The Modern Man’s Guide to Great Skin: Simple Steps to Look and Feel Your Best

By Dr. Tahani Williams M.D.

When it comes to men’s skin care, most guys fall into one of two camps:

• The “soap-and-water-is-enough” crowd

• The “borrow-my-partner’s-products” group

But the truth is simple: skin care for men isn’t about vanity – it’s about health, confidence, and longevity. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and men’s skin has unique needs. It’s thicker, oilier, and exposed to daily stressors like shaving, sweat, sun, and pollution. Without a proper men's skin care routine, irritation, breakouts, and premature aging can show up fast.

The good news? The best skin care routine for men doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart steps and the right products, you can protect your skin and look your best – without a 10-step regimen.

Why Men’s Skin Needs Special Attention

Men’s skin behaves differently than women’s, which is why skin care for men deserves its own approach:

• Thicker skin: About 25% thicker due to testosterone, which can mean deeper wrinkles over time. (1)

• Higher oil production: More sebum helps delay fine lines—but also causes shine and clogged pores

• Shaving stress: Daily shaving creates micro-cuts, irritation, and ingrown hairs

• Active lifestyles: Sweat, workouts, outdoor exposure, and stress all impact skin health

Understanding these differences makes it easier to build a routine that actually works.

Step 1: Know Your Skin Type

Before choosing the best skin care products for men, identify your skin type:

• Normal: Balanced, not too oily or dry

• Oily: Shiny, enlarged pores, acne-prone

• Dry: Tight, flaky, or itchy

• Combination: Oily T-zone, dry cheeks

• Sensitive: Easily irritated, redness or stinging

Quick test: Wash your face, apply nothing, and check after one hour.

Step 2: Build a Basic Skin Care Routine for Men

A strong skin care routine for men starts with just three steps.

1. Cleanser (Morning & Night)

Ditch bar soap – it strips your skin’s protective barrier. (2) Use a gentle facial cleanser instead.

• Oily skin: Gel or foaming cleanser

• Dry or sensitive skin: Cream-based cleanser

2. Moisturizer (Morning & Night)

Moisturizing keeps skin healthy, balanced, and protected.

• Oily skin: Lightweight, oil-free lotion

• Dry skin: Rich, nourishing cream

• Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas

Check out gentle moisturizers for oily, dry, and sensitive skin types.

3. Sunscreen (Morning)

Daily SPF is the #1 anti-aging product for men. UV exposure causes wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer.

• Choose SPF 30+

• Mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive or post-shave skin

Step 3: Upgrade Your Men’s Skin Care Routine (Optional)

Once your basics are locked in, consider adding:

• Exfoliation (2-3x/week): Prevents ingrown hairs and smooths skin

• Serums: Vitamin C (brightening), hyaluronic acid (hydration), niacinamide (oil control)

• Eye cream: Helps with dark circles and puffiness

• Aftershave balm: Alcohol-free formulas soothe irritation

Shop exfoliating scrubs and masks for sensitive skin.

Step 4: How to Shave Without Razor Burn

Shaving is one of the biggest challenges in men’s skin care. Reduce irritation by:

• Washing with warm water before shaving

• Using fragrance-free shaving cream or gel

• Shaving with the grain

• Changing blades often

• Applying a soothing, alcohol-free aftershave balm

Step 5: Lifestyle Habits That Improve Men’s Skin

Great skin isn’t just about products, it’s about habits:

• Hydration: Drink water daily

• Sleep: 7-9 hours helps skin repair

• Diet: Focus on fruits, veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats

• Exercise: Boosts circulation and reduces stress

• Limit alcohol & smoking: Both accelerate skin aging

Step 6: Choosing the Best Skin Care Products for Men

When shopping for men’s skin care products, keep it simple:

• Choose fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin

• Avoid harsh sulfates and alcohol-heavy formulas

• Stick with products for at least 4-6 weeks to see results

Make sure to conduct a self-patch test and talk to your doctor before integrating any new products into your skincare routine.

Step 7: Common Skin Concerns for Men (And Solutions)

• Acne: Gentle cleanser + salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide

• Razor bumps: Shave with the grain and exfoliate

• Wrinkles: Daily SPF + moisturizer; consider retinol at night

• Dry patches: Switch to a richer cream

• Dark circles: Sleep, hydration, and caffeine-based eye creams

Step 8: When to See a Dermatologist

Professional help is smart if you experience:

• Persistent acne

• Severe razor burn

• Unexplained rashes

• Changing moles or spots

Remember, skin health is overall health.

FAQs: Men’s Skin Care

What should a men’s skincare routine be?

A basic men’s skincare routine includes a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily sunscreen. Exfoliation and serums can be added as needed.

Is skin care important for men?

Yes. Men’s skin is thicker and oilier, making proper skin care essential for preventing acne, irritation, and premature aging.

What is a basic skin care routine for men?

Cleanse morning and night, moisturize daily, and apply SPF every morning. Consistency matters more than complexity.

How Cleure Supports Men’s Skin Care

If you want simple, dermatologist-recommended men’s skin care, Cleure makes it easy:

• Cleansers: Gentle, fragrance-free formulas that cleanse without stripping

• Moisturizers: Lightweight to rich options for every skin type

• Sunscreens: Mineral-based SPF with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

• Post-shave relief: Alcohol-free products that calm irritation

With worry-free ingredients and sensitive-skin–safe formulas, Cleure helps men build a skin care routine that actually works – without unnecessary steps or harsh chemicals.

Shop Sensitive Skincare for Men

References:

1. Zouboulis, Christos C.  Hormone Research; Basel Vol. 54, Iss. 5-6,  (2000): 230-242. DOI:10.1159/000053265 https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/human-skin-independent-peripheral-endocrine-organ/docview/1432692288/se-2 

2. Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: Cleansers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;17(1):8-14. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12469. Epub 2017 Dec 12. PMID: 29231284. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29231284/ 

3. Narayanan DL, Saladi RN, Fox JL. Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. Int J Dermatol. 2010 Sep;49(9):978-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04474.x. PMID: 20883261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883261/