Men skincare
Breaking Barriers
When you scroll through @niftystretch's Instagram feed, you'll notice something refreshingly different: no performative gym flexes, no toxic masculinity posturing. Instead, Akshay Mirchandani is methodically dismantling a persistent myth that skincare is exclusively a woman's domain.
What started as a personal quest for better skin has evolved into a movement for thousands of men tired of outdated masculine conditioning. His philosophy is clear: skincare isn't vanity, it's self-respect.
Breaking the Stigma
"When I started creating content around skincare, the comments were brutal," Akshay recalls. "Real men don't do skincare." But the real shock came from private messages: men admitting they'd been using skincare products secretly, hiding them from friends and family out of embarrassment.
His perspective shift was fundamental: if women taking care of skin is considered responsible, why is the same act considered vain for men? Men face unique challenges-daily shaving, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, oil production issues. Ignoring these isn't masculine; it's negligent. "Real confidence isn't performing toughness," he explains. "It's knowing yourself, owning your choices, and investing in your well-being."
The Essential Routine
Akshay's philosophy is deliberately simple: complexity doesn't equal effectiveness. He advocates starting with essentials, mastering those, then building. His non-negotiables are cleansing, exfoliation, targeted treatments, moisturizing, and sun protection.
He starts and ends each day with Garnier Men Turbo Bright Face Wash, designed specifically for men's skin. It's accessible-not everything luxurious has to be expensive. For exfoliation 2-3 times weekly, he uses Clinique's Clarifying Lotion, crucial for post-shave preparation. Forest Essentials' Hydrating Hydra Eye Gel addresses the often-neglected eye area. Loccitane's moisturizers protect the skin barrier and prevent irritation. And sunscreen daily, without exception-UV damage causes 80% of visible aging.
"Each brand serves a specific purpose," he explains. "Garnier removes barriers for beginners. Clinique is dermatologist-developed science. Forest Essentials brings Ayurvedic wisdom rooted in our culture. Loccitane is the premium investment when ready."
Confidence and Psychology
The impact is tangible. "When your skin is clear and healthy, you carry yourself differently," Akshay notes. Men report higher self-esteem, better professional performance, more open social engagement. He constantly receives messages about life-changing transformations through consistent skincare.
Market Reality
The men's skincare market is valued at approximately $7.5 billion in 2025, growing at 6.7-7.2% annually. More than 58% of men aged 18-24 and 54% of men aged 25-34 now use facial skincare regularly. These are mainstream numbers, and the revolution is just beginning.
Starting Out: Five Essential Tips
Know your skin type before buying anything. Start simple: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. Consistency beats perfection every single time. Never skip sunscreen. And for those who shave: use sharp razors, shave with the grain, and follow with a soothing balm.
The Vision Forward
Akshay's mission extends beyond products. He's challenging generations of masculine conditioning, proving that confidence and self-care are foundational to masculinity, not contrary to it.
For daily skincare tips, transformation stories, and a community of men confidently reclaiming their narrative, follow @niftystretch on Instagram.
@niftystretch: Redefining Skincare. Redefining Confidence. Redefining Men.
