The simplest skincare routine for men

Contrary to what has been said and reiterated for years, men need to care for their skin as much as women do. While your skin might not be as thin and delicate as women's, it still requires care and a routine to manage your common skin concerns. 

A dedicated male skincare routine can reduce and prevent skin concerns such as shaving irritation, acne, and sun damage, along with improving skin health and appearance, giving you more more confidence and self-esteem.

So, to get you started, here is a ‘simple skincare routine’ that you can follow to get healthy skin. Let’s go. 

Is men’s skin really different?

First thing first, why do you need a different and specific male skincare regimen?

Well, medically speaking, men's bodies have higher testosterone levels. This makes your skin thicker and tougher, containing more sebum and higher collagen density, making it more prone to clogged pores and acne. 

Additionally, regular shaving often leads to irritation, redness, ingrown hairs, and razor burns.

A dedicated skincare routine for men can help manage these issues, leaving behind healthy skin. 

Skin types of men

Understanding your skin type is the first step to creating an effective male skincare routine.

Though not very unique or different from those of women, there are different skin types men have. 

• Oily Skin: Thanks to excessive sebum production, such skin type is characterized by excessive oiliness and frequent breakouts.
• Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, you might often feel your skin be rough, dry, and tight while being flaky, especially after cleansing or shaving.
• Combination Skin: You can experience a mix of oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and drier cheeks in these skin types.
• Sensitive Skin: The most difficult skin type to deal with is sensitive skin which is easily irritated by skincare products or shaving and can lead to redness and discomfort. With oily and sensitive skin, you can also suffer from persistent acne scars and dark spots. 

Daily skincare routine for men

Now that you know how to identify your skin type, here is a simple daily skincare routine to help you maintain healthy, clear skin. 

1. Cleansing

Longer duration of staying outdoors and sun exposure make your skin more susceptible to accumulated dirt, impurities, and tanning. Cleansing is the first and most important step of a male skincare routine that helps clear all that away thoroughly. 

You must cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser, to remove dirt, oil, and impurities, twice a day. 

Depending on your skin type and concern, opt for cleansers with specific ingredients. For example, you can opt for green tea face wash or a cleanser infused with niacinamide for oily and combination skin. 

For acne-prone skin, salicylic acid face wash works best. For dry skin, you can look for ingredients like allantoin and ceramides and opt for creamy rich cleansers that nourish while hydrating. Similarly, for sensitive skin look for mild nourishing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and cica, that soothe your skin. 

2. Exfoliating

Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells, and clean clogged pores. You can opt for a mild facial scrub or chemical peels infused with BHA and AHA. 

However, avoid scrubbing your face too vigorously or using it more than twice a week. Similarly, consider your skin type to avoid any irritation or adverse reaction. 

3. Toning

Toning helps reduce the appearance of pores and refresh your skin. Apply a toner after cleansing to help balance the skin's pH and tighten pores.

Opt for alcohol-free toners to avoid drying out your skin. You can opt for niacinamide or green tea for oily acne-prone skin or vitamin skin for dullness and pigmentation.

Spritz it out on your skin and leave it for a few seconds to allow it to absorb in your skin. 

4. Moisturizing

Moisturizer is crucial for all skin types, including oily skin. A moisturizer helps hydrate your skin, preserve your skin’s natural barrier, and keep your skin smooth and soft.

Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to hydrate and protect your skin. Ensure to moisturize your skin twice daily, after cleansing and toning. 

Choose ingredients as per your skin type and weather conditions.

You can opt for richer creams during the winters and gel-based creams and moisturizers during summers and monsoons. 

5. Protecting

Come rain or shine, sunscreen is the most crucial step. It not only protects the skin against sun damage but also fights the signs of aging. 

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 35+ PA+++ every morning, regardless of the weather. Moreover, if you are outdoors for a long period, opt for a sunscreen with an SPF 50 PA+++ and reapply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours. For best results, opt for a non-sticky, non-oily, and lightweight sunscreen that leaves no white cast.

Additional skin care tips for men

While a dedicated skincare routine will help solve a lot of skin concerns for you, here are some additional skin care tips that can help you maintain healthy skin.  

Deep cleanse your skin

Once a week, get rid of all the accumulated dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells through a clay mask or facial scrub. It will help unclog pores and minimize the occurrence of acne breakouts and blackheads on your skin. 

Use a face mask

Use a hydrating face mask to hydrate your skin deeply and target specific skin concerns like pigmentation, dryness, and dullness. 

Be careful while shaving

Shave after cleansing to soften the hair and prevent cuts and ingrown hair. Follow up with a good quality aftershave or shaving balm to calm the skin and avoid irritation.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle 

Lifestyle habits play a significant role in maintaining your skin’s health and luster. Here are some lifestyle tips you must keep in mind. 

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support skin health.
• Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, as they can contribute to skin problems like acne and patches.
• Ensure you get enough sleep to allow your skin to repair and regenerate.
• Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or hobbies to prevent stress-related skin issues.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both can dehydrate and age your skin prematurely.

Every skin type is different and there will never be a one-size-fits-all routine. Therefore it's important to listen to your skin and tweak your routine as and when required. 

Moreover, consistency is the key. A dedicated but ‘consistent’ skincare regimen tailored to your skin type can significantly improve your skin's health and appearance. 

FAQs

What skincare routine do men need?

A basic skincare routine for men typically includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. This routine helps to keep the skin clean, hydrated, and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Depending on your skin type and concern, you can include additional skin care products such as serums or treatments for issues like acne or aging. 

What is the basic skincare routine for Indian men?

The basic skincare routine for Indian men should include:

1. Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
2. Exfoliating: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
3. Moisturizing: Apply a good moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
4. Sunscreen: Use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against UV rays. 

Do men need a toner?

Yes, men can benefit from using a toner. Toners help to balance the skin's pH levels, remove any remaining impurities after cleansing, and prepare the skin for better absorption of moisturizers and other skincare products.