No, skin care is not a girl’s thing.
Since you are stuck with that beautiful face of yours for the rest of your life, maybe it’s time you started taking good care of it.
And I’m not talking about the occasional splash of water and conditioner– although this helps.
No, 10 essential skin care tips that every man should incorporate in their daily routines. I should know because I follow them.
Here’s my weekly skincare routine, for both morning and evening. Feel free to copy. Customize it based on your specific skin type and any particular concerns you may have.
| Morning | Evening | |
| Monday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum | Cleansing (Double Cleanse if needed) | |
| Eye Cream | Treatment (Serum) | |
| Tuesday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum, | Cleansing (Double Cleanse if needed) | |
| Eye Cream | Treatment (Exfoliator) | |
| Moisturizer with SPF | Moisturizer | |
| Wednesday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum | Treatment (Serum) | |
| Eye Cream | Moisturizer | |
| Moisturizer with SPF | ||
| Thursday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum | Treatment (Face Mask) | |
| Eye Cream | Moisturizer | |
| Moisturizer with SPF | ||
| Friday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum | Treatment (Serum) | |
| Eye Cream | Moisturizer | |
| Moisturizer with SPF | ||
| Saturday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum | Treatment (Exfoliator) | |
| Eye Cream | Moisturizer | |
| Moisturizer with SPF | ||
| Sunday | Cleanser, Toner | Cleanser, Toner |
| Serum, Eye Cream | Treatment (Serum) | |
| Moisturizer with SPF | Moisturizer |
1. Know Your Skin Type
Before anything else, first know your skin type. This is crucial for establishing an effective routine tailored to your specific needs.
A product’s combination of ingredients will help you decide whether it is suited for your skin type. For instance:
- For Dry skin – Avoid alcohol and instead opt for glycerin and essential oils.
- For Oily skin – Say yes to jojoba oil, salicylic and hyaluronic acids. If you can, avoid alcohol-based toners, drying cleansers and thick, rich oils.
- For Sensitive skin – Lean towards SPF, probiotics and hemp seed extract. Stay away from soaps, harsh scrubs and AHA, and BHAs.
- For Hyperpigmentation – Niacinamide, Vitamin C, SPF and AHAs are your friends. Avoid harsh scrubs that could scar the skin.
2. Cleansing
Now to the basics.
Because soaps are too alkaline and face washes too acidic, cleansers remain the best way to maintain your skin’s prime condition.
Wash and cleanse your face every morning when you wake up and at night before going to bed. This should be the first and most important part of your routine.
The morning cleanse gets your skin going while the evening one removes all the dirt that has accumulated throughout the day.
Forget the myth that you should switch between cold and hot water to open your pores. This will only irritate and break your blood vessels.
The best cleansers are gentle on the skin with exceptional results. You can either go with a water-based or oil-based cleanser depending on your skin type.
Pro Tip:
Take the time to massage the cleanser into your skin using gentle, circular motions. Pay extra attention to areas prone to oiliness or where makeup may accumulate.
This massaging action helps improve blood circulation, removes dead skin cells, and ensures the cleanser reaches all parts of your face.
3. Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen! Everyday, without fail.
Should you apply it even when it’s cloudy outside? Yes. Should you apply it even when you have a dark skin tone? Also, yes.
SPF is the arsenal that protects your skin from the ravaging sun. The best sunscreens are light and non-greasy which makes them sink into the derma very quickly.
Incorporate it to your daily routine, like brushing your teeth, minutes before stepping out and it will be less of a hassle.
4. Toner
Toners work to restore your skin’s natural pH. Apply it every time you wash your face.
The best toners have glycerol as their active ingredient which works to minimize the appearance of pores. The result is a smooth and detox-free skin.
The best way of using a toner is spraying it on a clean cotton pad and gently applying it on the skin. Alternatively, spritz a spray tone on your face and neck, avoiding the eyes.
Pro Tip:
The best toners are alcohol-free made using natural ingredients.
5. Exfoliate
The same way you sweep under the bed, you should also once in a while ‘sweep under’ your face.
Exfoliation buffs away dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, killing dirt and bacteria at the same time. This deep cleansing also helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
After exfoliating, the next step is to apply face mask.
6. Face Mask
Like the exfoliator, a face mask is an essential component of a comprehensive skincare routine for men.
Unlike the exfoliator, which primarily focuses on sloughing off dead skin cells, a face mask offers a more intensive treatment by providing a nourishing and revitalizing boost to the skin.
Face masks draw out impurities, unclog pores and remove accumulated dirt and grime.
7. Moisturize
You can’t skip on a moisturizer, and you can’t skimp on it either.
Moisturizer is an essential skincare product that keeps the skin healthy and youthful.
As its name suggests, a moisturizer’s primary function is to prevent water loss from the skin. This is particularly important in various environmental conditions, such as dry or cold weather, where the skin is more prone to dehydration.
After cleansing your face, gently pat your skin dry and then apply a small amount of moisturizer evenly.
Pro Tip:
For those with oily or combination skin, go for lighter, oil-free moisturizers. These formulations will hydrate the skin without adding excess oil, preventing clogged pores and minimizing the risk of breakouts.
8. Eat Healthy
What you consume has a massive impact on your skin.
A nutritious diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support skin health from the inside out.
Here are a few tips on using diet as a skincare routine.
- Drink plenty of water. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps your skin supple and elastic.
- Eat foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts. These essential fats help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, prevent dehydration and promote a smoother complexion.
- Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which help combat free radicals. Free radicals can accelerate the aging process and contribute to skin damage.
- Reduce the consumption of sugar and processed foods: Diets high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation, which may exacerbate skin conditions like acne. Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods to help regulate blood sugar levels and support overall skin health.
- Green Tea: Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, particularly catechins. It helps protect the skin from sun damage and reduces inflammation.
Bonus
When you want to go a step further, stand above everyone else, and have your skin in the best condition, these additional tips are for you.
They are not compulsory (opposed to the previous seven) but they are equally important.
9. Eye Cream
When you have dark or puffy circles under your eyes, an eye cream or roller will do just fine. These are perfect for when you’ve stayed up too late, slept too long or have a hangover.
Apply your eye cream in the morning and in the evening after cleansing and toning your skin.
Pat the cream gently into your skin and avoid tugging or pulling at the delicate areas. You can also apply to your eyelids for extra hydration.
Check out our review of the best eye cream.
10. Serum
Like moisturizers, serums hydrate your skin and reduce dark circles. Most come with anti-aging ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply face serums once or twice a day, in the morning and evening after cleansing and toning. This helps lock in the moisture and hydration.
Better, Healthier Skin
Incorporating these skincare tips into your daily routine may seem overwhelming at first, but it gets easier with time.
Besides, the hassle is worth it when everyone starts asking what products you use.
