You shower regularly. You shave when you need to. You even moisturize sometimes.

But even the most locked-in routines usually skip a few key spots—and funny enough, they’re often the ones that cause the most problems.

This post is your no-BS checklist of what most guys forget… and how to fix it without adding an hour to your morning routine.

1. The Neck (Especially Under the Beard)

Out of sight, out of mind. But underneath your beard—or just under your jawline—is prime real estate for sweat, oil, and product buildup. That can lead to beard itch, clogged pores, or even those random pimples that seem to pop up overnight (Mrdjenovich DE, Fleck CA).

Why it happens: Your neck produces just as much oil as your face, but it gets less attention. Add in collar friction, shaving irritation, and beard products that don't get properly rinsed, and you've got a recipe for skin problems.

The science: The neck area has fewer sebaceous glands than your T-zone, but the ones it has work overtime. Trapped moisture from sweat and inadequate cleansing creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungal growth.

Fix: Use a gentle face cleanser and make sure you're scrubbing all the way down to the skin. Yes, even through your beard. Work in circular motions for 20-30 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer or beard balm if needed.

Pro tip: If you shave your neck, always cleanse first to remove oil and debris for a smoother, irritation-free shave.

2. The Scalp (Even If You’re Bald)

Whether you’ve got a full head of hair or a clean shave, your scalp is still skin—and it needs just as much care. It produces oil, sheds skin cells, and reacts to sweat, weather, and stress.

The bald guy reality: Many men think going bald means less maintenance. Actually, it's the opposite. Your exposed scalp faces sun damage, temperature extremes, and direct contact with pillowcases, hats, and hands throughout the day.

Common scalp issues guys ignore:

• Dandruff and flaking: Usually caused by dry skin or fungal overgrowth
• Sun damage: Scalp skin is thinner and more vulnerable than face skin (American Academy of Dermatology)
• Product buildup: Hair styling products, dry shampoo, and even regular shampoo can accumulate
• Ingrown hairs: Especially common after head shaving

Fix: Clean your scalp daily with a quality shampoo that matches your skin type. If you're bald, treat it like you would your face: cleanse with a gentle face wash, moisturize with a lightweight lotion, and always apply SPF when you're outside. You'll reduce flakes, itch, and irritation—and get a much smoother shave, too.

3. Behind the Ears

This one’s sneaky. That little fold behind your ears traps oil, sweat, and shampoo residue—and it’s a magnet for bacteria. If you’ve ever caught a whiff of something funky and couldn’t place it… check there.

Why this area gets neglected: It's literally a blind spot. Most guys focus on what they can see in the mirror, but behind the ears is out of sight and often out of mind during cleansing.

What builds up: Dead skin cells, sebum (natural oil), hair product residue, soap scum, and environmental pollutants all love to hide in this warm, moist area.

Fix: Quick swipe with soapy fingers or a washcloth during every shower. That's it. Five seconds. Big impact.

4. The Eyebrow Area

Your eyebrows collect more debris than you think—dust, sweat, dead skin, and product residue. Neglecting this area can lead to flaky skin, irritation, and even hair loss.

Men's eyebrow care basics:

• Gentle cleansing: Use your face cleanser on your brows during your regular routine
• Moisturizing: The skin under your eyebrows needs hydration too
• Trimming: Long, unruly brow hairs age you and look unkempt

Fix: Include your eyebrows in your daily face cleansing routine. Use a small amount of face cleanser, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly.

5. The Hands and Cuticles

Your hands are always on display, but most men's hand care stops at basic washing. Dry, cracked cuticles and rough skin make even the cleanest appearance look neglected.

Why men's hands need extra attention:

• More exposure: Hands face weather, chemicals, and friction daily
• Thicker skin: Men's hand skin is typically 25% thicker and loses moisture faster
• Work damage: Physical labor, typing, gym equipment all take a toll

Fix: Use hand cream after washing, push back cuticles gently after showering, and moisturize before bed. Keep travel-size hand cream in your car or desk.

Bonus Zones Most Guys Forget

Nose and Ear Hair

You don't notice it. Everyone else does. Invest in a quality trimmer and check these areas weekly.

Feet

They need more than a rinse. Dead skin buildup leads to odor, fungal infections, and rough patches. Exfoliate and moisturize once a week.

Between Your Toes

Moisture and bacteria love this spot. Dry thoroughly after every shower and use antifungal powder if you're prone to athlete's foot.

Building Better Grooming Habits

The key to covering these overlooked areas isn't adding complexity—it's about being more thorough with your existing routine.

Simple integration strategies:

• Shower mapping: Mentally check each area as you wash
• Product efficiency: Use your face cleanser for neck, ears, and scalp care
• Time investment: These additions add maybe 30 seconds to your routine
• Weekly checks: Look for issues in areas you can't see daily

When These Areas Cause Real Problems

Ignoring these spots isn't just about appearance—it can lead to actual health and comfort issues:

• Bacterial infections: Particularly in warm, moist areas like behind ears
• Skin irritation: From product buildup and inadequate cleansing
• Odor issues: That affect confidence and social interactions
• Accelerated aging: Especially on exposed areas like the scalp and hands

The Bottom Line

Good grooming isn't just about what you see in the mirror—it's about the small things no one talks about, but everyone notices.

At Imperial Scruff, we're all about routines that make you feel sharp, clean, and in control—without over-complicating it. Whether you've got a full beard, clean shave, or something in between, knowing how to treat your skin well makes a real difference in how you show up.

Take care of the overlooked stuff. Because that's where real confidence lives.

Ready to upgrade your routine? Check out our Face Care Essentials for products that work on all the areas that matter—face, neck, and beyond. Simple, effective, made for guys who want results without the fuss.