Skincare isn’t just for women and it’s not complicated. In fact, a simple, effective skincare routine can transform your skin. Whether you’re combating dryness, ageing, breakouts, or irritation from shaving, this 101 guide will walk you through how to start a skincare routine for men that delivers real results without the 10-step skincare routine.
Why Skincare Matters for Men
Men’s skin is different. It tends to be thicker, oilier and ages differently than women’s skin. Daily shaving, environmental stress and lifestyle habits can all take a toll. Starting a skincare routine helps to:
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Prevent acne and ingrown hairs
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Reduce dryness or oiliness
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Improve texture and overall appearance
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Minimise signs of ageing
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Boost confidence
A structured skincare routine is not about vanity, it’s about caring for your body and health.
Understanding Your Skin Type
Before building your routine, you must know your skin type. This influences which products will be most effective.
Common Men’s Skin Types
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Normal – Balanced, not too dry or oily.
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Oily – Excess shine, enlarged pores, prone to breakouts.
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Dry – Flaky, tight feeling, dull appearance.
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Combination – Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry elsewhere.
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Sensitive – Easily irritated, redness, stinging from products or shaving.
If you’re unsure on your skin type, speak to our Free Skin Concierge experts or use our advance Skin AI tool, to help support and match the perfect products to your needs.
The Essential Skincare Steps
An effective men’s skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the 5 essential steps.
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing removes oil, dirt, sweat and pollution, the invisible buildup your skin accumulates throughout the day and night.
Key Benefits of Cleansing:
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Prevents breakouts by unclogging pores
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Helps other products absorb better
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Refreshes skin for a clean start and end to your day
How to cleanse:
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Wet your face with lukewarm water.
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Massage a teaspoon-sized amount of facial cleanser over your skin.
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Rinse and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Using a gentle facial cleanser and not bar soap avoids stripping essential oils and causing irritation.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that dull your complexion and clog pores. Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, this should be done 2-3 times a week.
Benefits of Exfoliating:
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Smoother skin texture
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Reduced ingrown hairs
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Brighter complexion
You can exfoliate using:
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Physical exfoliants: gentle scrub with small particles
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Chemical exfoliants: acids like AHA/BHA for deeper cleansing
Step 3: Treat
Serums and Targeted care, is where you address specific concerns like ageing, pigmentation, or acne.
Popular Treatments Include:
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Vitamin C serum for brightening and antioxidant protection
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Hyaluronic acid for hydration
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Niacinamide for oil control and soothing
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Retinol for anti-ageing (use at night)
Apply treatments recommended by our Skin Concierge experts to ensure you’re delivered the best possible results from your skincare routine.
Step 4: Moisturise
Moisturising locks in hydration, even oily skin needs moisture. Moisturising helps:
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Lock in hydration
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Strengthen skin barrier
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Prevent dryness and irritation
Which Moisturiser Should You Use?
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Gel moisturisers - best for oily skin
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Creams or lotions - ideal for dry or normal skin
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Lightweight formulas - great for combination skin
Apply moisturiser twice daily - morning and night.
Step 5: Protect
This is the most important step in any skincare routine - sunscreen!
Why SPF Matters:
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Prevents sunburn and dark spots
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Reduces risk of skin cancer
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Keeps skin healthy and youthful
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even when cloudy or indoors near windows.
Building Your Routine: Morning vs Night
Here’s how to structure your routine so your skin gets maximum benefit.
Morning Routine
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Cleanser
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Treatment (Vitamin C)
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Moisturiser
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Sunscreen
Night Routine
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Cleanser
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Exfoliate (2/3x a week)
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Treatments (retinol or serums)
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Moisturiser
Night-time is when your skin repairs itself, take advantage of that by using targeted treatments in your night routine.
Starting a skincare routine for men doesn’t need to be overwhelming or time-consuming. By understanding your skin type and sticking to a few essential steps such as cleansing, moisturising, protecting with SPF and using targeted treatments when needed, you can significantly improve the health and appearance of your skin. Consistency is key and even a basic routine can deliver long-term benefits when followed daily.
Healthy skin is not about perfection, it’s about prevention, protection and care. Whether your goal is clearer skin, reduced signs of ageing, or a smoother shave, the right skincare routine will help you look and feel your best. Begin simple, stay consistent and let your skincare routine work for you, because great skin is a habit, not a trend.
If you have any specific questions, speak to our experts - for free. Book an appointment online here. Alternatively, email hello@skinpharmacy.com or call us on 020 3070 3833 or 07522 002050.
