Skincare routine for men

Can men do skincare?

Yes. Men's skin tends to be thicker, and testosterone can make skin oilier, but your skin type matters more than your sex when choosing products.23

What skincare should men use?

Buy the basics for your skin type before adding treatments. A gentle facial cleanser removes dirt and excess oil without the drying effect of many traditional soaps. Moisturizer keeps water in the skin; ceramides help replenish its protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid draws in water. Sunscreen protects against sun damage.3

Noncomedogenic means formulated not to clog pores, but stop using a product that makes your acne worse. For sensitive skin, look for fragrance free rather than unscented: unscented products can contain masking fragrances. Effective basics are available at the drugstore, so a bathroom shelf does not have to become a luxury goods department.245

Your morning routine

1. 1Cleanse with lukewarm water. Massage gently with your fingertips, rinse completely and pat dry rather than rubbing.
2. 2Shave if needed, using the technique below.
3. 3Apply any skin medication or treatment after cleansing, following its directions. An optional vitamin C serum goes before moisturizer.
4. 4Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. After shaving, use a gentle moisturizer.
5. 5Apply broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to exposed skin before going outdoors. A moisturizer containing sunscreen can simplify the routine.

Your evening routine

1. 1Wash your face gently before bed to remove accumulated dirt and oil.
2. 2Apply a treatment if you use one. The general order is cleanser, treatment, then moisturizer; follow any specific medicine directions.
3. 3Finish with moisturizer. Sunscreen is the daytime step, not an extra bedtime layer.

How to make sunscreen protection count

Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Wear sunscreen year round, including cloudy days. Cover the face, ears, neck, backs of the hands and exposed scalp. Use water resistant sunscreen for swimming or sweating, and reapply every two hours outdoors and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying.127

Apply generously: a thin layer reduces protection. For an adult's whole exposed body, around 6 to 8 teaspoons is a guide, not a face only amount. If you expect enough sun exposure to risk burning, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving. Check the expiry information and the manufacturer's directions. On UK labels, look for SPF 30 or higher with at least four star UVA protection or the UVA circle. Use shade, clothing and a wide brimmed hat as well; sunscreen is not permission to stay out longer.7

How to fit shaving into skincare

1. 1Wet your skin and facial hair to soften them before shaving.
2. 2Apply moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth.
3. 3If close shaving causes bumps or ingrown hairs, try a single or double blade razor. Do not stretch the skin taut.
4. 4Rinse the razor after each swipe and change the blade after five to seven shaves.
5. 5Apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Avoid alcohol based aftershaves, which dry and irritate skin.

How do men build a skincare routine?

Establish the basics, then add one new product at a time so you can identify what causes a reaction. Start new additions a few times a week and increase gradually as tolerated. Optional steps are still optional, even when a routine starts reading like an equipment inventory. Toner, serum and eye cream are not required parts of the foundation. Using too many products, especially multiple products for signs of aging, can irritate skin and make those signs more noticeable.16

Which extra treatments are useful?

Vitamin C in the morning can help brighten skin and provides antioxidant benefits. Retinol or other retinoids at night can help with fine lines, texture, uneven pigmentation and acne. Retinol increases sun sensitivity, making daytime protection particularly important. If your skin is sensitive, introduce these ingredients gradually with a dermatologist's guidance. Choose an addition for a specific concern rather than adding every active at once.13

Adjust for dry weather, exercise and acne

Cold weather can call for a creamy cleanser and thicker moisturizer containing glycerin and ceramides. In warmer weather, a gel cleanser and lighter moisturizer can suit increased sweat and oil. Keep the foundation the same rather than replacing the entire routine each season.1

Wash after exercise, but avoid scrubbing or repeatedly washing acne prone skin. A salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash can help oily skin prone to acne. Acne medicines can cause dryness and peeling, so keep moisturizer in the routine. If a medicine irritates your skin, reduce use to every other or third day while your skin adjusts, and follow its directions. Some acne medicines increase sun sensitivity. Do not squeeze or pick spots, which can cause infection, scars and delayed healing.4

What should you expect, and when should you get help?

Moisturizer helps retain water and can soften the appearance of fine lines. Improvements in complexion and texture from targeted ingredients depend on consistent use. If acne has not improved after several months of self care and medicines bought without a prescription, see a clinician. Get help sooner for painful or worsening acne, scarring or emotional distress.124

Stop using a new product that causes a rash or persistent burning, and seek advice if the reaction continues. Check your skin regularly and have new or changing moles or growths assessed, especially changes in size, shape or color, itching or bleeding. Persistent acne, rosacea or eczema needs a dermatologist's assessment rather than more routine steps.23