ALESSIO TORRITI: A Practical Guide to Men’s Skin Care
Glowing skin isn’t new to gay men — but the conversation around it is evolving. Beyond vanity, beyond trends, skincare and subtle makeup have become tools of control, confidence, and quiet power. Italian beauty expert Alessio Torriti has watched this shift unfold from the inside of the industry, as men move from basic routines to intentional, performance-driven self-care that enhances rather than masks who they are.
Text by Alessio Torriti Photos by Alessio Torriti, Raffaele Iaculli Walker,Portis Wasp
Men Do Care
Today, self-care — once considered a prerogative exclusively associated with women — has become an essential part of men’s lives as well.
For decades, skincare was perceived as a predominantly “female” territory. Products, marketing strategies, and social conversations revolved almost entirely around women. The average man would typically cleanse his face with soap and water and perhaps apply aftershave — nothing more. However, in recent years, something has changed profoundly. The way men think about their skin and overall well-being has evolved.
In the past, a man dedicating time to skincare might have been labeled as “too vain” or out of place. Today, men’s skincare is not only normalized but actively encouraged. Skincare is no longer seen purely as an aesthetic choice; it is increasingly recognized as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
Gone are the days of relying solely on shaving and washing the face with hand soap. Thanks in large part to social media, men are now more informed and more curious about building skincare routines tailored to their specific needs. Tutorials, product reviews, and online communities have made the beauty world more accessible, empowering men to better understand ingredients, skin concerns, and effective solutions.
The current trend leans toward simplicity and efficiency: fewer steps, but targeted and high-performing products designed to deliver maximum results. Ingredients such as niacinamide to reduce redness, hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, and vitamin C to even out skin tone have become staples in modern men’s routines.
Makeup, too, is gradually entering the male universe. Until recently, even within the gay community, makeup was often associated primarily with full-face glam or drag artistry. Today, in line with the “less but effective” trend, products such as concealer, mattifying primers, blush, and bronzer are increasingly used by men who simply want to achieve a healthy, fresh, and well-rested appearance.
Finally, the beauty industry is opening its doors more widely to men, actively working to reduce gender stereotypes in personal care. Skincare and makeup are no longer about vanity — they are about confidence, well-being, and self-expression.
Men do care — and the market is finally reflecting that reality.
GWF: If a man has never had a skincare routine before, what is the simplest effective routine he can start with?
If a man has never followed a skincare routine before, my advice is to start simple. There’s no need for anything complicated — just three essential products, chosen carefully and used consistently.
The first and most important step is cleansing. It’s crucial to use a facial cleanser suited to your skin type — whether it’s dry, combination, or oily — and to avoid non-specific products like hand soap or shower gel, which can disrupt the skin’s natural balance.
After cleansing, I recommend applying an eye cream to properly hydrate the delicate eye area, which is often overlooked, and then finishing with a good moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, elastic, and protected.
This routine should be followed both morning and evening. The key isn’t the number of products you use, but consistency: it’s far better to stick to a few effective steps every day than to attempt an eight-step routine that you’ll only do occasionally.
“The no make-up make-up look is becoming increasingly popular among men as well. It’s not about transforming the face or altering one’s features, but simply about enhancing them in a natural, subtle, and believable way.”
GWF: What do you think are the three most common skincare mistakes men make?
Rather than talking about three common mistakes, I would point the finger at those “3-in-1” products that many men love to use.
I completely understand the desire for something quick and practical, without spending too much time in front of the mirror. However, products that combine shampoo, face cleanser, and body wash in one are usually not the best choice. In most cases, they tend to be too harsh for the delicate skin of the face and not specific enough for the scalp and hair, because they are trying to serve multiple purposes with a single formula.
The skin on the face, for example, is more delicate than the skin on the body and has very different needs compared to the scalp. Using a generic product can disrupt the skin’s balance, leading to dryness, excess oiliness, or irritation.
My advice is simple: it’s better to choose targeted products designed for one specific purpose. This doesn’t mean making your routine more complicated — it simply makes it more effective and respectful of your skin.
GWF: If someone wants to use makeup in a very subtle way — “no makeup” makeup — what products would you recommend starting with?
The no make-up make-up look is becoming increasingly popular among men as well. It’s not about transforming the face or altering one’s features, but simply about enhancing them in a natural, subtle, and believable way.
More and more men today want to look polished and fresh — especially in professional settings or in front of a camera — without it being obvious that they’re wearing makeup. The goal is to improve, not to change.
In these cases, just a few targeted products are enough. A concealer in a natural shade, as close as possible to the individual’s skin tone, works perfectly to reduce the appearance of dark circles and signs of fatigue, instantly brightening the eyes in a very discreet way. The key is to apply a small amount and blend it carefully to avoid any visible buildup or contrast.
A very natural-looking blush, chosen in a subtle tone that complements the complexion, can also make a significant difference. It adds a healthy, fresh, well-rested effect without looking artificial.
The key concept is balance: small, tailored enhancements that allow someone to look like the best version of themselves while maintaining authenticity and naturalness.
Alessio by Portis Wasp
GWF: What is one underrated product you think every man should own?
One product I consider particularly useful — especially to keep on hand during the day if needed — is a mattifying primer. It’s a practical and discreet solution, perfect for quick touch-ups without changing or complicating your routine.
Most mattifying primers are transparent, meaning they’re invisible on the skin, and they’re very easy to apply — simply with your hands, without the need for brushes or special tools. This makes them ideal even for those who aren’t familiar with makeup and are looking for something quick and straightforward.
Men’s skin is often naturally oilier, with more visible pores and increased sebum production, which can lead to shine, particularly in the T-zone throughout the day. In these cases, a mattifying primer becomes a strategic ally: it helps control excess oil, reduce shine, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
The result is a complexion that looks more even, refined, and polished — without appearing made up. That’s its real strength: enhancing the skin in a very natural, undetectable way while maintaining a lightweight, invisible finish.
GWF: How does frequent training and sweating impact the skin, and what targeted care does it require?
ALESSIO: Exercise supports healthy skin, but frequent sweating and friction can also trigger breakouts and irritation. When sweat mixes with oil, bacteria, and tight clothing, pores can clog — often leading to body acne. Repeated showering with harsh cleansers may further weaken the skin barrier, causing dryness, sensitivity, or increased oiliness.
Warm, damp conditions also encourage bacterial and fungal overgrowth, while constant friction can lead to chafing and inflammation.
The key isn’t harsher skincare — it’s smarter care: shower soon after training, use gentle cleansers, incorporate targeted treatments if needed, moisturize to support the barrier, and always wear clean, breathable workout clothing.
Alessio Torriti is a Brand Ambassador for an Italian skincare and makeup brand, where he studies emerging trends and contributes to the development of innovative collections aligned with the evolving market. Over the years, he has witnessed a significant shift in the way men approach beauty and skincare.
Follow Alessio on Instagram @alessiotorritimakeup
Alessio by Raffaele Iaculli Walker
