Grooming / A simple routine
Men's skincare: Three steps in the morning, two at night.
You do not need a shelf of bottles. Cleanse, moisturise and protect your skin from the sun in the morning; cleanse and, if useful, apply one serum at night.
What is a sensible skincare routine for men? There is no single prescription for every face. But my preferred starting point is simple: gently cleanse, moisturise and use SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning. At night, cleanse and add one serum if your skin has a reason for it. The aim is a routine you can keep doing.
The American Academy of Dermatology says that although men's and women's skin differ in some ways, the foundations of effective care are similar. There is no need for a long list labelled “for men.”
- CleanseLukewarm water and a gentle facial cleanser.
- MoisturiseA comfortable formula for your skin type.
- ProtectBroad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- CleanseWash away sweat and sunscreen.
- One serumChoose something your skin needs and tolerates.
Why these three morning steps?
Dermatologists recommend gentle cleansing with lukewarm water instead of scrubbing. Moisturiser applied to slightly damp skin helps keep water in. Finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Reapply about every two hours when spending extended time outdoors, and after swimming or heavy sweating.
There is evidence beyond appearance advice. In a randomised trial involving 903 adults, measured photoageing after four and a half years was lower in the daily sunscreen group than in the group using it at their discretion. One study cannot promise an identical result for everyone, but it is a strong reason to take sun protection seriously.
Do you need a serum at night?
No. “Serum” describes a product format, not a universal need. After cleansing at night, I prefer to use one serum chosen for what my skin needs. I would not begin by layering acids, retinoids and several other actives. Dermatologists caution that too many products can irritate the skin.
If your skin still feels tight or dry after the serum, add a moisturiser at night too; a serum does not always replace it. Persistent redness, significant acne or ongoing irritation deserves advice from a dermatologist rather than another bottle.
To me, good skincare is not a new product every week. It is three steps in the morning and two at night that you actually follow.
Sources
AAD: Skin care tips for men · AAD: Face washing · AAD: Product order · Hughes et al., 2013: Sunscreen and skin ageing. This is general guidance, not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Photos belong to Alperen Aydın.