Skincare for men: a simple routine that actually works
A simple skincare routine for men: the 3 basic steps, sunscreen, how to avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, which ingredients help and how to care for a beard.
By the Green Point editorial teamUpdated 5 min readKey takeaways
- A simple routine works: cleanse, moisturize, and wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning.
- Most razor burn and ingrown hairs come from technique: soften the hair, shave with the grain and keep blades fresh.
- Salicylic acid can help with oily skin, blackheads and ingrown hairs; niacinamide helps with oil and redness.
- Wash and moisturize the skin under your beard too, not just the hair.
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A good skincare routine for men needs only three steps: wash your face with a mild cleanser, apply a moisturizer, and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning. Add one targeted product, like salicylic acid for oily skin or ingrown hairs, if you need it. Shaving well matters as much as the products you use.
Men's skincare basics: does men's skin need different products?
Men's skin tends to be a little thicker and oilier, and shaving adds daily friction, but it doesn't need special "for men" products. What matters is choosing products for your skin type (oily, dry, combination or sensitive) and keeping the routine simple enough to do every day. Our guide to skincare routines for beginners explains how to choose.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: look for cleansers and moisturizers labeled "oil free" or "non-comedogenic". More tips in our guide to oily skin.
- Sensitive skin: choose fragrance-free products. "Unscented" can still contain masking fragrance.
- Aftershaves with alcohol and strong fragrance can sting and dry your skin; a fragrance-free balm is gentler.
A simple 3-step skincare routine for men
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Mild cleanser, or just water if your skin is dry | Mild cleanser to remove sweat, oil and sunscreen |
| 2. Treat (optional) | Niacinamide or vitamin C serum | Salicylic acid or retinol, a few nights a week |
| 3. Moisturize | Light moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| 4. Protect | Sunscreen, SPF 30+ broad spectrum | None |
Wash with lukewarm water, not hot, and wash again after exercise. Apply moisturizer right after showering or shaving, while your skin is still slightly damp. A moisturizer with SPF covers two steps at once in the morning, as long as you apply enough.
Why sunscreen matters for men
Daily sunscreen prevents sunburn, early wrinkles and dark spots, and lowers skin cancer risk. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, scalp if your hair is thin, and lips. Reapply every two hours outdoors. Our sunscreen guide covers how much to use.
Men over 50 have a higher risk of melanoma. Check your skin regularly and see a dermatologist about any spot or mole that is new, changing, itching or bleeding.
How to avoid razor burn and razor bumps
Razor burn is the stinging, red rash that appears right after shaving. Razor bumps (and ingrown hairs) are small, often itchy bumps that form when shaved hairs curl back into the skin, more common with curly or coarse hair. Both usually come down to technique:
- Soften the hair first. Shave after a shower, or hold a warm, damp cloth on your beard for a few minutes.
- Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel, never a dry razor.
- Shave in the direction the hair grows. Check the direction in a mirror; it often changes across the neck.
- Use as few strokes as possible and rinse the blade after each one. Don't stretch the skin taut.
- Replace disposable blades after 5 to 7 shaves. Dull blades tug and irritate.
- Rinse, then press a cool, damp cloth on your skin to calm it, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Ingrown hairs: what helps
Don't pick, scratch or squeeze ingrown hairs; it can damage your skin, cause infection and leave dark marks. Instead, keep shaving gently or take a short break, and use a warm compress to calm the area.
An exfoliating product with salicylic acid may help prevent new ingrown hairs by clearing dead skin that traps hairs, and it also helps with oil and blackheads. Use it a few times a week on non-shaving days or at night, not right before you shave. Learn how in our guide to salicylic acid for skin. Niacinamide is a gentle option for oil and redness.
Beard care: the skin underneath matters
A beard traps oil, dead skin and food, so the skin underneath needs care too. Wash your beard with a mild cleanser or shampoo, rinse well, and rub a little moisturizer or beard oil into the skin, not just the hair. Flaking, itching or redness under a beard that doesn't clear up may be a skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis, which a doctor or pharmacist can help treat.
Frequently asked questions
Do men need moisturizer?
Yes, most do. Shaving, hot showers and cleansing remove water and oil from the skin, which can leave it tight or flaky. A light moisturizer applied after showering or shaving traps water in the skin. If your skin is oily, choose a gel or lotion labeled oil free or non-comedogenic rather than skipping moisturizer altogether.
Should men use face wash or just water?
Use a mild face cleanser at least once a day, usually at night, to remove oil, sweat and sunscreen. Body soap or bar soap can be too harsh for facial skin. In the morning, water alone is often enough if your skin is dry, while oily skin may feel better with a second gentle wash.
Is aftershave good for your skin?
Traditional alcohol-based aftershaves can sting and dry the skin, and fragrance is a common cause of irritation. A fragrance-free aftershave balm or a simple moisturizer calms freshly shaved skin better. If you are prone to razor bumps, dermatologists suggest an aftershave product formulated to reduce bumps and irritation.
When should men start using anti-aging skincare?
Daily sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging step at any age, so start now. From your late twenties or thirties, you can add a retinoid at night or vitamin C in the morning if you want to target fine lines or uneven tone. Introduce one new product at a time and give each a couple of months.
Sources
- Skin care tips for menAmerican Academy of Dermatology
- 6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologistsAmerican Academy of Dermatology
- Ingrown hairsNHS
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a skin, allergy or health concern, talk to a doctor, dermatologist or dietitian. Green Point scores and Skin Scan results are informational and are not a diagnosis.
