine, but this soon passed for a healthy outdoors glow.

11. Shiseido Men Cleansing Foam, 125ml $40

This gentle face cleanser removes dirt without stripping moisture and lathers up as a shaving foam. For use with Shiseido Men's Moisturizing Emulsion ($58), which counteracts razor burn, leaving skin cooled, smooth and hydrated.