Easy Skincare Routines For Men: Everything You Need To Know!

Self-care knows no gender boundaries. Taking care of your skin isn't a matter of vanity but about feeling confident and comfortable. Whether you're a skincare novice or a grooming enthusiast looking to up your game, these tips and product recommendations are tailored specifically for men of all skincare expertise.

Should men follow a skincare routine?​

Of course, men can benefit from following a skincare routine just as much as women can. Skincare isn’t limited by gender but by caring for your skin's health and appearance. While the specific products and routines may vary depending on an individual's skin type and concerns, even a basic skincare routine can help men maintain healthy and youthful skin.

mens basic skincare routine: Steps by step guide

Basic skincare for men follows a straightforward routine that focuses on keeping the skin cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized. Here's a more detailed guide to general skincare for men:

1. Cleansing

Begin with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing helps remove dirt, sweat, excess oil, and impurities from your skin. Use lukewarm water to wet your face, apply your preferred cleanser, and gently massage it in for about 20-30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Cleansing should be done twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime.

2. Shaving (if applicable)

If you shave regularly, consider incorporating these steps into your skincare routine:

• Pre-Shave: Use a pre-shave oil or gel to soften the beard and provide a smoother shave.
• Shaving Cream: If applicable, apply a quality shaving cream or gel to create a protective barrier between your skin and the razor.
• Shave Carefully: Use a sharp, clean razor and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation. If you solely use an electric razor, you don’t need to worry about the previous step.
• Post-Shave: Apply an alcohol-free, soothing aftershave balm or lotion to hydrate and calm the skin to prevent redness or irritation.

3. Moisturizing

Apply a suitable moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is essential to maintain a healthy balance. Gel-based moisturizers are great for those with oily skin.

4. Sun Protection

Utilizing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher protects your skin from UV damage. Sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Apply it to all exposed areas of your face and neck, even on cloudy days and in the winter months.

What is a men’s skincare routine for oily skin?

A skincare routine for men with oily skin should focus on controlling excess sebum production, preventing breakouts, and maintaining overall skin health. Here's a simplified skincare routine tailored for oily skin:

Cleanser: Always start your day by cleansing your face with a gentle, foaming cleanser formulated for oily skin. Look for one containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help control oil and prevent breakouts.

Toner (Optional): Apply a gentle, alcohol-free toner to help balance your skin's pH levels. Toners can also help remove any remaining impurities and tighten the pores.

Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs hydration. Opt for an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without making it greasy. Gel-based moisturizers are often a good choice for oily skin.

In the evening, you should use the same gentle cleanser from your morning routine to remove dirt, oil, and makeup (if applicable). Then follow with skin exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, although this is only required two to three times per week.

Try opting for a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Consider starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing it as needed so that your skin has time to acclimate. Be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to skin care concerns such as irritation and increased oil production.

Repeat the same toner application you use in the morning to prep your skin for the upcoming routine. If you have acne or specific skin concerns, apply a targeted treatment product incorporating benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to affected areas. Then reapply your oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Additional Tips:

• The use of blotting papers throughout the day helps to absorb excess oil without removing makeup or skincare products.
• Avoid harsh or abrasive scrubs, as they can irritate oily skin.
• Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water to support overall skin health. Our guide on collagen-rich foods contains ingredients that promote supple and healthy skin.
• Consider using a clay mask once a week to help control oil and minimize the appearance of pores.
• Look for sunscreens labeled "oil-free" or "matte finish" to avoid adding extra shine to your skin. If you have concerns about sunscreen feeling heavy or greasy, consider using a lightweight, gel-based sunscreen.

Skincare routines should be tailored to individual skin types and concerns. If you have specific skin issues or questions, consider consulting a dermatologist who can provide personalized recommendations.

AM) Morning time Skincare routine for men:

A morning skincare routine for men should focus on cleansing, protecting the skin from UV damage, and promoting ample hydration. Here's a simple and effective morning skincare routine:

1. Cleanser

We love cleansers at Dēpology, and you can’t perform a productive skincare routine without an effective one. Cleansing your face helps remove impurities that may have accumulated overnight. Use a gentle, foaming cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type, and be sure to keep pillow sheets washed at least once a week, as dead skin cells accumulate on fabrics.

Our Pick: Cica Redness Relief Nourishing Cleanser

2. Hydrating Serums (Optional)

Hydrating serums can be a great addition to a skincare routine, especially for those experiencing dryness, dehydration, or looking to give their skin a plump, youthful appearance.

Our Pick: Matrixyl® 3000 Collagen Serum

3. Moisturizer

Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic (one that won't clog pores) moisturizer. Opt for formulas that suit your skin type. It can be helpful to perform a patch test when trying new products so you know how your skin reacts before applying it to the facial area.

Our Pick: Tri-Active Matrixyl® Complex Cream or Moisturizing Caviar Multi-Balm Stick

4. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a crucial step in your morning routine to protect your skin from UV damage. Make sure it's suitable for the face and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

5. Lip Balm (Optional)

Don't forget to apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage and maintain moisturization. While this is more common among users in drier months, it can apply to summer months as well.

6. Eye Cream (Optional)

If you have concerns about puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines around the eyes, consider applying an eye cream to the affected areas. Be sure to look for one that addresses your specific concerns.

Our Pick: Peptide Complex Wrinkle Defense Eye Cream or Multi-Peptide Anti-Aging Eye Stick

7. Fragrance (Optional)

If you like to use fragrances, apply them after completing your skincare routine to avoid potential interactions with skincare products.

Additional Tips:

• Wait a few minutes between applying your moisturizer and sunscreen to allow the moisturizer to absorb fully.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you'll be exposed to the sun throughout the day.
• If you have specific skin concerns, such as acne or signs of aging, consider incorporating specialized products like serums or spot treatments into your routine.
• Be consistent with your skincare routine to see the best results.

PM) Night-time Skincare routine for men:

A nighttime skincare routine, on the other hand, is crucial for repairing and rejuvenating the skin while you sleep. Here's a comprehensive evening skincare routine everyone should follow:

1. Cleanser

You should never start any routine without your preferred cleanser.

Our Pick: Cica Redness Relief Nourishing Cleanser

2. Exfoliation (optional)

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture.

3. Toner (optional)

If you prefer to use toner, apply it after cleansing.

Our Pick: Daily Glow Exfoliant Toner 

4. Spot Treatment (if needed)

If you have specific skin concerns like fine lines or hyperpigmentation, apply a targeted treatment product, such as a retinol serum or a serum with specialized ingredients. Follow the product instructions and use it as recommended.

Our Pick: Dark Spot Correcting N.A.T Serum or Peptide Complex Argireline™ 10% Peptide Serum

5. Eye Cream (Optional)

Apply an eye cream designed to address your specific concerns, such as puffiness or dark circles.

Our Pick: Peptide Complex Wrinkle Defense Eye Cream

6. Moisturizer

Apply a nighttime moisturizer that is slightly richer and more hydrating than your morning moisturizer.

Our Pick: Anti-Aging Retinol Night Cream or Matrixyl® Complex Cream

8. Sleep Mask or Night Cream (Optional)

For an extra boost of hydration and repair, you can use a sleep mask or a night cream that provides intense moisture and skin-repairing ingredients.

Our Pick: Pro-Firming Matrixyl® 3000 + Dynalift™ Night Mask

9. Hand Cream (Optional)

If your hands tend to get dry, apply a hand cream before bed to keep them soft and hydrated. This goes for body creams as well.

Additional Tips:

• Pillowcases: Consider using silk or satin pillowcases, as they can help reduce friction and minimize the risk of developing sleep lines or wrinkles.
• Consistency: Stick to your skincare routine consistently to see the best results. It may take time to notice improvements in your skin.
• Consult a Skincare Professional: If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, a dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatment recommendations.

Remember that individual skin types and concerns vary, so tailor your skincare routine to meet your specific needs. Additionally, be patient and allow time for your skincare products to work, as visible improvements may take several weeks or even months to become apparent.

Which ingredients should men use in skincare?

Men's skincare can benefit from numerous ingredients tailored to their specific needs, which often include thicker skin, more prominent facial hair, and potential concerns like oiliness and razor burn. Here are some key ingredients that men should consider incorporating into their skincare routines:

• Salicylic Acid: Effective in treating acne and unclogging pores.
• Glycolic Acid: Helps to exfoliate and brighten the skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid:Provides intense hydration without making the skin feel greasy.
• Glycerin: A humectant that locks in moisture.
• Retinol: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
  
• Vitamin C: Helps with brightens the skin’s complexion.
• Broad-Spectrum SPF: Protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents premature aging. Look for a daily moisturizer with SPF.
• Chamomile: Aside from providing comfort in the form of tea, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamin E: Helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
• Green Tea Extract: Contains antioxidants that calm and rejuvenate the skin.
• Aloe Vera or Shea Butter: These can be found in shaving creams or gels to provide a smoother shave and reduce irritation. Aloe vera, in particular, is known for its ability to soothe razor burn.
• Witch Hazel: It can help soothe and tone the skin after shaving.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Effective for treating acne breakouts.

Always choose products and ingredients that suit your specific skin type and concerns. Consistency in your skincare routine is the ultimate key to achieving the best results.

Conclusion: Do men need Skincare routine?

The short answer is yes. The journey to healthy skin revolves around consistency and self-care. By incorporating the right products and ingredients into your daily routine, you can achieve a complexion that reflects your best self. In today’s innovative skincare industry, it’s never too late to start forming your personalized daily regimen, regardless of gender and what has been perceived by the media in previous decades.