How to Build a Skincare Routine for Men
Men's skin has thicker collagen and more sebum. The routine below addresses what's actually different — not gendered marketing.
If you only read one paragraph.
Daily cleanser, daily SPF 50, retinol 3× weekly, niacinamide for sebum control. Beard oil if you have facial hair. Ingrown hair prevention if you shave.
The full method.
- Cleanser twice daily. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar. Removes oil and sweat without stripping.
- SPF 50 daily, non-negotiable. Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid. Daily, 365 days a year. Skips = pigmentation in 10 years.
- Niacinamide 5-10% twice daily. Reduces sebum, refines pores. Strong on men's typically larger pores.
- Retinol 3× weekly nightly (build to nightly). 0.025-0.05%. Treats fine lines, texture, breakouts.
- Beard oil if you have facial hair. Castor or jojoba oil reduces beard itch and conditions the skin underneath.
- Razor burn prevention if you shave. Hot shower, glycolic acid lotion 3× weekly, fresh blade, with-grain shave first.
- Eye cream optional. Most men skip. Worth adding from 35+.
What to avoid.
- Soap bars on the face (strips barrier).
- Skipping SPF ('men don't burn easily' — UV damage doesn't care).
- Ignoring sun damage until your 50s (too late to prevent at that point).
- Using soap as shaving cream (causes razor burn).
- Aftershave with alcohol (strips and stings).
Common questions.
Do men need different skincare than women?
Mostly no. Sebum management and ingrown hair prevention are slightly more relevant. Otherwise the same products work.
Best men's brand?
CeraVe (cleanser), La Roche-Posay (SPF), The Ordinary (actives), Aesop (premium). Brand isn't gendered — formula is.
How often should men shave for healthy skin?
Every 1-2 days at most. Daily shaving = chronic razor burn. Use the right blade and protocol.
Should men use anti-aging products?
From mid-20s. Daily SPF + vitamin C from age 25. Retinol from 28-30. Same as women, despite different marketing.
Related from Glow.
Best men's skincare Australia · How to use retinol · How to shave without irritation