Skincare Routine For Men

In recent years, men have had somewhat of a renaissance when it comes to self-grooming with more men finally appreciating the perks of taking pride in their skin and hair in the same way that women have for thousands of years before.

Now, due to this uprising in skincare, there are now a hundred different ways to wash your face and start a skincare routine as well as thousands of different products all claiming to do the same thing.

This abundance of information just makes things all the more confusing though with one person recommending a set way to moisturize dry skin and another telling you something entirely different.

Because of this, we’ve decided to create a no-nonsense article that gives you a few routines to try and some general advice on how to take care of different skin types including acne-prone skin, oily skin, and more normal skin.

Now, if you’re struggling with finding the right products for your skin then check out our guide on the best men’s grooming products where you’ll find the highest quality products for your skin and facial hair.

As a side note – it’s no secret that men like to take care of their locks of hair in the same way they do their own child so if you want a routine for your hair then check out our article on men’s hair care routine.

So gentleman, let’s jump in and find a skin care routine that works for you.

Men’s Skin Is Not Like Women’s Skin

You may have considered trying women’s products, especially if you have more sensitive skin, however, you may want to steer clear of them because men’s and women’s skin have fundamental differences that some gender-specific products may not accommodate. Some of these differences include:

Oily Skin – Men’s skin is no doubt oilier than women’s skin as men have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands than women. This is why men tend to be more prone to breakouts and less likely to suffer from dry skin. Of course, everybody’s skin type varies though so there will always be exceptions.

Collagen – Collagen is “the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues” and men are lucky in this department as they have a lot more of it than women. This higher collagen density in men’s skin sets them up for delayed intrinsic aging which explains why men tend to age much better than women regardless of a solid skin care routine.

Thicker – Researchers claim that men’s skin is up to 25% thicker than women’s skin which is down to the Stratum Corneum (the skin barrier) being thicker. As a result, men’s skin appears firmer and tighter than women’s skin.

So as you can see, men may have the upper hand when it comes to a thicker skin barrier and more collagen, but they struggle with oilier skin.

Because of these differences, men’s skincare is more aimed at balancing their moisture levels and preparing for a clean shave, while women’s skincare targets hydration, anti-aging, and general protection.

Skin Types

Normal

You’re lucky if you have this skin type. Your skin will stay mostly oil-free and you’ll rarely get any dryness or acne as your body naturally keeps skin hydrated.

Oily Skin

This is a common skin type in men and means your skin has oily patches and a natural shine to it. You’ll often get acne and a build-up of dead skin cells.

Dry/Sensitive Skin

Your skin gets easily irritated all over and frequently feels tight or dry meaning you’ll need a hydrating cleanser and facial moisturizer to combat these effects.

Aging Skin

Your skin’s aging process has hastened to lead to tired-looking skin with dark circles, wrinkles, and fine lines. This happens if you don’t take care of your skin and will require eye cream and premature aging products.

Combination

You may have heard of the T-Zone but if not then it’s the area on your face that runs from your nose and up across your forehead forming a sort of T-shape. Guys who have combination skin have an oily T zone but dry or sensitive skin on the rest of their face, especially their cheeks.

What Is A Skin Care Routine?

A skincare routine or skincare regimen is simply put, a series of steps used to improve and protect skin as well as prevent any skin issues from occurring.

Many people make skincare routines seem a lot more complex and challenging than they actually are. There are a variety of methods with some being very basic but effective.

You can implement a skincare routine into your daily shower time and it may just consist of you using shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. It really can be as easy that if you want it to be.

The best thing about a men’s skincare routine is that it can be customized and adapted. In our routines below you can remove or add additional steps where you see fit as skincare concerns differ from man to man.

So while you may see a step aimed at soothing delicate skin or using lactic or salicylic acid, you can easily replace or remove these sections if they don’t affect you, saving you time and money if products are required such as aloe vera.

Whether it’s acne-prone skin, dead skin cells clogging your pores, or blackheads, there’s a way to deal with it and not have to over-complicate things with a strict 20-minute ritual every day.

Why You Should Have A Skin Care Routine

Having healthy skin has a multitude of benefits but the most appealing one is that you’re going to look your best if your skin is hydrated and healthy.

Your confidence will grow and you’ll look better than you ever did before. Even something as simple as washing your face every day and using a moisturizer will give you visible results so for just a few minutes of work a day, it’s worth picking up that facial cleanser and having a good soak.

However, one of the biggest reasons you’ll want to start a skincare regimen is that it will help clear those clogged pores and prevent any skin concern like acne breakouts or faster aging.

No one likes waking up and seeing acne or new wrinkles in the morning. That’s why it’s important to use skin care products that replenish your skin underneath.

Skincare Routine For Men: Method 1 (Simple)

This skincare routine is pretty bare-bones but it’s the very least you should be doing to keep your skin looking fresh.

It works for any skin type but isn’t the most effective so if you have normal skin then this should be enough to fight off the dead skin and fine lines.

1. Warm water – Wet your face with warm water as this helps open up your pores.
2. Cleanser – Squeeze a nickel-sized drop of facial cleanser into your palm and rub it all over your wet face for about 10 seconds, then wash it off. Use a gentle cleanser, such as Cerave hydrating cleanser, that’s made with natural ingredients. To find out more about Cerave, check out our article on everything you need to know about Cerave products.
3. Moisturize – Use a moisturizer to help combat dry skin, for example, an SPF moisturizer, and squeeze a pea-sized amount into your palm. Then spend about 10 seconds gently massaging it into your face.
4. Rinse – Now rinse off the moisturizer with warm water and wash your face with cold water to close your pores again to prevent any new debris from getting into your skin.
5. Dry – Finally, pat your face dry with a soft towel but don’t rub too hard as this can aggravate your skin.

Skincare Routine: Method 2 (Intermediate)

This method is very similar to the first except that you will use an exfoliating face scrub and also moisturize in the morning and night.

This grooming routine doesn’t go overboard but has those extra steps that will make a big impact on your skin.

Instead of moisturizer in the morning, you can also use effective sun protection as the higher quality products tend to have moisturizing qualities that are perfect for sensitive skin.

1. Warm water – As with method 1, rinse your face with warm water.
2. Scrub (2x a week) – You’ll want to use a face scrub twice a week alongside your skincare routine as the scrub penetrates your pores to clear dead skin and bacteria. Just squeeze out some exfoliating cleanser the size of a nickel into your palm and spread it down the sides of your nose, between your eyes, across your forehead, and on your chin so you cover the full T-zone.
3. Moisturize – Again, just like method 1 you should apply a face moisturizer to your face for 10 seconds. Preferably use a moisturizer that protects against sun exposure or just apply sunscreen that has moisturizing qualities if you prefer.
4. Rinse – Rinse off the moisturizer with warm water.
5. Dry – Pat dry with a towel
6. Repeat in the evening – Repeat steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 in the evening before you go to bed but there’s no need to use a moisturizer with sun protection. instead, look for a gentle moisturizer with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

Skincare Routine: Method 3 (Advanced)

This final men’s skincare routine involves a lot of products and additional steps but with this, you’ll keep skin firm, fresh, and you’ll be combatting any signs of aging.

You’ll need products like facial firming serums and eye creams which make a huge impact, especially when used together but that isn’t compulsory to get the effects you want.

1. Warm water – You know the drill, rinse your face with some warm water but not too hot.
2. Exfoliate – Similarly to methods 1 and 2, get your preferred face scrub or cleanser and rub it into your face softly for 10 seconds, then rinse it off.
3. Anti-aging Cream – Find an anti-aging cream or facial firming serum that works for you and rub it into your nose, cheeks, forehead, and anywhere you have signs of wrinkles or are likely to develop them in the future. Don’t rinse it off right away though, instead, let it absorb into your skin.
4. Eye Cream – Find an eye cream with natural ingredients and rub it carefully under and around your eyes, paying special attention to the thin and delicate skin that lives there while being gentle. Now, as you did with the anti-aging cream you’re going to let this one sit as well so it can work its magic.
5. Moisturize – You know the drill, apply your moisturizer or sun cream to hydrate your skin then wash it off.
6. Repeat in the evening – You should do this entire process in the morning and at night to get the full effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I take care of my skin while shaving?

If you shave your facial hair regularly then your skin is going to potentially be at greater risk as you can develop side effects like ingrown hairs and razor bumps. The trick is to be gentle while shaving and ensure you have a fresh, sharp blade. Alternatively, you could use an electric shaver for sensitive skin so there’s less chance of you cutting yourself. We’d recommend checking out our articles on ‘how to prevent ingrown hairs while shaving‘ and ‘how to shave sensitive skin‘ to better understand how you can help fight off any skin concerns that may crop up when it comes to shaving your facial hair.

What should a skincare routine include for men?

It depends on what you’re concerned about but the most technical skincare routines for men will involve using products such as concealer, moisturizer, cleanser, face scrub, sunscreen, and eye/lip serum.

Should guys take care of their skin?

Yes absolutely! Skincare matters for men and women because it will keep your skin looking better, fresher, and younger for longer as well as ward off any skin conditions that can be caused by over-exposure to the sun.

What is the most important step in skincare?

Cleansing is easily the most vital part of a skincare routine. Washing your face is the most basic and essential step and evokes the most amount of benefits. Washing your face with a good cleanser will help clear excess oil, dead skin, and prevent acne.