Pretty much everything written about skincare routines assumes they are for women. From cleansers and toners to moisturizers and serums, no one ever really talks about the best skincare for men. Should men even have a skincare routine? Yes!
So guys, this one’s for you. Just in case you’re wondering: men’s skincare takes only a few minutes a day, you’ll definitely notice a difference, and your face (and anyone who kisses you) will love you for it.
What is a Men’s Skincare Routine?
Is men’s skincare different than women’s? Is skincare for men actually a thing? Yes and yes. Male hormones make men’s skin thicker, oilier and rougher than women’s – not to mention all that coarse facial hair.
The best skincare for men is a regular routine that keeps your skin clean, smooth, balanced and protected. So, your skincare regimen must include products specially formulated for a man’s skin. But if you’ve never even heard of face wash for men, moisturizer for men or face toner for men (they all exist!), let’s start by seeing what they can do.
Men's Skincare Routine Step-by-Step
Every skincare routine follows an order that’s logical for the way skin works. The number of steps you use should suit your skin needs and bathroom routine, but the first three are the bare minimum for daily skincare.
Micellar Foaming Gel Cleanser</a></strong> need to be rinsed off with water. Or choose a no-rinse micellar water that wipes on with a cotton pad such as <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/skin-care/micellar-cleansing-water/micellar-cleansing-water-with-hyaluronic-acid/">Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe</a></strong>. Take this quiz to <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/find-your-micellar-water-quiz/">find the perfect one for you</a></strong>.","cta":null},{"tileImage":{"alt":"Toner skin PH balance exfoliate impurities skin care - Garnier","src":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/skincare/the-effortless-skincare-routine-for-men/garnier_effortless-skincare-routine-for-men-article-content-cube-8-238x173.jpg?rev=8581086f10fe44b7adc7191bb6b75a3d","openInNewTab":false,"url":""},"tileTitle":{"text":"2. Tone","heading":"h3"},"tileDescription":"You can follow up with a toner to rebalance your skin’s pH and eliminate every last trace of impurities. Try a refreshing one that contains peppermint or aloe vera.<br />\n<strong>a) Exfoliate:</strong> Here’s where you would use a gentle exfoliant (not a harsh face scrub) once or twice a week.","cta":null},{"tileImage":{"alt":"Face Moisturizer Men skin care hydrating nourish SPF 30 - Garnier","src":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/skincare/the-effortless-skincare-routine-for-men/garnier_effortless-skincare-routine-for-men-article-content-cube-9-238x173.jpg?rev=f3abf7a05a1e4b1aa124546c9a41784a","openInNewTab":false,"url":""},"tileTitle":{"text":"3. Hydrate","heading":"h3"},"tileDescription":"Moisturize to keep things supple, healthy and nourished. Gently massage your face cream for men all over your face – and don’t forget your neck.<br />\n<strong>a) Protect:</strong> UV rays can harm your skin, so men’s skincare should always include a sunscreen. You can add one at this point or choose a moisturizer like <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b49DAD46A-3ED2-4B28-9485-51D5F7FD7046%7d%40en\%22>Moisture Bomb with SPF 30</a></strong> that already contains SPF.","cta":null},{"tileImage":{"alt":"Eye cream men firm brighten skin care morning - Garnier","src":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/skincare/the-effortless-skincare-routine-for-men/garnier_effortless-skincare-routine-for-men-article-content-cube-10-238x173.jpg?rev=45f78dccee5b48eebb2f0985451854ce","openInNewTab":false,"url":""},"tileTitle":{"text":"4. Eye cream","heading":"h3"},"tileDescription":"Refresh, firm and brighten up the delicate skin around the eyes with an eye cream. Apply it gently so you don’t stretch the skin.","cta":null},{"tileImage":{"alt":"Men face mask skin care routine - Garnier","src":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/skincare/the-effortless-skincare-routine-for-men/garnier_effortless-skincare-routine-for-men-article-content-cube-11-238x173.jpg?rev=f0fbdd07846b42fcbd2e7edf650e2782","openInNewTab":false,"url":"/tips-how-tos/5-types-of-face-masks"},"tileTitle":{"text":"5. Mask","heading":"h3"},"tileDescription":"Once or twice a week is ideal to deeply remove buildup that daily skincare routines don’t capture. There are many kinds, so decide <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/5-types-of-face-masks/">which type is right for you</a></strong>!","cta":null},{"tileImage":{"alt":"Acne prone razor burn treatment men skin care serum - Garnier","src":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/skincare/the-effortless-skincare-routine-for-men/garnier_effortless-skincare-routine-for-men-article-content-cube-12-238x173.jpg?rev=9f82d83bf66243c7a3f667fda6f77072","openInNewTab":false,"url":""},"tileTitle":{"text":"6. Targeted treatments","heading":"h3"},"tileDescription":"From acne and scars to excess dryness and razor burn, this category includes men’s skincare products like nutrient-rich serums.","cta":null}]" :taggingdata="{"event":"uaevent","event_name":"body_button_click","ecommerce":"undefined","eventCategory":"content page::article","eventAction":"select::","eventLabel":"[Token2]::[Token3]","cta_name":"[Token2]","link_url":"[Token3]","module_name":""}" :navigation-label='{"carouselbuttonnext":"Carousel Button Navigation Next","carouselbuttonprev":"Carousel Button Navigation Prev"}'>
Men's Skincare on Shaving Days
A daily men’s skincare routine also does wonders for those who shave regularly. But no matter how often you shave, try to add the exfoliating step above to create a surface free of dead skin cells. After removing stubble, use a soothing moisturizer and let it penetrate your pores. Or go for a 3-in-1 combo product that moisturizes, exfoliates and treats the eye area.
