Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, but it does require consistency and the right approach.
Men’s skin is unique, influenced by factors like regular shaving, higher oil production, and increased exposure to outdoor elements. These factors create specific needs that a structured and good skincare routine for men can address effectively.
If you’re new to skincare or looking to refine your current habits, this guide will help simplify the process and provide actionable steps, along with specific product recommendations to help you pick the right essentials for your skin type.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
Skin types can vary widely, so before jumping into skin care products for men, figure out what your skin actually needs. Understanding your type ensures you build a simple skincare routine that addresses your specific concerns without irritating your skin.
- Normal Skin: Balanced, neither oily nor dry.
- Oily Skin: Shiny and prone to breakouts.
- Dry Skin: Tight, rough, or flaky in some areas.
- Combination Skin: Features oily areas (often the T-zone) and dry patches elsewhere.
- Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to products or environmental changes.
2. Cleanse the Right Way
Cleansing is the foundation of every good skincare routine for men. Skipping this step or using harsh soaps can lead to buildup, breakouts, or dryness.
- How Often: Morning and evening.
- What to Use: Look for a gentle cleanser formulated for your skin type. For instance, foaming formulas work well for oily skin, while creamier options suit drier faces.
- How to Do It: Use lukewarm water to dampen your face. Massage a dime-sized amount of cleanser into your skin in circular motions. Focus on areas like the nose and forehead. Then rinse thoroughly and pat dry—don’t rub.
Try DS Laboratories – CBD CLEANSER, a sulphate-free stick for men that targets dry spots on the face and neck. It’s packed with natural ingredients to keep your skin fresh and hydrated.
Other products to check out:
3. Make Exfoliation Part of Your Routine
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can dull your complexion and clog pores. There are two main types of exfoliants:
1. Physical Exfoliants
- Scrubs: Products with gritty particles like sugar or salt to scrub away dead skin.
- Brushes & Tools: Devices used with cleansers to manually exfoliate.
2. Chemical Exfoliants:
- AHAs: Water-soluble acids for surface exfoliation, ideal for dry skin.
- BHAs: Oil-soluble acids for deeper pore cleansing, great for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Enzyme Exfoliants: Fruit enzymes that gently remove dead skin are good for sensitive skin.
Properly using your exfoliant is simple. Here’s how:
- How Often: 2–3 times a week. Avoid over-exfoliating to prevent irritation.
- What to Use: A scrub with fine particles is great for tougher, oil-prone skin. Consider a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs for sensitive or dry types.
- How to Do It: Apply to damp skin and gently rub in small circles. Avoid pressing too hard—your skin isn’t a floor that needs scrubbing. Rinse well and follow with a moisturiser.
Our top picks for effective exfoliation:
- Matis Authentik-Scrub
- Matis Peel-Perf
- DS Laboratories – STIMUBRUSH
4. Don’t Skip the Toner
Toners do more than you think! They remove leftover residue from cleansing, balance your skin’s pH, and prepare your face for the products that come next.
- How Often: Morning and night, right after cleansing.
- What to Use: Alcohol-free formulas are less likely to cause dryness. For acne-prone skin, pick one with salicylic acid. If your skin needs hydration, look for hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
- How to Do It: Soak a cotton pad and sweep it gently across your face. Alternatively, pat the toner directly into your skin with your hands. Let it dry before moving on.
For an easy and effective skin routine for men, check out these toners:
5. Add a Serum for Targeted Results
Serums are concentrated treatments that can help tackle specific concerns like dullness, fine lines, or dehydration. Think of them as boosters for your skin.
- How Often: Morning, night, or both, depending on the product.
- What to Use: Vitamin C for daytime brightening and protection, hyaluronic acid for hydration at night, retinol for anti-ageing, and nutrient complex for nourishment and overall skin health.
- How to Do It: After toner, apply a few drops of serum to your face and gently press them in with your fingertips. Focus on areas that need extra attention, like dry patches.
Must-try eye serums:
6. Moisturise for Hydration and Protection
Whether you’re looking for an affordable skincare routine for men or high-end options, moisturising is essential. A good moisturiser creates a barrier that locks in hydration and shields against environmental aggressors.
- How Often: Twice daily, morning and night.
- What to Use: Lightweight gels are perfect for oily skin, while richer creams are better for dryness. Combination skin may need different products for different areas.
- How to Do It: Take a small amount, warm it between your fingers, and massage it into your face and neck. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, like around the nose or jawline.
Moisturisers you should try:
7. Don’t Ignore Your Eyes
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to ageing. It’s often the first area to show signs of fatigue or stress.
- How Often: Morning and night.
- What to Use: A cooling gel for puffiness or cream with caffeine for dark circles works wonders.
- How to Do It: Dab a tiny amount under your eyes using your ring finger, which applies the least pressure. Avoid dragging or pulling the skin.
Recommended Eye Care Products for men:
8. Use Sunscreen Every Single Day
Skipping sunscreen is one of the biggest skincare mistakes. UV rays can cause everything from wrinkles to skin cancer, even on cloudy days.
- How Often: Every morning, as the final step.
- What to Use: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Many moisturisers come with SPF built-in for convenience.
- How to Do It: Apply a generous amount to your face and neck, and reapply if you spend extended time outdoors.
Look for products with new-generation UV filters that offer broad-spectrum protection. Vitaderm Invisible Photo Defence is a great option. It has a lightweight matte texture and shields your skin from harmful UVA, UVB rays, and even blue light from screens. Plus, its high SPF helps combat signs of premature ageing.
Additional Tips for Men’s Skincare
Now that you’ve nailed down your skincare routine, here are a few more products to keep your skin healthy with minimal effort:
- Sooth & protect while shaving: Use cooling and refreshing shaving gel filled with natural ingredients. Try Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shave Gel, infused with tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender.
- Don’t neglect your hands: Use fast-absorbing cream like Moroccanoil Hand Cream Originale to hydrate your hands, nails, and cuticles.
Find the Best Men’s Skincare Products in South Africa
A good skincare routine for men doesn’t have to be overwhelming or involve a ton of products. It’s all about consistency and choosing the right solutions for your skin.
At Everything Hair, we offer a selection of premium skincare products tailored for male skin. From cleansers and exfoliators to moisturisers and treatments, our range helps you create an easy, effective routine.
Explore our collection and take the first step toward a confident, glowing complexion!
