The Best Men’s Skincare Routine
The definitive guide to mastering an affordable, no bullshit skincare routine.
Via Unsplash
If you’re a man in your 20s and 30s, it’s essential to have a skincare routine. Sure, you’ve been able to dodge the aging bullet throughout your early 20s with a regime consisting of a bar of Irish Spring soap and some cheap, fragranced moisturizer you picked up from the drug store labeled “For Men”. You’re now in your late 20s or early 30s and the fine lines around your eyes and forehead are no longer a distant nightmare; they’re staring you in the face. Your once youth-drenched complexion is now haggard and thirsty. It’s time to leave your ego at the door and educate yourself on the basics of skincare. Below is my no bullshit, no excuses, affordable skincare routine that’ll make you glow from within.
I know, I know. A multistep routine is daunting and you “don’t have enough time”. Make time! Figure out a time and place that’ll make you not only enjoy, but look forward to your new daily ritual. It’s self care- get into it.
The step by step basic men’s skincare routine. Via Style Turner
The Break Down
Cleanser: Step 1
Oily but not acne-prone: Foaming Cleanser
A foaming cleanser is a deep clean meant to remove all the built-up dirt and oil from your face. It contains a high concentration of detergents to remove any trace of sebum (oil). Don’t be scared of dryness. This concern will be addressed later on in the routine. (Shop)
Oily and acne-prone: Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
This is me! I’m oily AND prone to whiteheads on my chin, nose, and cheeks if I’m not diligent with my routine. I’ve been using a benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser for the past year and WOW, it’s made all the difference in the frequency of my breakouts. These types of cleansers are typically marketed to teens but don’t be fooled by the smell of a gimmick. They’re powerful and do what they say they’re going to do: stop breakouts before they start. (Shop)
Dry and dehydrated: Hydrating Cleanser
If your face and neck feel tight and flaky, it means your poor skin is thirsty and desperate for moisture. Although cleansers are meant to strip the skin of oil and debris, not all cleansers function in this manner. Using a hydrating cleanser that’ll gently cleanse the skin while also wrapping it in a thin veil of moisture will help to heal the damage of dehydration. (Shop)
Normal and balance: Gentle Foaming Cleanser
You’re perfect. We get it. But just because your skin behaves even with little to no routine, it doesn’t mean it’s not congested or dehydrated or both. A gentle foaming cleanser will do the trick to help your already well-behaved skin remain in check. (Shop)
Hydrating Toner: Step 2
The Primer
First off, what the hell is a toner anyway? A toner’s function is to rehydrate and rebalance the skin’s pH prior to the application of skincare products. It essentially primes your skin to better absorb everything you’re about to layer on. I know what you’re thinking: “I’m too oily for anything hydrating”. Wrong. Even the most oil slick faces need a healthy boost of moisture, especially after cleansing. I suggest a hydrating toner for ALL skin types. (Shop)
Chemical Exfoliant: Step 3
The Game Changer
Guys, if you’re not using a chemical exfoliate, what are you even doing? This is the one product type I suggest for everyone. It truly transforms the look and feel of your skin.
Similar to how scrubbing the skin removes “dead skin”, chemical exfoliants chemically dissolve the dead skin that’s lying on the surface of the dermis. This reveals a smooth, glossy complexion that’ll look as if you just got a facial. It’s also amazing for acne-prone folks since the chemical exfoliant kills acne-causing bacteria. If you’re really trying to level up your look, incorporating this type of product is a must. (Shop)
Hydrating Serum: Step 4
The Deep Diver
Similar to the hydrating toner, a hydrating serum will be your godsend after shaving. Their main function is to deeply hydrate without the weight of, let’s say, a heavy cream. They’re typically water-based so they should absorb quickly with little to no residue. (Shop)
Moisturizer: Step 5
The Sealer
Controversial opinion: I don’t believe you need to spend a lot of money on a moisturizer. Like, at all. A moisturizer’s main purpose besides hydration is to lock in the skincare applied prior under a heavy, emollient shield. This is to prevent the evaporation of the many water-based products used prior to moisturizing. What’s the point in doing all these steps if you’re not going to seal in all the goodness? (Shop)
SPF: Step 7
The Non-Negotiable
DO NOT SKIP SPF. I repeat, DO NOT SKIP SPF.
The #1 cause of aging is from UVA/UVB rays. AKA if you skip the SPF, every prior step is a complete and utter waste. A good chemical or mineral sunscreen of at least SPF +30 or more, applied all over the face, neck and, ears will do the trick. Apply liberally. Don’t skimp. Also, something to keep in mind: although mineral sunscreens are thought to be “safer” because they don’t contain certain ingredients that their chemical counterparts do, they almost always leave a grey/white cast to the skin. If you have a darker complexion, I’d avoid. (Shop)