FREE Shipping On All Orders In The US

10 Tips To Start Building Men’s Skincare Routine You Always Wanted

Morgan McHose

SKINCARE ROUTINES FOR MEN HAVE BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN YOU THINK

Sometimes it can seem like the recent conversation around men’s skincare routine is just a trend. Trends infamously lack memorability, passing in and out of society’s consciousness. And if men’s skincare is just a trend or fad, why should men care?

However, cultures around the world have been concerned with men’s skincare for longer than you might think. Evidence of skincare for men dates back to Ancient Egypt in 10,000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians wore aloe vera, oils to combat body odor, and makeup. Yes, makeup. The makeup (kohl for eyeliner, dye for blush) served to protect men’s skin from the harsh sun and improve their appearance. Men’s and women’s skin have been valued and protected (to varying degrees of success) since ancient times. The simple truth is that women have never been the only gender to invest time and resources in a beneficial skincare routine, nor should they.

WHY EVERY MEN’S SKINCARE ROUTINE SHOULD INCLUDE SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is the most important thing you can wear to protect your skin. The serious risk of skin cancer is mitigated when sunscreen is properly applied. Sunscreen can also help prevent wrinkles, contributing to a youthful look. Additionally, it’s possible to find sunscreen that both protects the skin and hydrates it. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended. Eco-friendly sunscreen is an option, as well. Biodegradable sunscreen is good for your skin and the planet. This chemical-free sunscreen type will naturally break down and it won’t cause harm to coral reefs.

Sunscreen works to shield the skin from UV rays. How? There are two ways. One type of sunscreen uses chemical ingredients to create a barrier, soaking up the UV rays before your skin can. The second type relies on ingredients like titanium dioxide. The minerals reflect the sun’s rays, diverting the harmful UV rays before they can be absorbed by your skin. Adding sunscreen to your daily routine is easy to do, and the results are well worth it. Not all sunscreen is created equal, of course. It may take some experimentation before you find the one that works right for your skin and lifestyle.

men's skincare

CLEANSING IS INTEGRAL TO MEN’S SKINCARE ROUTINE

Washing your face is a great first step for any man’s skincare routine. But cleansers can elevate your routine. They’ll clean off the stubborn stuff that a splash of water simply won’t. Of course, we don’t want to remove everything. Avoid harsh cleansers and soaps. These products have their uses, but the face produces oil for a reason. Cleansing is versatile—it can be scrubbing your face with a face wash in the daily shower or applying a cream morning and night. Decide what works best for your schedule.

If you’re the forgetful type, it can be helpful to set an alarm on your phone or link the habit to one you already have. For example, you might wash and cleanse your face right after brushing your teeth each morning and night. Associating the new habit with an old one can help you remember (without the harsh beeping of an alarm.)

DON’T SKIP MOISTURIZING!

It’s true that men and individuals assigned male at birth tend to have oilier and thicker skin than women. This does not mean, however, that men are exempt from moisturizing. Hydrating the skin is essential for men’s skincare routine. The effect of moisturizing is twofold, working as a blanket of sorts. It will help keep harmful external stuff out while keeping the skin’s natural moisture in. Face oil can be used after a moisturizer to help trap the new moisture.

Vitamin C face cream or serum hydrate and moisturize the skin as well. If you want firm, youthful, and brightened skin, Vitamin C face serum is the way to go. Vitamin C also works to prevent hyperpigmentation, a skin condition which causes darker patches of skin. Plant Mother’s Vitamin C serum is plant-based and non-toxic. This serum combines over 20 all-natural ingredients. More importantly, it works without relying on the artificial (and oftentimes toxic) chemicals found in common Vitamin C creams.

When choosing your face serum or cream, make sure you read the labels carefully. For example, one of the popular Vitamin C products, Cerave Vitamin C serum, has denatured alcohol as one of its ingredients. Alcohol tends to dry out skin and cause irritations, especially if your skin is sensitive and prone to acne. Therefore, make sure you choose clean skincare, free of chemical and potentially irritating or toxic ingredients.

EXFOLIATION ISN’T AS COMPLICATED AS IT SOUNDS

Exfoliation is the nest step of men’s skincare routine. The word exfoliation can sound a little intense. However, the process of exfoliation is simple and easy to add to your routine! After cleansing the skin, exfoliating will remove the pesky dead skin cells that remain. You’ll only need to exfoliate a couple times a week. But the extra scrub can help prevent acne outbreaks and make your skin look younger and clearer. For the fellas who shave their faces regularly, exfoliation can be especially important. If your razor doesn’t have to contend with dead skin cells, it’ll provide you with a better shave.

best men's skincare routine

HOW SHAVING FITS INTO MEN’S SKINCARE ROUTINE

Men who shave their faces daily will inevitably have a different routine from those who grow their beards out. However, bearded men aren’t excluded from the skincare routine! Beard oils excel at moisturizing the skin beneath the hair. And for those who do shave, shaving creams and face lotions will help protect your skin from ingrown hairs and irritation. No one wants to feel discomfort after their shave. Finding the best shaving product for you will help keep your skin soft, elastic, and hydrated.

WHY YOU SHOULD ADD VEGAN RETINOL TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Let’s talk about vegan retinol. This is one of the best products you can incorporate into your skincare routine. Natural, vegan retinol rejuvenates the skin without the harmful side effects associated with synthetic retinols. Plant Mother’s vegan retinol serum helps with anti-aging, brightening, smoothing, and enhancing the skin.

Why is vegan retinol better than synthetic retinol? Users of synthetic retinols have complained of itching, dryness, irritation, burning, and more. All-natural, vegan retinol is gentler on your skin. It’s an ideal candidate for men with sensitive skin. Therefore, every men’s skincare routine should include vegan retinol. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see a change right away! This doesn’t mean that the retinol isn’t working. It can take some time for the effects of retinol to start showing.

SPA FACIALS For Men

Spas are not just for women. Plenty of spas provide soothing facial treatments that help with clogged pores and aging skin of all kinds. A spa facial can take many forms. There are chemical peels, the HydraFacial (aka hydrodermabrasion), Hungarian spa facial, and so much more. Treat yourself or a special man in your life to a relaxing day at the spa. It can do wonders for the skin.

Organic spa facials are also available at certain locations. Chemical peels are budget-friendly and help smoothen your skin. It’s important to conduct a patch test behind your ear beforehand if you have sensitive skin. Always do some research beforehand to find out the quality of the brands and ingredients your local spa uses before booking a session. There are few things worse than a bad spa experience!

TAILOR YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE TO YOUR SKIN TYPE AND LIFESTYLE

Your lifestyle can determine the best skincare routine for you. A primarily outdoor lifestyle will have a different effect on your skin than a primarily indoor lifestyle. Neither lifestyle is better or worse than the other, but it’s an important factor to consider. Even if you have a primarily indoor lifestyle, however, you should still apply sunscreen daily. Skin protection is more than a cosmetic choice, it’s a health choice.

It’s important to consider skin type when making decisions about the best men’s skincare routine for you. Sensitive skin will have different needs from oily skin, dry skin, etc. Inspect and feel your face. Is it dry? Red? Irritated? Oily? Have you noticed that certain products cause an unpleasant reaction? Take note of what you see and feel. The best skincare products will be the ones tailored to your specific skin type.

It’s possible that your skin feels or looks different on different parts of your face. That’s normal too! This skin type is called combination or combo skin. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free face cream or moisturizer.

If you have sensitive skin, take special care to read the ingredients list. Avoid products with fragrances and ingredients like alcohol. If you have a skin condition, you may want to consult your physician before experimenting with new skincare products. They may be able to guide you on your journey or refer you to a dermatologist that can offer specialized advice. The good news is that there are countless skincare options for every skin type under the sun. Through a little research and experimentation, you’ll find the absolute best skincare routine for you!

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, skincare product, or lifestyle program.

Morgan McHose
Morgan McHose is a graduate student at the University of Southern California studying Public Relations and Advertising. When she’s not studying, Morgan loves writing and reading the latest YA fantasy novels. Morgan currently volunteers as a multimedia journalist at the USC Media Center and writes as an opinion staff writer for the USC newspaper. She aims to find a creative career in Los Angeles in entertainment PR.
Close
Close