About face: mastering men’s skincare

Long gone are the days when skin care was “just for women.” These days, healthy skin is in for everyone. When it comes to creating a basic skincare routine for men, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you identify your skin type, figure out what products you need, give you a step-by-step routine, and answer some of your common questions about how to get clear, healthy skin.

Step one: know your skin type

Before you dive into men’s skincare products, it all starts with one thing: understanding your skin type. Whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or somewhere in between, knowing what you’re working with is key to building a skincare routine that actually works — and keeps your complexion healthy in the long run.

Here are the five basic skin types: 

1. Normal. Balanced skin (not too oily or too dry). 

2. Oily. Often looks shiny, is prone to breakouts, and has visibly enlarged pores. 

3. Dry. Characterized by flakiness, tightness, or a rough, dry texture. 

4. Combination. A mix with typically an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry cheeks. 

5. Sensitive. Skin is easily irritated, often reacting with redness or reactions to certain products or environmental factors. 

Still not sure what type you are?

Try this: wash your face, pat it dry, and wait two hours without applying any products. Observe how your skin feels and looks.  

• Shiny all over? Oily. 

• Tight or flaky? Dry. 

• Shiny in the T-zone but tight elsewhere? Combination. 

• Comfortable with no noticeable shine or dryness? Normal. 

• Noticeable redness or itching after washing? Likely sensitive. 

• Also, note specific concerns like acne, redness, fine lines, or uneven tone. 

Step two: upgrade your essentials

Now that you know your skin type, it’s time to stock up on the right men’s skincare products. Spoiler: that all-in-one shampoo/body wash isn’t going to cut it anymore — especially for your face. A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be intentional. With just a few key essentials tailored to your skin’s needs, you’ll see real results (and eliminate the guesswork). 

The most basic daily routine requires three products: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Look for beneficial ingredients like niacinamide (which might improve the skin barrier) and hyaluronic acid (which helps in hydration). Avoid products with high concentrations of alcohol-based ingredients, which might be drying and irritating, and harsh artificial fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Oily skincare products:  

• Cleanser. Choose gel-based or foaming cleansers formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, or glycolic acid. 

• Moisturizer. Pick lightweight, oil-free formulas. Mattifying moisturizers for oily skin might help reduce oil-induced shine. 

• Sunscreen. Choose gel or non-greasy fluid SPF formulas. 

Dry skincare products: 

• Cleanser. Select hydrating or creamy cleansers without sulfates.  

• Moisturizer. Pick a rich dry-skin moisturizer with deeply hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter. 

• Sunscreen. Choose a cream-based sunscreen with hydrating ingredients. 

Combination skincare products:  

• Cleanser. Choose a gentle, balancing formula. 

• Moisturizer. Pick a lightweight but nourishing combination skin-friendly moisturizer for balanced hydration. 

• Sunscreen. Select a broad-spectrum and non-comedogenic sunscreen. 

Sensitive skincare products:  

• Cleanser. Pick mild and fragrance-free gentle cleansers like micellar water. 

• Moisturizer. Go for soothing sensitive-skin moisturizers like those containing aloe vera or chamomile. 

• Sunscreen. Select mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 

Step 3: start a skincare routine

With your products lined up on your bathroom shelf or set up in a decorative tray, you’re ready to get started. A basic skincare routine for men includes three daily steps, one twice weekly step, and another optional step for addressing specific skincare needs. 

Cleansing (daily, morning and night) 

Use a cleanser to remove accumulated dirt, oil, sweat, and pollutants that could clog pores. Use a cleanser in the morning to refresh your skin and wash away any overnight buildup. At night, it's essential to cleanse off the day's grime.

Tip: Always use lukewarm water. Hot water and harsh soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or increased oiliness.   

Exfoliating (2-3 times per week) 

Use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing smoother skin underneath. This also helps other products to penetrate more effectively. You'll typically find two types of exfoliants: chemical (e.g., salicylic acid or glycolic acid) and physical (scrubs).

Tip: Over-exfoliation can irritate the skin, so start with twice a week and adjust based on your skin's reaction.  

Moisturizing (daily, morning and night) 

Moisturizers are vital for hydration, locking in moisture, and supporting your skin's protective barrier. Look for hydrating components like ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.

Tip: Oily skin requires moisturizer, too. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) formula.  

Sun protection (daily, morning) 

Sunscreens might prevent UV damage, which is a major cause of premature aging (wrinkles or sunspots). It might also help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, even on cloudy days or when indoors.

Tip: For convenience, consider a moisturizer with built-in SPF.  

Treatments (ok, so these are optional) 

Consider men’s skincare treatments designed to address specific concerns. This can include serums for anti-aging (e.g., retinol), acne (e.g., benzoyl peroxide), or brightening (e.g., vitamin C).

Tip: For maximum absorption, apply treatments after cleansing and before moisturizing.  

Looking to elevate your basic skincare routine? Try adding toner after cleansing in the morning to help balance skin pH. In the evening, double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first to break down the day's dirt, followed by a water-based cleanser.  

Step 4: balance your lifestyle

Like anything else about our physical or mental health, lifestyle plays a big role in how your skin looks and feels. If you’re having skin issues, there are a few things that could be at the root. 

A healthy diet is essential. Eat hydrating fruits and vegetables, and be mindful of ingredients that may affect your skin’s appearance, such as sugar and dairy, which are common acne triggers. Also, make sure you’re drinking enough water (at least 8–10 glasses).

Exercise and eating well go hand-in-hand when it comes to skin care tips for men. Regular exercise boosts blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It is recommended to shower after workouts to wash away sweat and prevent clogged pores. Exercise can also help with chronic stress, which can elevate skin conditions like acne, eczema, or dryness. Incorporating meditation or yoga into your nighttime routine is another stressbuster and can contribute to quality sleep, which is also important to healthy skin.  

Step 5: watch out for common skincare missteps

Everyone starts somewhere — even the guys with glowing skin now made a few rookie moves in the beginning. The good news? A little know-how goes a long way. Skip the trial-and-error phase by avoiding these common skincare slip-ups most guys make early on. 

Overwashing. One of the most important skin care tips for men is to avoid excessive cleansing, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation or, ironically, increased oil production. 

Skipping SPF. UV damage is cumulative and occurs even on cloudy days or when you're indoors near windows.  

Using too many products. Bombarding your skin with multiple products simultaneously can cause irritation. Start simple and introduce new products one at a time. 

Ignoring patch tests. Check for any adverse reactions by testing products on a small, inconspicuous area of skin.  

Not reading labels. Be mindful of ingredients, especially if you have specific concerns. E.g., comedogenic ingredients don't work well with acne-prone skin, prioritize "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic" labels for sensitive skin. 

A basic skincare routine for men can be uncomplicated, versatile, and practical. With the right routine—focused on cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting—you can achieve healthier-looking skin. Just like hitting the gym, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and be willing to adjust as needs change.