How to Build a Basic Skincare Routine: Men's Edition

Most women learn about taking good care of their skin from their mother, or perhaps a friend who had some tips from her older sister— it’s almost a rite of passage from the time girls hit their teen years, maybe sometimes even earlier. For men, not so much; many men go their whole lives without thinking about how smooth or well moisturised their skin is, much less what the best men’s skin care products are and where to find them. But it’s never too early to start, and the best way to learn what works for you is by learning the basics of a good skincare routine.

Cleansing

We all wash our faces already…right? Let’s assume that’s a yes. Unfortunately, according to the polls, it seems that most men tend to use body wash or hand soap when washing their faces. While these will definitely do the job of getting your face clean, they tend to contain harsher soaps and other ingredients that might not be leaving your skin in its best shape. Regular soap tends to dry out the skin, and over time leads to a rougher, less comfortable, less refined complexion. Unlike facial cleansers, it’s also not really formulated for the specific purpose of keeping your face free of zits, oil, and other nuisances. Finding a dedicated facial cleanser will not only keep your skin feeling a bit fresher, it will also help keep your pores clear!

Toning

Toning helps to give the skin a good deep clean, leaving it feeling fresh and ready for the next steps. But it’s not just about the feel—toner is really good for your skin, and is part of a healthy skincare routine that too many skip, feeling that it’s only for teens or people with oily skin. Toners can be quite drying though, so it’s important to look at the ingredients list and make a decision based on your skin type. While those with naturally dry skin may opt out of this step, it’s still a great way to keep your skin clear and clean.

Exfoliating 

No matter how diligent you are about cleansing, not everything that gets into your pores or dries out your skin can be eliminated from daily life. Finding a good mild abrasive helps lift those dead skin cells off your face to make sure the pores underneath can be cleaned up. Contrary to what many believe, it’s even beneficial for those who have acne. You have options when it comes to exfoliating; you can go the ‘traditional’ route of physical exfoliation, using a scrub or similar products that physically rubs away oils and skin pollutants, or you can go for the newer option of chemical exfoliants, which are typically a little more gentle. 

Serum 

If toner is the facial equivalent of a pallet cleanser, serum is your fruits and veggies. Serum provides the vitamins and minerals that go beyond keeping your skin clean and really help it thrive and stay healthy. Like toning, this isn’t something everyone chooses to do, but those who make it a part of a daily routine are likely to notice long-term benefits, including reduced wrinkling and acne, a fuller complexion, and reduction in other signs of aging.

Moisturizing

Last, but far from least, every skincare routine should include moisturiser. Cleansing, exfoliating, and toning all involve products that, despite being better for your skin than soap or body wash, can nonetheless leave your skin a bit dry on their own. Moisturising also creates a barrier for serum, ensuring that your skin has time to absorb all of those nutrients fully, and make sure you really feel the difference. Like serum, moisturising helps reduce wrinkling and other visible signs of aging, while sealing in moisture to keep skin cells healthy and living longer. It’s important to choose a moisturiser that is tailored to your skin type: moisturiser designed for someone with dry skin is likely to leave those who are naturally a bit more oily feeling a bit overdone, while a lighter lotion designed for oily skin might not do much at all for someone with dryer skin. 

Sunscreen

Arguably the most important step in any skincare routine is SPF. You should be using sunscreen every day, no matter what the weather is. Apply it according to the directions that come with your products, including reapplying as often as it says. The sun contributes significantly to the physical signs of ageing, and also presents a very serious risk for skin cancer, so applying sunscreen regularly really is the best step you can take in looking after your skin.

All of these steps will help your face feel fresher, and keep you feeling your best for longer. If it all feels a bit overwhelming, or just too time consuming, don’t be afraid to start off with just the basics (including sunscreen!). But adding in extra steps over time might be worth it, and you might even find that over time, you enjoy it!