Introduction
Skincare has historically been marketed toward women, but men can benefit just as much from a proper routine. As ideas around masculinity evolve, more men are taking an interest in self-care including skincare. The key reason men should adopt a skincare routine is simply that it keeps skin looking youthful and healthy. The skin on your face takes a beating daily from sun exposure, pollution, shaving, and products containing alcohol. A proper routine helps skin repair and renew itself. Additionally, establishing good skincare habits early will slow signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots down the road. An effective skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. With a core set of products and following some best practices, men can see real improvements in their complexion.
Know Your Skin Type
The first step in creating an effective skincare routine is determining your skin type. This will help you choose products that address your specific needs. Here are the main skin types:
Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by excess oil production which leads to a shiny, greasy appearance. Pores tend to be larger and acne is a common issue. Look for oil-free products labeled "for oily skin" that contain ingredients like salicylic acid to cut through oil and prevent breakouts.
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture and often feels tight and itchy. It will appear dull, flaky, and show signs of dehydration like fine lines. Focus on hydrating, nourishing products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and oils. Avoid products with alcohol.
Combination Skin
Combination skin means you have areas that are normal, dry, and oily. The t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) tends to be oily, while cheeks are normal or dry. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and target treatments to the areas that need it - like a clay mask on the t-zone and rich moisturizer on dry cheeks.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is easily irritated and inflamed. It may react to fragrances, preservatives, or ingredients like alcohol. Stick to gentle products free of potential irritants. Try a small patch test before applying anything new all over your face.
If you are searching for the best moisturizer for all skin types then you have come to the right place. Powerhouse Hydra Gel Moisturizer is a great option for all skin types and it is a unisex moisturizer launched by Novaskins.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
Analyze your skin for clues about your type:
- Oily skin may have large, visible pores and reflect light easily. Dry skin will lack luster.
- Wash your face then wait 20-30 minutes. If you see oil buildup or shine, you likely have oily skin. Flakiness signals dry skin.
- Notice how your skin feels - tightness or itchiness indicates dry skin. Oily skin may feel greasy.
- Pay attention after cleansing - if your face feels squeaky-clean, your skin is dry. Oily skin still feels oily.
- Monitor breakouts - acne concentrated in the t-zone points to oily skin. Overall irritation signifies sensitive skin.
Knowing your skin type is crucial for choosing products and tailoring your routine. Analyze your skin regularly to adjust as needed over time.
Cleanse
Cleansing is a critical first step in any skincare routine for men. Washing your face helps remove dirt, oil, and sweat that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. It also removes any lingering hair and skin care products from your morning shave or styling routine.
The key benefits of cleansing for men include:
- Removes dirt, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin
- Helps prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts
- Creates a clean canvas before applying skincare products so they can absorb better
- Washes away impurities that can lead to irritated or dull looking skin
- Freshens up your face after a long day
When shopping for a cleanser, opt for a gentle formula without harsh sulfates or fragrances. The best cleanser for you depends on your skin type:
Oily Skin: Look for oil-free gel or foaming cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid to cut through excess sebum. Avoid creamy cleansers.
Dry Skin: Choose non-foaming cream or lotion cleansers with hydrating ingredients like glycerin. Avoid cleansers with alcohol.
Sensitive Skin: Go for soothing, fragrance-free cleansers packed with antioxidants. Stay away from products with alcohol or exfoliants.
Combination Skin: Pick a balanced gel cleanser that gently removes oil without stripping moisture from dry areas.
No matter your skin type, washing with warm water and gently massaging the cleanser into your skin will help lift dirt without irritation. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Cleansing once or twice a day is ideal to keep your face fresh.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a critical step in any effective skincare routine for men. It removes dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and other impurities that build up on the surface of the skin. When these materials accumulate, they can cause the skin to look dull, flaky, and feel rough.
Regular exfoliation allows skincare products to better absorb into the skin. It helps promote cell turnover, improve skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, and give you a closer shave. You shouldn't overlook this important process.
For men, there are a few different types of exfoliators to consider:
Scrubs - These exfoliators use small particles or grains to manually scrub away dead skin cells. Look for scrubs with rounded jojoba beads or crushed nuts rather than sharp pieces that could cause microtears. Use a gentle, circular motion when applying them. Scrubs work best before shaving.
Brushes - Exfoliating brushes have soft bristles that gently sweep away dead skin when brushing in light circles. They remove surface debris without being too harsh on the skin. Focus on areas like the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks.
Washes - Exfoliating cleansers contain mild acids that dissolve the bonds holding dull skin cells to the surface. They provide a deeper exfoliation but are still gentle. Use them 1-2 times per week.
Peels - Chemical peels use stronger acids to peel away multiple layers of skin for intense exfoliation. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels work well for men. Only use a peel about once a month to avoid irritation.
Start slowly with exfoliation, like once or twice a week. See how your skin responds, then gradually increase frequency as tolerated up to about 3 times per week max. Proper exfoliation will leave your skin looking refreshed and healthy.
Moisturize
Moisturizer is a crucial step in any skincare routine. It helps restore moisture levels and provides hydration for healthy, balanced skin. Moisturizing is important for all skin types, even oily skin. Without enough moisture, skin becomes dry, flaky, irritated and prematurely aged.
Men with oily skin often avoid moisturizers for fear of causing more oiliness. However, the right lightweight, oil-free moisturizer can actually help regulate and normalize sebum production. Look for gels, serums and lotions labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic or mattifying. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid provide hydration without heaviness.
For men with dry or sensitive skin, moisturizers rich in hydrating and soothing ingredients are key. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and shea butter. Avoid any products with fragrance, alcohol or harsh cleansers which can strip the skin. Opt for a heavier cream or lotion and apply generously.
The best time to apply moisturizer is right after cleansing, while the skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture. Apply evenly all over the face and neck using gentle upward strokes. Allow the moisturizer to fully absorb before applying additional products like serums or sunscreen. Properly hydrated skin will look and feel smooth, supple and healthy.
If you are looking for a moisturizer that is suitable for all skin types, then you have arrived at the right spot. Powerhouse Hydra gel moisturizer is a great choice for all skin types. It is a one-size-fits-all moisturizer made by Novaskins.
Sunscreen
Daily sunscreen is crucial to help protect the skin from sun damage and early signs of aging. Men often overlook using sunscreen, but it is just as important for men as it is for women.
Sunscreen should be applied every morning as the last step of your skincare routine. Be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin that will be outside, especially the face, ears, neck, and bald spots on the head. An adequate amount is about 1 teaspoon to fully cover the face and neck. Reapply every 2 hours if spending prolonged time outdoors.
When looking for face sunscreen, seek a minimum SPF 30 broad spectrum formula to block both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should be specifically formulated for the face and non-comedogenic or oil-free to avoid clogging pores. The texture should also be lightweight enough to layer comfortably under moisturizer without feeling greasy. Some top face sunscreen recommendations for men include:
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 30+
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Jack Black Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45
By making sunscreen part of your daily routine, you can help maintain a youthful, healthy complexion and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Don't underestimate the importance of sun protection!
Additional Serums/Treatments
Serums are concentrated formulas that target specific skincare concerns. For men looking to step up their routine, serums offer an easy add-on to address fine lines, uneven tone, breakouts and more.
Anti-Aging
Target wrinkles and age spots by incorporating a retinol or vitamin C serum a few nights per week. Start by applying just once or twice a week to build tolerance as these ingredients can be drying or irritating for some. Popular options:
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
- Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster
Acne Spot Treatment
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide formulas help treat and prevent breakouts by penetrating pores to remove excess oil, dead skin and bacteria. They can sting or cause dryness so use sparingly just on active acne spots only. Popular options:
- Neutrogena Stubborn Acne PM Treatment Gel
- Differin Acne Treatment Gel with Benzoyl Peroxide
Benefits of Eye Creams for Men
Keeping the area around men's eyes properly hydrated and cared for is just as important as the rest of your face. Using a high quality eye cream designed for men can provide a wide range of benefits:
Reduces Dark Circles and Puffiness: Caffeine is often used in men’s eye creams to constrict blood vessels, which helps diminish the appearance of tired looking, puffy eyes and dark under eye circles. The cooling metal applicator that comes with most men’s eye creams can also help reduce puffiness.
Decreases Crow’s Feet and Fine Lines: Men's skin is thicker but loses collagen at a faster rate than women's as we age. Using an eye cream rich in ingredients like retinol and peptides boosts collagen production, plumps skin and softens fine lines around the eyes.
Improves Hydration and Elasticity: Men's eye creams hydrate the thin skin around the eyes, increasing moisture levels that tend to drop as you age. Hydrated skin leads to improved elasticity and a more youthful appearance.
Prevents Future Signs of Aging: Using an eye cream daily provides antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals from UV exposure which break down skin cells. Preventing this cellular damage will help decrease development of future wrinkles and under eye bags.
Since the skin around men's eyes is thinner and more susceptible to aging than elsewhere on your face, using a specially formulated eye cream for men twice daily will keep this delicate area stay healthy and youthful looking. Look for caffeine as well as vitamins and botanicals when choosing the best eye cream for your skincare routine.
Add Face Masks to Your Routine
Face masks provide extra benefits to the skin and offer a worthy boost to your regular skincare routine. There are two main types of face masks - clay masks for oily or acne-prone skin and hydrating masks for dry skin.
Clay Masks for Oily Skin
A clay mask is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. There are many varieties of clay with bentonite and kaolin being among the most popular for their ability to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from the pores. Clay mask ingredients also often have astringent and antibacterial properties. These will leave your skin feeling fresh, purified, and with a more matte finish. Some good clay mask options include:
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
- L'Oreal Men Expert Charcoal Clay Mask
- Dead Sea Mud Mask by Kypris Beauty
Hydrating Masks for Dry Skin
If you have dry or mature skin, opt for a hydrating mask packed with moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. The masks soothe and nourish dry or dull skin and leave it feeling revitalized and plump. For hydration benefits, try some of these hydrating face masks:
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
- First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
- Wanderer After Hours Hydration Boost Mask
How Often to Use Face Masks
Apply a clay or hydrating face mask 1 or 2 times per week after cleansing for best results. Let the mask sit on clean, dry skin for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off. Use face masks in the evening before bedtime when you don't need to go anywhere for optimal relaxation. Avoid overuse as too many masks can strip natural oils or irritate sensitive skin if not selected properly for your skin type. Track how your skin looks and feels to find your ideal mask routine.
Routine Tips
Having a solid skincare routine is important for men who want healthy, clear skin. But simply following the steps is not enough - building the right habits matters, too. Here are some general tips for getting the most out of your skincare routine:
Consistency is Key
The key to an effective skincare routine is actually using it! The products will only work if applied regularly, so aim to follow your routine every morning and/or evening. Skipping steps or only doing your routine occasionally won't yield results. Establish a consistent habit and stick with it.
Listen to Your Skin
Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels and adjust products accordingly. If your cleanser seems to dry out or irritate your skin, consider switching. If an acne spot treatment isn't improving blemishes, try a different active ingredient. Let your skin guide you to figure out which products deliver real benefits.