A good skincare routine for men is the cornerstone of long-term skin health. Daily sun exposure, pollution, frequent shaving, and stressful lifestyles affect the skin's protective barrier. Over time, the skin starts to age prematurely, develops pigmentation, and appears dull.
If you want your skin to stay healthy and strong, this beginner-friendly guide has you covered. Whether you’re in your 20s or 40s, have oily or dry skin, this easy-to-follow routine walks you through all the essentials, like:
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3 skincare non-negotiables
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Concise AM and PM routines
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Post-shaving skincare
Why men's skin needs a routine
Research suggests that men have significantly thicker skin than women. Their skin also produces more oil and sebum, thus leading to clogged pores. They can also have higher skin pigmentation.
There’s another specific challenge, too. Frequent shaving disrupts the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Furthermore, blade friction triggers razor burns, redness, and ingrown hairs.
On top of that, sun exposure and pollution make matters worse. While sun rays tan and dehydrate the skin, the dirt and grime mix with oil to clog pores. Thus, risking breakouts.
Consequently, a simple AM and PM routine is not for vanity. Consistent effort improves skin texture, strengthens barriers, and keeps it resilient. It affects how you appear and improves confidence.
The 3 non-negotiables: Cleanse · Moisturize · SPF (Morning)
Below are 3 essential steps in beginner's skincare for men:
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Cleanser: Soap bars strip skin's natural oil and disrupt pH balance. On the other hand, facial cleansers remove excess oil and dirt without over-drying the skin. They also prep the skin for better product absorption. The Brightening Face Wash works well. It contains 0.5% Vitamin C + 2% Niacinamide to treat dullness and dark spots. The non-irritating formula gently cleanses and strengthens the protective barrier, making it the best face wash for men.
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Moisturizer: You cannot skip a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Poorly hydrated oily skin triggers rebound oiliness. This leads to excess oils, clogged pores, and breakouts. A lightweight moisturizer balances hydration and oiliness. Try our Oil-Free Moisturizer with 3% NMF Complex and + 0.2% Panthenol. It keeps your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours and maintains the skin barrier.
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Sunscreen (SPF): UV exposure accelerates aging and pigmentation. It increases skin cancer risks, too. Thus, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen for men, like Gel Sunscreen, is the most important step.
Pro tip: Choose one lightweight product for each step and stay consistent.
Quick routines by time (60-second / 5-minute / 10-minute)
A routine you'll stick to matters more than fancy steps. Here's how to scale your skincare routine for men over time:
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60-second version: Use a gentle cleanser to remove all impurities. Next, apply SPF. Alternatively, you can invest in a moisturizer-SPF for hydration + protection.
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5-minute version:
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A.M. routine: Begin with a gentle cleanser. Add a serum next if you want to target pigmentation or severe dryness. If not, apply a moisturizer and finish with SPF.
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P.M. routine: Repeat cleanser+moisturizer before going to bed for overnight hydration.
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10-minute version: If you are ready to level up, follow the 5-minute routines with the following changes:
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A.M. routine: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week after cleansing. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells. It keeps your skin smooth and prevents ingrown hairs. Use a mild scrub with Salicylic acid or Glycolic acid.
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P.M. routine: Add an Overnight Lip Balm for chapped lips. You can also use a Retinol Night Cream twice a week for skin repair.
Full AM & PM routine (condensed)
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Morning:
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Cleanser: Use a Brightening Face Wash to remove overnight buildup and instantly refresh your skin. Take a small amount and massage gently on damp skin. Rinse with cold water.
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Toner: If your skin feels dry, apply a toner for quick hydration. Pour a few drops on a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face.
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Moisturizer: Apply a small amount of Oil-Free Moisturizer on damp skin. Massage it into your beard in a circular upward motion.
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Sunscreen: End with broad-spectrum SPF. Apply about a nickel-sized amount for the entire face.
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Evening:
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Cleanser: Remove all the accumulated grime and oil from the day. Massage it well for 30-60 seconds before rinsing. Always cleanse before bed, no matter how tired you are, to keep your skin healthy.
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Serum: Add a serum if you want to treat dark spots, dullness, severe dryness, or early aging. The Brightening Serum with 10% Niacinamide + 0.3% Alpha Arbutin even tones skin and improves texture. Apply 2-3 drops onto damp skin. Use your fingertips to spread it evenly across your face until absorbed.
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Moisturizer: End with a moisturizer to lock in hydration overnight.
Shaving & skincare: pre- and post-shave routine
Shaving exposes skin to friction and micro-cuts, causing redness and irritation. Consequently, many men wonder how to shave without irritation. Here's how:
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Pre-shave: Wash with warm water and a gentle cleanser to soften hair and open pores. Follow with a gentle scrub. Exfoliation for men’s skin is just as impactful as it is for women for removing dead skin cells and preventing ingrown hairs.
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During shave: Use quality shaving creams/gels to reduce friction. Glide with light pressure in the direction of hair growth to minimize razor burn.
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Post-shave: Rinse with cold water and apply a moisturizer to hydrate and reduce skin irritation. Avoid heavy fragrances. Finish with a sunscreen for men to prevent pigmentation if you shave in the morning.
Routine by skin type (oily / dry / combination / sensitive)
Every skin type requires targeted care. That’s why a generic men's skincare routine does not yield effective results. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Oily skin:
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Opt for gel cleansers and lightweight moisturizers: They’re gentle and hydrating. Avoid pore-clogging thick creams.
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Apply mattifying SPF: Like our Gel Sunscreen. Its non-greasy, oil-free formula leaves no white cast.
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Dry skin:
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Focus on rich moisturizers: With ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Squalane for intense hydration.
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Avoid harsh cleansers: They disrupt the skin’s pH levels.
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Add a hydrating serum: Like our Hydrating Face Serum for intense hydration.
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Combination:
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Control oil in the T-zone: Focus on oil regulation on the forehead, nose, and chin.
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Hydrate your cheeks: Use a balanced, light moisturizer on your cheeks.
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Sensitive:
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Opt for fragrance and alcohol-free formulas: Invest in barrier-strengthening formulas like Skin Soothe Moisturizer to prevent irritation.
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Patch test products: Apply small amounts to test suitability and check for any adverse effects.
Pro tip: Observe how your skin responds over a week and adjust one product at a time.
Build a Simple and Effective Skincare Routine for Men — Start Today
Men's skincare routine need not be complicated. Keep it simple and stick to the basics. Focus on building a habit first with a 60-second version, especially if you are short on time. Then, upgrade your routine, one step at a time.
Start small with our skincare routines for men collection, a special range of product combos suitable for AM and PM routines.
FAQ
Do men need different skincare than women?
Yes, men need a different skincare routine than women. That's because their skin produces more oil and experiences frequent shaving. Thus, it requires oil control with barrier protection.
How soon will I see results?
In 4-12 weeks, if you are consistent with a tailored routine for your skin type.
Can I skip moisturizer if I have oily skin?
No, you cannot skip a moisturizer if you have oily skin. Lack of hydration will force your skin to produce excess oil as a compensatory measure. Instead, apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
