Best Skincare Routine for Men

Life is busy, we get it. It’s easy to wake up in the morning and simply splash water on your face before shaving, or fall into bed at night without washing your face at all. But once you experience the results of a consistent skincare routine—like fewer razor bumps, smaller pores, and reduced signs of aging—you’ll see that it’s worth taking a few extra minutes each day to care for your skin.

Men don’t need an elaborate regimen of expensive products to have an effective skincare routine. There are really only a few steps necessary, using a few basic products. As long as you are consistent, you’ll be on the right path to a clean, clear, smooth complexion.

First things first: Know your skin type

Knowing your skin type will allow you to choose the right cleansers, moisturizers, and other products to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. If you’re not sure whether you have oily, dry, normal, sensitive, or combination skin, ask a dermatologist. Once you determine your skin type, you can tailor your regimen to meet your specific needs.

7 steps to a men’s skincare routine

1. Cleanse before shaving

Most men shave in the morning, so it’s especially important to wash the face first. At night while we sleep, excess sebum (oil) builds up in the pores as the skin works to repair itself, so it’s common to wake up with a greasy face. Cleansing with warm water and a gentle face wash before shaving not only reduces the chances of bacteria getting into nicks and cuts; it also softens the hair and removes oil and dead skin cells, ensuring they don’t end up clogging your razor.

You may need to experiment with finding the right facial cleanser. Cetaphil or Cerave are good options for normal and even sensitive skin, but if you have oily skin, try a product that contains salicylic acid which absorbs more sebum. Dry skin might call for a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.

2. Exfoliate two or three times per week

Men have a higher level of testosterone than women, so they produce more sebum (oil) which can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub two to three times per week can pull out dirt and dead skin cells that facial wash can’t get to, reducing breakouts and making pores appear smaller. You should exfoliate before shaving just a couple times per week, but if your skin is red, flaking, burning after exfoliating, you might be doing it too often or using the wrong product for your skin type. Your dermatologist can tell you how many times to exfoliate each week, or if you should remove it from your skincare routine altogether.

3. Shave with the right razor and shaving cream

Your razor should match your facial hair coarseness and skin sensitivity. A multi-blade razor offers a closer shave but increases the chances of nicks and cuts, while a single-blade razor is best for sensitive skin prone to razor burn and ingrown hairs.

When choosing a shaving cream, be sure to keep your skin’s needs in mind. Dry skin can benefit from moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or aloe vera. If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free options. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends shaving in the direction that the hair grows, rinsing the razor after each swipe, and replacing the razor after 5-7 shaves.

4. Rinse with cool water

To get rid of hairs and skin cells still lingering on the face, splash with cool water. Cool water helps reduce inflammation and closes the pores to keep bacteria out.

5. Apply a moisturizing aftershave

Unlike what you might have seen in movies, today’s aftershave should not burn. Traditional aftershave products were made with alcohol, which is what caused that painful sting, but alcohol is actually very drying to the skin. The goal is to moisturize the skin after shaving, so the aftershave you choose should contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or glycerin. For anti-inflammatory benefits, you can also look for niacinamide and vitamin E. Just steer clear of products with fragrance since it can be irritating to sensitive skin.

6. Use sunscreen

Not only does the sun speed up the aging process by slowing down collagen production; it increases your risk of skin cancer (and men are already at a higher risk than women of getting it). Every day before leaving the house–even if you think you won’t be in the sun for long–it’s crucial to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. And don’t forget a chapstick with sunscreen in it, as lips need protection, too.

7. Cleanse before bed

Your face collects a lot of oil, dirt, and sweat throughout the day. Cleansing at night helps clear that away so breakouts don’t form overnight. Washing your face also allows your skin to breathe, promoting cell turnover and renewal while you sleep — which creates new collagen and elastin to combat signs of aging.

Should men be using additional products in their skincare routine?

Cleansing, shaving, and moisturizing are enough for healthy skin, but men’s skincare can be taken to the next level with topical anti-aging products. Ask your dermatologist if these options could benefit your skincare routine:

Hyaluronic acid. This natural ingredient pulls water into the skin, making it feel plump and more firm for reduced fine lines and wrinkles. Apply it in the morning before sunscreen.

Retinol. Retinol increases collagen production and promotes cell turnover, leading to tighter, more even-toned skin, reduced acne, and fewer wrinkles. It should be applied at night because sunlight reduces its effectiveness. If you have especially sensitive skin, you will want to avoid retinol as it can cause dryness and irritation.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, so it fights harmful free radicals (toxins) like air pollution that can damage your skin. It has been shown to slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. It can go on after cleansing and before hyaluronic acid.

Forefront dermatologists are experts in men’s skincare

At Forefront Dermatology, we offer comprehensive care for all skin conditions. To find out how to best care for your skin, find a board-certified dermatologist near you today.