The concept of skincare has well and truly collective consciousness of contemporary men. Gone are the days when the average skincare routine for men consisted of a 2-in-1 body and face wash and potentially a bar of soap, with more men than ever concerned about the health and appearance of their skin.
That said, any guy who’s ever turned to Reddit (hello r/skincareaddition) for assistance in developing a good men’s skincare routine can attest to the fact that the skincare world can be…complicated, to say the least. Fortunately, there’s a happy medium between the aforementioned multi-purpose wash (or nothing at all) and the post-grad level chemistry some skincare proponents tout.
At its simplest, a good skincare routine aids in protecting your skin from sun damage (which not only contributes to premature ageing, but can cause skin cancer) and prevents breakouts and clogged pores caused by a buildup of dirt and bacteria. A more robust skincare routine for men can also work to prevent or reduce signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines, while improving overall skin tone and texture. If you’re getting tired of hearing those “you look tired” comments, well, we can help with that too.
The best skincare routine for men; from beginner to advanced
Whether you’re after the easiest skincare routine for men possible or looking to level your pre-existing routine up a notch, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
Basic: the essentials
Whether you’re a true minimalist or merely a lazy guy masquerading as one, a simple skincare routine is essential.
This basic daily three-step skincare routine for men covers all the essentials you need for healthy skin — and, it takes about the same amount of time as brushing your teeth does. While it mightn’t give you completely flawless skin or shave a decade off your appearance, it will keep your skin healthy while preventing sun damage and signs of premature ageing.
Step 1: Cleanse
Where it fits into your skincare routine: first step
When: morning and night
Wash your face, you heathen. Seriously. Twice a day, morning and night. If you’re not already doing this, start now. Cleansing your face morning and evening is quite literally the bare minimum. Washing your face rids your skin of the dirt, grime, bacteria, and excess sebum that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day or overnight, which works to minimise the appearance of oily skin and prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, it allows your following skincare products to work effectively.
A good cleanser shouldn’t make your skin feel tight or dry. That ‘squeaky-clean’ feeling is actually a sign that your skin’s natural oils have been stripped away, disrupting your skin’s protective barrier.
Instead, look for a cleanser that caters to your skin type. Those with dry skin should look for gentle cleansers with moisturising and hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, and aloe vera.
Those with sensitive skin types should opt for fragrance-free face washes and cleansers. While added fragrance can contribute to a luxurious cleansing experience, it doesn’t provide any real skincare benefits and can potentially irritate or further dry out sensitive and dry skin types.
Men with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit from using a face wash with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, working to clear out pores, slough off dead skin cells, and regulate sebum (oil) production.
Guys with normal skin types can use pretty much any well-formulated cleanser—including those suited to dry, sensitive, and combination skin types. Some of our favourite cleansers for normal skin types are the Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.
Step 1.5: Shave (optional)
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing, as necessary (or desired)
Ok, so maybe we’re cheating a little here with the three-step skincare routine, but it’s not technically necessary so we’re giving ourselves a pass.
If you do choose to shave your facial hair, using a good shaving cream or gel is a must. A high-quality shaving cream prepares the hair follicles for shaving, ensuring a smooth, pain-free shave. The best shaving creams for men work to reduce friction, allowing your razor to pass easily over the skin, allowing for a close, nick-free shave.
If you opt to sport facial hair, apply a good beard oil to keep your facial hair hydrated and happy. Beard oil is designed to be applied to your beard, scruff, or stubble to keep it hydrated and healthy while moisturising the skin underneath.
Step 2: Moisturise
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing
When: morning and night
Now onto the most familiar step; moisturiser. Key to any good (or even average) skincare routine, a moisturiser works to hydrate and protect your skin, serving as a barrier between your face and potential free radicals (like smoke, pollution, and harsh weather). Smartly executed formulas can even work to deliver calming vitamins and antioxidants to your skin, which work to protect and strengthen the skin.
Whether you have oily, combination, sensitive, dry, or normal skin, we’ve rounded up the best men’s moisturiser for every skin type.
If you’re one of the many guys who’s not a fan of the feeling of moisturiser on your face, look for one with a lotion or gel formulation rather than a cream or balm. Lotions sink into the skin quickly, preventing you from getting that heavy, ‘goopy’ feeling some creams have. Meanwhile, gel moisturisers work well for guys with oily skin, offering a matte finish.
During the winter, you might want to consider switching out your lightweight moisturiser for something a little more heavy duty. These formulas will also benefit guys with dry skin year-round, however they can be used by all skin types.
Step 3: SPF
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after moisturising
When: morning
Not merely something you wear to the beach, a good SPF is essential on the daily. Even when it’s cloudy. Ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure from the sun is one of the biggest threats to skin health and is a common cause of premature ageing, with UV rays mutating the cells in your skin which can lead to wrinkles, sunburn, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Oh, and UV rays do travel through windows, so SPF protection is necessary even when you’re indoors.
Opt for a chemical or mineral-based sunscreen of at least SPF30+. This article details the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens.
Much like moisturiser, one of the most common excuses guys make for not wearing sunscreen is not liking the feeling of it on the skin. Fair enough — but those were the sunscreens of yesterday. Today, there are several SPF formulas that provide protection from the sun while being lightweight. They sink into the skin quickly and don’t leave a white cast behind, making them suitable for all skin types.
Intermediate: levelling up
The basic skincare routine above is all you need to keep your skin healthy. However, if you want to take it up a notch in the appearance stakes, read on. This intermediate skincare routine starts to address some of the common aesthetic skincare concerns men tend to face; think looking ‘tired’, uneven skin tone, and rough texture.
Step 1: Chemical exfoliation
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing, before any other skincare steps
How often: one to five times a week
When: night
Regular exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin, with dead skin cells leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, it reveals the healthy skin beneath, giving you a more radiant complexion and working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
While physical exfoliants such as scrubs with walnut shells, coffee grounds, sugar, or microbeads may feel like they’re removing dead skin, they can be abrasive, harsh on the skin, and don’t penetrate deep into your skin. Instead, look for chemical exfoliants with AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid, which work to remove dead skin cells and have long term benefits on the skin.
Exfoliating before you shave has the added benefit of loosening up your hair follicles, allowing for a closer shave and preventing ingrown hairs. When used over a prolonged period of time, chemical exfoliants serve to brighten the complexion and even out skin tone, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Here, we break down the difference between AHAs and BHA, as well as the best recommendations from each family.
If you’re looking to target dull and uneven skin tone, opt for an AHA exfoliant like Sunday Riley Good Genes or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. Guys who experience acne and breakouts will want to look for a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid, like the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or Medik8 Press & Clear. All of these exfoliants are leave-on formulas which can be used every second day to once a day, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Below, we’ve rounded up more of our favourite chemical exfoliants and exfoliating toners.
Alternatively, guys who like to see quick results may prefer a mask-style wash-off exfoliant like the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel which combines two types of acids.
We’d recommend using exfoliants at night, as they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Step 2: Serum
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing and before moisturising
When: morning and/or night
Small but mighty, serums may seem like a detour on the way to moisturisation, but they’re a much-welcome one. Formulated with a smaller molecule size, serums are able to penetrate deeper into the skin than moisturiser alone, allowing them to deliver targeted benefits to the skin.
Plus, there’s a serum for pretty much every skincare concern. Skin looking a little dull? A vitamin C serum can help with that. We like the Medik8 C-Tetra. Skin feeling dehydrated and dry? Try one of these hydrating serums.
For a comprehensive rundown on the best serums for every skin type, check out our article on the best face serums for men here. From tackling dark spots and hyperpigmentation to hydration and anti-ageing, there’s something for every skin concern.
Step 3: Eye cream
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing and applying serum, before moisturiser
When: morning and night
While an eye cream isn’t completely necessary, if you’ve been on the receiving end of one too many “you look tired” comments, it might be time to consider one. There’s an eye cream for every issue, from puffy under eyes (look for something with caffeine, like The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG or The Inkey List Caffeine Under-Eye Cream) to dark circles (the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream is your friend here) and fine lines (try the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream).
Advanced: the pro league
Ah, you’re a fully indoctrinated #skincareaddict now.
Step 1: Toner
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing, before leave-on chemical exfoliants and serums
How often: daily
When: morning and night
While some discourse cites toner as a way to remove any dirt, oil, and skincare residue left behind after cleansing, you really should cleanse well enough to get rid of all that anyway. Instead, a good toner will work cohesively with the rest of your skincare products, aiding in balancing the skin’s pH levels, clarifying oily and acne-prone skin, preventing clogged pores, and adding hydration back into thirsty skin. Toners typically have a watery consistency (even thinner than a serum) and are rapidly absorbed into the skin. Below, an overview on the best toners for men.
There is sometimes crossover between toners and exfoliants, with liquid exfoliants taking the place of a toner in your skincare routine. If you’re already using a leave-on exfoliating toner (i.e. one with salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids), don’t double up with another exfoliating product. Instead, complement your existing skincare routine with a hydrating or moisturising toner. These work to inject much-needed moisture into the skin and can help alleviate redness, itchy patches, and dull skin tone.
Step 2: Face oils
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing, exfoliating, serums, and eye cream. Apply before or mixed in with moisturiser
How often: daily
When: night
At this point, you’ve adopted a solid skincare routine for men with the basics like cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising, and may have even picked up a potent serum or two. However, you might still be reluctant to slather your face with oil. After all, the majority of skincare products tout their ability to remove excess oil — so why would you want to put it back on?
However, using a face oil can be beneficial, even for the oily skinned guys among us. A good facial oil keeps your skin well moisturised with essential fatty acids, signalling to your skin that it already has enough oil, and thereby preventing an overproduction of sebum. Plus, they actually feel pretty damn good.
Step 3: Retinol
Where it fits into your skincare routine: after cleansing, before eye cream, face oil, and moisturiser (don’t use alongside any other serums or exfoliants)
How often: two to three times a week
When: night
Now we’re getting—extra—serious. Retinol—a topical vitamin A derivative—can improve pretty much every skincare issue out there. Whether you’re noticing your smile lines getting deeper, still struggling with the acne of your youth, facing uneven skin texture and enlarged pores, or looking for something to assist with fading dark spots, a good retinol for men can help.
That said, it takes time—and consistent use—to see results from retinol. Retinol (and other vitamin A derivatives) works on a biological level to encourage faster skin cell turnover, working to soften wrinkles and fine lines and treat sun-damaged skin, dark spots, and acne over time. Expect it to take a minimum of three months to see positive changes in your skin.
Retinol newbies may experience inflammation and sensitivity before your skin gets used to it, with first-time users commonly reporting redness, dryness, flaking, and irritation. Avoid using retinol alongside any exfoliants and select a gentle cleanser to pair with it. Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure you’re diligent with your SPF application (you should be by now!).
Only use retinol at night and make sure to follow up with a thick moisturiser. A lightweight lotion or gel-cream won’t cut it here, you’ll want a rich cream-based moisturiser.
Skincare, should men care?
Skincare isn’t a gender exclusive thing; your skin is your body’s largest organ, so not only does a quality skincare routine keep your skin looking aesthetically pleasing, it helps prevent the contraction of diseases and infections. Having a dedicated skincare routine for men is one of the most effective methods of defence against the common skin problems guys experience, including acne, sun damage, premature ageing, wrinkles, and inflammatory skin conditions.
What’s the difference between men’s skin and women’s skin?
While it can be tempting to slap on some of your girlfriend’s moisturiser and call it a day, that won’t do you much good. Though men don’t necessarily handle criticism better than women, they do have thicker skin. Differing hormone levels mean men’s skin is oilier, contains more collagen, and is around 20-25% thicker than women’s skin, causing men to experience different skincare concerns than women.
Men are less likely to develop superficial fine lines than women, but are more prone to deep wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions over a prolonged period of time, like nasolabial folds (or smile lines), horizontal forehead lines (from raised eyebrows), frown lines. Higher sebum (oil) levels in men’s skin can cause clogged pores, making men more prone to acne than women.
Men’s skin types
Identifying your skin type allows you to create a men’s skincare routine targeted towards your skin’s specific needs. The main skin types are normal, sensitive, oily, dry, and combination, though these aren’t entirely cut and dry – your skin could be a mixture of these or change during the year based on factors like the weather, your overall health, and sun exposure, so these should just be used as general guidelines.
Sensitive skin
If your skin is easily irritated by everything from a new cleanser to sun exposure, you likely have sensitive skin. The signs of sensitive skin can vary, though they often manifest as visible redness and dryness, or feelings of tight, uncomfortable skin. To manage sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free products and avoid over-exfoliating as this can aggravate sensitive skin (stick to two to three times a week).
Normal skin
Much like the popular Australian peanut butter, some people are blessed with skin that’s never oily and never dry. While those with normal skin may still experience skincare issues like mild acne, overall normal skin is naturally balanced and produces the right amount of sebum to maintain supple, hydrated skin without appearing overly oily or shiny. Normal skin will typically feel firm without being dry or tight.
Dry skin
Different from dehydrated skin (which any skin type can have), dry skin often feels flaky, red, tight, and (obviously) dry, with primary triggers including indoor air conditioning and environmental factors like sun exposure and harsh winds.
Oily skin
Essentially what it sounds like, oily skin occurs when your skin produces too much sebum. People with oily skin tend to have a visible glossy sheen on their skin and are more prone to developing clogged pores, acne, and blackheads. It’s not all bad though; in the long run, men with oily skin are less likely to develop wrinkles and other signs of ageing than their normal or dry skin counterparts.
The best skincare brands for men
To find what you’re looking for, you need to know where to look. To cover all your hydration, exfoliation, brightening, and anti-ageing needs, here are our favourite unisex skincare and dedicated men’s skincare and grooming brands.
Words by John Deckard
Feature image courtesy of Domenico Falso and Pasquale Autorino
