The Ultimate Men’s Skincare Routine

In recent years, men’s grooming has been steadily evolving from a quick splash of water to somewhat of a much more considered ritual. Establishing a skincare routine is not only essential but one of the most best forms of self-care there is. Whether you're battling acne, dryness, or the first signs of ageing, understanding your skin’s unique needs is the first step toward achieving a healthy glow. In this guide, we break down the ultimate men's skincare routine—no frills, just effective results tailored to all skin types and grooming levels.

Before you dive into products and routines, it helps to understand your skin type. From oily to dry, combination to sensitive, knowing where you fall will help you select the right products that work with—not against—your skin.

Common men’s skin types

Oily Skin: Characterised by an overproduction of sebum, oily skin often feels greasy and is prone to breakouts.

Dry Skin: If your skin feels tight or flaky, you likely fall into the dry category.

Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry, combination skin requires a careful balance of hydration and oil control.

Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, sensitive skin benefits from gentle, soothing products.

Your men’s skincare routine: step by step

1. Cleansing

Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine. Here, you’ll remove any dirt, oil, and impurities, setting the stage for the rest of your products to shine. For those with oilier skin, a product like the clarifying Lumin Charcoal Face Wash will help purify your pores, while our ever-popular CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is ideal for drier skin, providing gentle cleansing with an added moisture boost.

2. Exfoliating

Exfoliation is how you can slough away dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Aim to exfoliate 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Avoid harsh scrubs and opt instead for chemical exfoliants like our Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel or gentle physical ones such as the Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish to avoid irritation.

3. Toning

Find a good toner and you’ll be on the path to a balanced skin pH; prepped and ready for moisturisation. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water is a great all-around option to brighten and even out your skin tone, while also reducing redness and inflammation.

4. Moisturising

Regardless of your skin type, moisturising is a must. The Bulldog Oil Control Moisturiser is perfect for controlling shine, while Dr. Botanicals Anti-Ageing Moisturiser & Facial Oil Kit offers - not just one, but two products, to provide an anti-ageing boost for those wanting extra hydration.

5. Eye Care

The delicate skin around the eyes is, too often, overlooked. Using an eye cream like Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye helps combat dark circles and puffiness for a well-rested appearance.

6. Sun Protection

Arguably the most important step, sunscreen should be applied daily; yes - come rain or shine and even in winter. The Ultrasun Anti-Pigmentation Face Fluid SPF 50 offers high protection while also targeting pigmentation, making it a two-in-one powerhouse. Alternatively, the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 35 will offer you solid daily protection, with active ingredients like vitamin c to create a brightening effect.

Additional Grooming Must-Haves

Looking to introduce beard care, too? A good balm like Mariner Jack Cargo Beard Balm is your ticket to a nourished and soft beard. Aftershave balms like the Hermès Terre d'Hermès Aftershave Balm can soothe post-shave irritation, ensuring smooth, hydrated skin - because why not indulge in a little extra TLC?

Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the perfect routine, there are a few common traps you should avoid falling into:

• Over-cleansing: Washing your face too often (or too hard) can strip your skin of essential oils which, in turn, could lead to leading to dryness and irritation. Once in the morning and once at night is ideal.
• Skipping Sun Protection: UV damage is the number one cause of premature ageing - and a whole host of other skin health concerns. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable step.
• Skipping Moisturiser: Even oily skin needs hydration. Choose a lightweight, non-comodegenic moisturiser if you're prone to breakouts or are an oily/combination skin type.

Just like with many things in life: consistency is key. A consistent men’s skincare routine will be your key to maintaining clear, healthy skin. By understanding your skin type and sticking to essential steps like cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection, you’ll be sure to soon see a visible improvement in your complexion. So - start slow, introduce new products gradually, and tailor your skin care routine as your skin’s needs evolve. Invest time in your skincare; the results will speak for themselves.