Men's Skincare: A Simple Routine That Works

Short answer: A simple men's skincare routine has three steps: a gentle cleanser morning and evening, a lightweight serum or moisturiser, and sunscreen every morning. Skin does not know who bought the product, so a "for men" label is optional. Add steps only when you notice a need, such as dryness or tightness after shaving.

Step	When	Time it takes
Cleanse	Morning and evening	About a minute
Serum or moisturiser	Morning and evening	Under a minute
Sunscreen	Every morning, all year	About a minute

Is men's skin different from women's?

Slightly, but not in a way that needs a separate shelf.

Many men have skin that feels a little thicker and oilier, and daily shaving adds friction that most women's faces do not get. Those are real differences in habits and comfort. They are not a reason to buy products that are mostly a different colour of packaging. Choose by how your skin behaves: oily, dry, easily irritated after shaving, or simply fine. A cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen do the same job on every face.

What is the simplest routine that works?

Cleanse, moisturise and protect in the morning; cleanse and moisturise at night.

Morning

1. Wash with a gentle face cleanser, not body wash or bar soap.
2. Shave, if you shave in the morning.
3. A lightweight serum, a moisturiser, or both.
4. Your sunscreen.

Evening

1. Cleanse to remove sweat, grime and sunscreen.
2. Serum or moisturiser.

That is the whole routine. Most men who give up on skincare do so because they started with eight products. Three is easy to keep up, and consistency matters more than the number of bottles.

Which cleanser should you use?

A mild face cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean but not tight.

Body wash and bar soap are designed for skin that is thicker and less exposed than the face, and many leave the face feeling stretched afterwards. Our Gentle Rose Cleansing Foam pumps out ready-foamed, so there is nothing to lather. One or two pumps, massaged over a damp face and neck and rinsed off, lift away sunscreen and the day's grime. It contains glycerin, rose water, calendula and chamomile, and has a soft floral scent. If you have a beard, work the foam through to the skin underneath and rinse well.

Serum, moisturiser, or both?

It depends on how your skin feels by mid-afternoon.

If your face looks shiny by lunchtime, a lightweight serum on its own may be all you need under sunscreen. Our Exosome & Niacinamide Serum is a light, fragrance-free serum with niacinamide, two forms of hyaluronic acid, a gentle touch of lactic acid, centella and apple-derived exosomes. It helps skin look more even and feel hydrated without a heavy finish. One or two pumps, pressed in, is enough. The exosomes are plant-derived and the research on them in skincare is young; they have nothing to do with exosome procedures offered in clinics.

If your skin feels tight after shaving or in winter, add a cream on top. Our Day Cream uses two forms of hyaluronic acid with shea butter, jojoba and avocado oil, and suits normal to dry skin. Be aware that mineral mica gives it a soft, luminous finish. Some men like that; if you prefer a completely matte look, a different moisturiser may suit you better. Check the full ingredient list if you avoid fragrance.

How should you match the routine to your skin?

Your skin by the afternoon	Morning	Evening
Shiny, especially the nose and forehead	Cleanser, light serum, sunscreen	Cleanser, light serum
Comfortable, no shine	Cleanser, serum or cream, sunscreen	Cleanser, cream
Tight or flaky	Rinse or mild cleanse, serum, cream, sunscreen	Cleanser, serum, cream
Red or stinging after shaving	Cleanser, cream, sunscreen; skip actives on shaving days	Cleanser, cream

How do you care for skin around shaving?

Shave on clean, damp skin, then apply your serum and moisturiser after, not before.

Shaving removes a thin layer of surface cells along with the hair, so it already works like a light exfoliation. That is why freshly shaved skin can sting under strong products. A few habits help: shave after cleansing or after a shower, use a sharp blade and go with the direction of growth if you get red, bumpy patches. Leave scrubs and exfoliating serums for non-shaving days or the evening. Alcohol-heavy aftershaves can leave skin feeling tight; a moisturiser leaves it feeling more comfortable. If bumps or irritation persist for weeks, see a doctor or dermatologist.

When is it worth adding more steps?

Only once the basic three have become automatic, and only for a reason you can name.

If your skin looks dull and rough, a gentle exfoliating step two or three times a week can help it look smoother, as long as it never falls on a shaving day. If the skin around your eyes looks tired or feels dry, a light eye cream patted on with the ring finger is the next sensible step. If your skin feels tight in winter, swap to a richer cream in the evening. Add one thing at a time and give it four to six weeks before deciding whether it stays.

What won't a basic routine do?

It will not change your skin overnight, and it will not stand in for sunscreen.

Within days your skin can feel more comfortable and look less tired. A more even look takes weeks. What no serum can do is undo daily sun exposure without protection, which is why sunscreen is a step, not an extra. Pick one you like enough to wear on grey days too.

Common mistakes

• Washing the face with body wash or shampoo in the shower. Use a face cleanser instead.
• Applying products before shaving. They sting and the blade drags.
• Skipping sunscreen because you do not burn. UVA affects how skin looks over time even without a burn.
• Starting with a ten-step routine. Start with three and keep them.
• Rubbing the face dry with a rough towel. Pat it dry instead.

Frequently asked questions

Do men need different skincare products?

No. Formulas are chosen for skin type, not gender. A light serum for oily skin works the same on any face; the label is a marketing choice.

Should I moisturise if I have oily skin?

Usually yes, but lightly. Shiny skin can still feel dehydrated, especially after cleansing. A lightweight serum with hyaluronic acid adds water without adding oil.

How do I clean the skin under a beard?

Massage cleanser through the beard to the skin with your fingertips, then rinse thoroughly. A little moisturiser worked through afterwards helps the skin underneath feel less dry.

When should I apply skincare if I shave at night?

Cleanse, shave, then apply your serum and moisturiser. In the morning, a rinse or light cleanse followed by moisturiser and sunscreen is enough.

Is sunscreen really necessary every day?

Yes, if you want skin to look even over the years. Make it the last step of your morning routine, after moisturiser.

Every product mentioned here is in our skincare collection.

Last reviewed: October 2026.