Boys and men use lotion for the same basic reason everyone does: to keep skin healthy, comfortable, and protected. But there are several specific reasons lotion becomes more relevant during and after puberty, from managing oilier skin and razor burn to preventing chafing during sports. There’s also the elephant in the room: lotion is commonly used as a personal lubricant during masturbation, which is a normal part of adolescence. Here’s a straightforward look at all the reasons.
Puberty Changes How Skin Behaves
During puberty, rising testosterone levels ramp up the activity of oil-producing glands in the skin. Sebum production peaks in mid-adolescence, which is why breakouts tend to hit hardest during the teen years. While oily skin might seem like it wouldn’t need moisture, the situation is more complicated. Acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid strip moisture aggressively, leaving the skin dry, tight, and flaky. A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer helps restore that lost hydration without clogging pores or making breakouts worse.
Some boys also deal with eczema or other forms of dermatitis. In Europe and the United States, roughly 7% to 14% of adults have eczema, and rates among children and teens are even higher, around 20%. Regular use of a fragrance-free moisturizer is one of the most effective ways to manage flare-ups and keep the skin barrier intact.
Shaving and Razor Burn
When boys start shaving, their skin isn’t used to a blade dragging across it. The result is often razor burn, ingrown hairs, and a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, where shaved hairs curl back into the skin and cause red, painful bumps. This is especially common in people with curly or coarse hair. Pre-shave prep with warm water helps soften hair shafts, and post-shave moisturizing soothes irritation and reduces the chance of ingrown hairs forming. Products with ingredients like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can also help by gently exfoliating the skin around hair follicles, preventing that characteristic bumpy irritation along the jawline and neck.
Sports, Chafing, and Calluses
Active boys and young men deal with friction in ways that make lotion genuinely useful. Chafing happens wherever skin rubs against skin or clothing over extended periods: inner thighs, underarms, nipples, and anywhere a backpack strap or heart rate monitor sits. Sweat actually makes it worse. Moisture changes the surface properties of skin cells, making the outer layer more gel-like and increasing friction rather than reducing it. Anti-chafe balms and body lotions create a lubricated barrier that minimizes rubbing, and many contain beeswax or plant-based oils that also repel water to keep the area drier.
Weightlifting and gymnastics create a different problem. Calluses build up on the palms and fingers, and while some thickness is protective, overly dry calluses crack painfully, sometimes tearing open mid-workout. Lotions containing urea soften thickened skin and help maintain enough elasticity to prevent cracking without eliminating the callus entirely. Keeping hands moisturized between training sessions is a simple way to avoid a setback that can sideline you for days.
Masturbation
The most well-known reason boys use lotion, and probably the reason many people search this question, is as a lubricant for masturbation. This is extremely common and completely normal. Circumcised boys and men in particular often find that lotion reduces friction and makes the experience more comfortable, since the foreskin that would naturally provide gliding movement has been removed.
That said, regular hand and body lotions aren’t ideal for this purpose. Many contain fragrances, alcohols, and other chemicals designed for external skin that can irritate more sensitive genital tissue. Fragrances are almost always made with synthetic chemicals that cause irritation, and lotions tend to dry out quickly, losing their lubricating effect. A water-based personal lubricant, available at any drugstore, is a better option. It’s specifically formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin and won’t leave behind irritating residue.
Dry Skin and General Comfort
Beyond all these specific scenarios, plenty of boys just have dry skin. Cold weather, hot showers, chlorine from swimming pools, and air conditioning all strip moisture from the skin’s outer layer. Dry, cracked skin on the hands, elbows, and legs is uncomfortable and can become a gateway for minor infections if it splits open. Applying a basic moisturizer after showering, when the skin is still slightly damp, locks in hydration and keeps the skin barrier functioning properly.
There’s also a broader cultural shift happening. The global men’s grooming market hit $61.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $108 billion by 2035. Younger generations of men are more comfortable with skincare routines than previous ones, and using lotion daily is increasingly just part of normal self-care rather than something that needs explaining.