Skincare isn’t gendered; skin is skin. But let’s be honest: walk down any beauty aisle or scroll through your feed, and a skincare routine for men is still treated like an afterthought. What exists is either overly stripped down (“just soap, bro”) or drenched in heavy cologne that always smells like a tree and generally vague promises.
Hence this guide.
We’re not here to make sweeping claims or sell you a miracle in a bottle. Instead, we’re here to break down what a men’s skincare routine actually needs and what it doesn’t. Think of it as expert-backed, fluff-free advice on how to take care of skin that is mindful of razor burns and skin that can produce more oil than appreciated.
This isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about understanding skin function, building a habit, and finding skincare products for men that work with skin rather than against it. And no, it doesn’t need to be labeled with “for men” in bold to be effective.
Key Takeaways:
- Men’s Skin Has a Few Unique Needs: While skin’s biological function across both men and women is the same, men typically have thicker, oilier skin and deal with shaving-related stress. A good skincare routine for men addresses these differences without overcomplicating the process.
- Start Simple, Stay Consistent: A basic routine with a gentle facial cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, and SPF is both effective and sustainable. Consistency is more important than complexity.
- Progress, Not Perfection: Helping someone build a skincare habit should feel practical and pressure-free. The best skincare for men is flexible, functional, and easy to stick with.
Men’s Skin Is Slightly Different: Here’s What Science Says
Under a microscope, male skin isn’t just a carbon copy of female skin. The epidermis tends to be thicker, oilier, and can be prone to irritation from daily shaving. These differences don’t mean men need entirely different skincare products, but they do shape what a good men's skincare routine should look like. Let’s break it down:
- Thicker skin: On average, men’s skin is about 25% thicker than women’s. This means it can be more resilient but also slower to show signs of aging, until it suddenly does. That resilience doesn’t mean it needs harsh products. Quite the opposite: gentle skincare that maintains skin health is the way to go. A gentle gel cleanser that can still take the daily grime off is often the better choice to preserve skin barrier function.
- More oil production: Thanks to testosterone, men tend to produce more sebum. That can mean shinier skin and a higher likelihood of clogged pores. But that doesn’t mean stripping the skin dry with oil-absorbing moisturizers and mattifying products. Over-cleansing or using alcohol-heavy toners can backfire, leading to irritation or rebound oiliness. A solid lightweight moisturizer helps balance things out without adding additional grease and heaviness.
- Shaving stress: Daily or frequent shaving creates microtrauma, tiny tears in the skin that compromise the barrier. That’s why soothing, hydrating steps are essential in any skincare routine for men, especially post-shave. Look for formulas that support skin repair and help minimize flare-ups.
- Inconsistent routines: If you venture down the skincare rabbit hole, you may feel overwhelmed at the pressure to build a massive routine. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Minimalistic skincare routines with just 2 or 3 steps that can be consistently followed can carry you far.
The Non-Negotiables: Core Products Every Man Should Use
Let’s keep it simple: no matter your skin type, lifestyle, or grooming habits, there are three products that form the backbone of an effective men skincare routine:
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Cleansing isn’t just about washing off dirt; it’s about removing buildup without damaging the skin barrier. For men who produce more oil or sweat more during the day, cleansing twice daily can help prevent clogged pores and dullness. But here’s the catch: many men reach for harsh soaps or cleansing scrubs that can leave skin tight or dry with that squeaky clean finish.
Look for a gentle gel cleanser that’s pH-balanced and can cleanse effectively without stripping, ideal for skin that’s already facing the daily stress of shaving or pollution.
Lightweight Moisturizer
Moisturizing isn’t about making skin “soft like a baby’s.” It’s about keeping water in and environmental stressors out. A good lightweight moisturizer supports the skin’s natural barrier while reducing irritation and dryness.
For men with oilier skin, the idea of applying a moisturizer can feel counterintuitive. But hydration isn’t the same as oil. In fact, dehydrated skin can often produce more oil to compensate. The right moisturizer can actually help rebalance things.
Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or niacinamide, all of which are barrier-supportive and non-comedogenic.
Additionally, sometimes the oiliest skin types just don’t want to deal with any of the oil stuff, even if it is good for skin. High humectant, oil-free water gels can be considered as an alternative. It’s just important to check the ingredient list, as sometimes “oil-free” moisturizers can still contain oils.
Sunscreen
Every expert, dermatologist, chemist, and esthetician agrees on this: sunscreen is non-negotiable. UV exposure accelerates aging, increases pigmentation, weakens the skin’s immune defenses, and, more importantly, is a major cause of skin cancer. For men who spend time outdoors, even casually, SPF is the most protective step in any routine for men or women.
Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, ideally in a lightweight texture that doesn’t feel greasy or leave a white cast. For sunscreen inspiration, consider our 90+ sunscreens review.
Fun Fact: A solid men skincare set doesn’t have to include 10 products. Even just a gentle facial cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a daily SPF creates a solid base routine that many dermatologists would approve of.
The Easy, No-Fluff Routine (AM + PM)
Building a skincare routine for men doesn’t have to involve timers, toners, or a drawer full of serums. In fact, most experts would agree: consistency beats complexity every time.
Below is a simple, science-backed routine that works for most skin types, including men who are oily, dry, sensitive, or just plain new to all of this.
Morning Routine (AM)
- Gentle facial cleanser: Start the day by washing away sweat, oil, and overnight buildup. A gentle gel cleanser will clean without stripping, especially helpful if you shave in the morning or deal with excess oil.
- Lightweight moisturizer: Apply a layer of hydration to support the skin barrier, and it’s a bonus if it includes soothing actives to help reduce post-shave irritation.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher): This is the final and most important layer to protect skin from actual skin-harming UV rays. A broad-spectrum SPF helps protect against UV damage, even if you're just walking the dog or commuting to work. If you’re outdoors for long periods, reapply every 2 hours. If three steps are too many, you can also consider a hybrid moisturizer with SPF.
Evening Routine (PM)
- Gentle facial cleanser: Yes, again. At night, cleansing removes dirt, pollution, and sunscreen from the day. Skipping this step means sleeping in grime, not ideal for healthy skin.
- Lightweight moisturizer: Same product as in the morning. Evening is when skin goes into repair mode, and sealing in moisture helps support that process.
- Skincare treatments (optional): If you’re dealing with specific concerns, like uneven tone, fine lines, or clogged pores, this is where you can apply targeted skincare treatments.
Common Skincare Mistakes Men Make And How To Fix Them
Skincare mistakes aren’t a sign of failure; they’re often the result of outdated advice, confusing product labels, or just trying to keep things “low maintenance.” But a few small shifts can make a noticeable difference in how skin looks and feels.
Here are some of the most common missteps, plus how to correct them without overhauling everything.
Using Harsh Cleansers Or Bar Soap
Bar soap might feel “clean,” but many formulas are too alkaline and can disrupt the skin’s natural pH. Healthy skin pH is important because the pH change can lead to dryness, flaking, or an oil imbalance.
Swap in a gentle facial cleanser, ideally a gentle gel cleanser designed for daily use. It removes dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin’s protective barrier.
Skipping Moisturizer Because Of Oily Skin
A common misconception: “If my skin is oily, I don’t need a moisturizer.” In reality, oily skin can still be dehydrated, and skipping hydration can trigger even more oil production.
Use a lightweight moisturizer or hydrating water gel that hydrates without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or NMFs like sodium PCA that draw water into the skin without adding grease.
Ignoring Sunscreen
Sun damage isn’t seasonal, and UV rays are present even on cloudy days. The number of skin cancer cases continues to increase annually, so of all the skincare products to use, this is the one that is actually about skin safety. Remember that photodamage from UV is still the biggest culprit of aging outside of time.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning. It’s the most protective step in any skincare routine for men, regardless of age or skin tone.
Over-Exfoliating Or Under-Exfoliating
Some men avoid exfoliating altogether. Others go all in with gritty scrubs multiple times a week. Both can cause issues, either buildup and dullness or irritation and barrier damage.
If exfoliation is needed, start with a chemical exfoliant like 10% glycolic acid or lactic acid, no more than 1–2 times per week to start. These work deeper than scrubs and tend to be gentler when used correctly.
Treating Skincare Like A “Fix-It” Tool, Not A Habit
It’s common to only reach for skincare products when something goes wrong, such as a breakout, flakiness, or redness. However, reactive routines rarely keep pace with skin concerns.
Think of skincare as maintenance, not emergency care. The best skincare for men works before there’s a problem, not just after.
How To Help The Men In Your Life Start A Routine
Whether you’re completely new to skincare or just trying to convince a friend or partner to upgrade from the bar soap they’ve used for everything since high school, the routine-building process often means unlearning outdated ideas and lowering the barrier to entry. Small nudges work better than a full product overhaul, and consistency is way more important than perfection. Here’s how to make it stick:
A Full Routine Makeover Is Unnecessary
There’s no reason for them to overhaul a whole routine. Jumping into a five-step routine all at once might backfire, especially if your skin has never met a serum before. In fact, we never recommend introducing multiple skincare products at the same time to minimize skin irritation potential. Start small. If you’re interested in only picking one product to add, make it sunscreen. Daily SPF is one of the most effective ways to protect against long-term skin damage, including skin cancer and premature aging.
Stick To The Essentials
A solid skincare routine typically only needs three basics: a gentle facial cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen. That’s it. These three steps help keep skin clean, hydrated, and protected. Plus, they’re a great foundation to build from if you want to add more later.
Tackling Specific Skin Concerns
Once you’ve established a foundation of cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF that you’re satisfied with, you’re ready to tackle skin concerns! Not sure where to begin? Some helpful resources to get you started can be found here: acne, hyperpigmentation, and retinoids. We’ve got deep dives on all three to help you sort it out.
Give All New Skincare Time
Skin responds differently to products, and that’s normal. If something irritates, it’s not failure, just feedback. Additionally, give moisturizers at least a week to know how your skin really feels about it. Any treatments and serums need at least 6–8 weeks to really see any visible results.
Remember That Skin Is A Dynamic Organ
Sometimes skin will feel like it did a 180 on you, and that’s completely normal. Just remember that this doesn’t mean you need to nuke your entire routine and start over. There is so much historical data in the skincare routine you’ve built. Make changes stepwise and give skin time to adjust and recover.
Final Thoughts
Men’s skincare doesn’t have to require a completely different skincare path, despite the differences in skincare marketing. For the most simplistic routines, all skin types, including men's, require a good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Just a few minor tweaks to adjust for excess oil or razor burn can help develop a set-it-and-forget-it routine that can carry you and your skin far.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Skincare Routine For Men
Is it okay for men to use skincare products marketed to women?
Yes, product labels and marketing don’t determine effectiveness. Focus on ingredients and skin needs, not the packaging. You’ll realize the same ingredients are used across skincare that's marketed to both women and men.
Do men with beards need a different routine?
Generally no. A regular facial cleanser can be used and worked into the beard. However, longer, thicker beards may require a more fine-tuned facial cleanser to build up lather and cleanse more effectively. Moisturize the skin underneath the beard, and you can also use a beard oil to finish.
Is exfoliating necessary in a men's skincare routine?
Not necessarily, but it is commonly utilized to maintain smooth skin. Salicylic acid is commonly found in men's skincare to help manage excess oil and acne concerns. Exfoliants can also be helpful for minimizing ingrown hairs,
Can men use skincare treatments like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?
Yes, these ingredients support hydration and aid in age prevention regardless of gender. They’re especially helpful for environmental stress or uneven tone.
What's the best way for men to start a routine if their skin is sensitive?
Start with a minimal, fragrance-free product: a gentle gel cleanser and a lightweight moisturizer are both good starting points. Gradually introduce treatments once the skin adjusts.
Do men need different products for aging skin?
Not necessarily, but some active ingredients like peptides, retinoids, or antioxidants are more targeted in tackling these aging concerns.
Is a skincare routine necessary if a man doesn’t have skin problems?
Yes, skincare isn’t just corrective, it’s preventive. A basic routine helps protect skin health over time.
Should men change their routine seasonally?
If you find skin’s needs changing where skin is dry, tight, or flaky during colder months or more oily during summer, you can consider tweaking your routine to accommodate seasonal changes. Drier weather may call for richer hydration with thicker moisturizers, while summer might require lighter formulas; even oil-free hydration serums could serve as a standalone.
How long does it take to see results from a skincare routine?
Most people start seeing subtle improvements within 2–4 weeks. Long-term benefits like smoother texture or even tone usually take consistent use over 8–12 weeks.
Can diet or lifestyle affect men’s skin?
Yes, factors like hydration, sleep, stress, and nutrition can all impact skin health. A good skincare routine works best alongside healthy habits.
