Keep Your Skin Looking Its Best With This 5-Step Skincare Routine for Men

The secret is out: A lot of guys care just as much about their skin as women do. Still, that might not translate into wanting to commit to a 10-step daily skincare routine for men. The good news is, you don’t need a super-complicated and lengthy skincare routine to get the job done. A simple skincare regimen for men is possible, and won’t require you to sacrifice a bunch of time.

If you want to improve the look of your skin without a hassle, we’ve got just the thing for you. Ahead, we’re sharing a simple yet effective men's skincare routine you can easily incorporate into your day-to-day. Learn what to apply and when—as well as some of our favorite products to use to get the results you’ve been looking for.

A No-Fuss, 5-Step Skincare Routine for Men

While there are some differences between women and men’s skin—like male skin generally being more dense—the basic aspects of women and men’s skincare routines are the same. But what sets this basic skincare routine for men apart are a couple of products formulated specifically for the guys. Plus, we’re making it as easy as possible to keep your skin looking healthy and feeling refreshed by providing recommendations for each step.

Step 1: Cleanser

Regardless of your age, you’ll want to kick things off with a facial cleanser. It’s always (we repeat, always) a good idea to cleanse your skin morning and night in order to help get rid of dirt, pollution, and excess oils that have built up on its surface. This vital step helps set you up for success by priming your face for the rest of your daily skincare routine for men.

L’Oréal Paris Men Expert® Hydra Energetic Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal is an excellent way to kick off any skin regimen for men. This formula acts as a magnet to attract and remove all kinds of daily grime, addressing five common problems in its wake: dirt, oily skin, dullness, clogged pores, and stickiness. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your skin, concentrating on your forehead, nose, and chin, since these areas tend to be oilier than the rest of your face. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.

Step 2: Serum

Instantly give your skin a brighter and fresher look with L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. Blended with superstar ingredients such as niacinamide and ferulic acid, this lightweight, non-greasy serum reduces the appearance of dark spots—including post-acne marks, sunspots, and age spots.* In just two weeks, your skin will start to look clearer. With continued use, it will be visibly improved in just a few short months.

*Based on expert grading of dark spots (age & sun spots) and post-acne marks in a clinical study over 12 weeks.

Step 3: Eye serum

Dark circles and puffy eyes can make anyone appear exhausted—even if getting enough sleep isn’t the issue. Instead of splashing your face with cold water to help look more awake, try adding L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Caffeine Eye Serum to your new daily skincare routine for men.

Instantly invigorate the skin around your eyes with the triple-action rolling, flexible applicator with three cooling stainless steel balls. The non-greasy formula with hyaluronic acid and caffeine works quickly to depuff, hydrate, and re-energize your skin. With continued use, dark circles, crow’s feet, and under-eye fine lines and wrinkles will become less noticeable—not to mention, your skin will feel more taught, providing a more youthful look.

Step 4: Moisturizer

No skincare routine for men would be complete without proper moisturizing—day and night. Give your skin the moisture it craves while helping to combat wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of firmness with L’Oréal Paris Men Expert® Vita Lift SPF 15 Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer. Rub a dime-sized amount between your hands and massage it over your face and neck to reap the anti-aging benefits of Pro-Retinol, a form of vitamin A. Bonus: Our patented Active Defense System (ADS) helps protect skin against irritation, dryness, and discomfort, potential side effects of other retinols and retinoids.

Step 5: Sunscreen

If there’s one thing in common the best skincare routines for men share, it’s that they wouldn’t be complete without sunscreen. (We’ll explain more about why this step is so important in a sec, when we share some top skincare tips for men.)

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion has you covered. This invisible, lightweight, non-greasy formula provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Blended with vitamins C and E, this sunscreen instantly hydrates your skin while also guarding it from free radicals. With daily use, it also leaves skin looking brighter, more even, and with less visible fine lines.

Editor’s note: Our Bright Reveal sunscreen pairs particularly well with the niacinamide serum we recommended earlier. Learn more in the video above!

Skincare Tips for Men

To help get the most out of your new skincare routine for men, keep the following tips in mind.

• Know your skin type: Everyone’s skin is unique, so all skin regimens for men should take into account whether your skin is generally normal (ie, usually clear and not sensitive), oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. If you’re unsure of your skin type or what the best customized routine may be, always ask your dermatologist.
• Wash your face day and night—and after working out: Our facial skin gets a lot of air exposure—including all the dirt and pollutants that come with it. To keep it fresh and clean, be sure to cleanse in lukewarm—not hot—water daily, before and after bed, as well as after you’ve broken a sweat.
• Avoid products with fragrance if you have sensitive skin: If your skin is easily irritated, look for gentle products that are fragrance-free. This is because fragrances may cause dryness and irritation for people with already sensitive skin. You’ll also want to watch out for formulas labeled as “unscented,” as this doesn’t necessarily indicate that they lack fragrances—it may only mean that they contain an ingredient or ingredients that mask aromas.
• For acne-prone skin, look for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” on the label: Skincare products that are labeled as being oil-free or non-comedogenic won’t clog your pores. This can be especially important if your skin is acne-prone or vulnerable to breakouts and blemishes.
• Read ingredient labels—and pair wisely: Even if you think you’ve found the best men’s face routine, make sure to check the labels on each product to be sure that all the ingredients you’re layering play well with each other.
• Moisturize daily: We know that water is essential for life—and 64% of our skin is made up of H₂O. Applying a moisturizer daily—especially while skin is still damp after cleansing—helps trap our natural reservoirs while also replenishing any moisture that’s been lost. And if that isn’t enough reason to stay moisturized, remember that well-hydrated skin looks younger and less dull.
• Make sunscreen a priority: Even on cloudy days, your skin still needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays—especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are at their peak. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and consider wearing protective clothing—like lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Shave properly: If you shave, be kind to your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that while multi-blade razors may seem like a more efficient way to get baby soft skin, sometimes, they can work too well, resulting in razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. To protect yourself, avoid dry shaving and, instead, moisten your skin and hair to soften them. Don’t go against the grain either—rather, go with the flow and shave in the direction of your hair growth. Rinse your razor after each swipe, and consider your razor’s lifespan to be about five to seven shaves.

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