The Best Skincare Routine For Men, According to Science

When men think about looking after themselves, they're focused on their diet, workout routine, and clothing. If they're really going for it, they might try a different hair or beard style. But there's one glaring issue that goes overlooked: your skin.

Your complexion is one of the biggest things people first notice about you. You might have an Italian suit, be jacked, and have a killer beard, but if there's dry skin around your eyes or blotchy redness, you're a long way from your best.

But it's not just about how you look today – getting the right men's skincare routine can ward off the signs of aging. That means fewer wrinkles, less discoloration, and overall better appearance.

So, if you're asking yourself, "What should my skincare routine be?" Don't worry! We've put together the best skincare routine for men, fully backed by science.

In this guide:

• The Basics of Men's Skincare
• The Value of Beard Oil
• Advanced Skincare Products

The Basics of Men's Skincare

If you're just getting into skincare, it's best to start small. Most men wash their face daily. But do you use a special cleanser? Or do you just use a bit of shower gel or, worse, soap!? Your current practices are likely drying your skin out, accelerating the signs of aging. 

The good news? With a few simple tips, you can have an incredible skincare routine that'll see you through the decades to come. 

Here's the rules:

Rule 1. Cleanse Twice a Day

The biggest question men ask is, "How often should I wash my face?" The answer is twice a day – morning and evening. Washing your face removes the buildup of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells that accumulate throughout the day or overnight. This dirt and grime clog up your pores, leading to breakouts.

Instead, give your face a thorough wash in the morning before applying any other products, and then cleanse again at night as part of your bedtime regimen.

Oh, and don't use anything but a specialized face wash. There are tons of men's face cleansers on the market. Find one that works for you and stick with it.

Rule 2. Exfoliate Twice a Week

Removing dead skin cells allows your skin to breathe. It opens up your pores, giving you a smoother, softer, and brighter complexion. Exfoliators come in two varieties:

1. Chemical Exfoliators: Use acids or enzymes to dissolve bonds between skin cells for gentle removal without physical scrubbing, suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
2. Physical Exfoliators: Utilize small granules or a textured tool to manually scrub off dead skin cells, providing immediate smoothness, best for more resilient skin types.

Chemical exfoliators are usually reserved for people with severe acne or repeated breakouts. Most men will benefit from a physical exfoliator, and they're gentler on your skin. We recommend exfoliating in the evening after cleansing to allow your skin to recover overnight.

Rule 3. Always Moisturize

Even the mildest face washes strip away moisture from your skin. It's just part of the process. You need to add this moisture back with a reliable men's moisturizer. These products hydrate your face, preserving the natural moisture levels. You will want to moisturize in the morning and evening after you've finished washing or exfoliating your face.

Generally, you want to opt for a lightweight moisturizer – something that'll lock in the moisture. However, if you've got oily skin, a gel-based moisturizer that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue is best. 

Rule 4. Wear Sunscreen

The sun is the #1 enemy of your skin. Harmful UV rays gradually damage your skin, causing aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen protects against UV damage. You'll want an SPF of 30 or above.

Some moisturizers already contain sunscreen, meaning you don't have to apply the cream twice. However, if you're heading out into the sun for long periods, we recommend trying a stronger sunscreen for maximum protection. 

The Value of Beard Oil

Beard oil might sound like an odd addition to a men's skincare routine. However, as any man with a decent beard will tell you, dealing with dry skin under the beard is a chronic problem. Often, people find entire flakes of skin come away somewhere beneath their thick locks.

The solution? You guessed it; it's beard oil.

Beard Sorcery's Beard Oil is specially formulated to eliminate beard itch, dry skin, and unruly hair. Enriched with pure jojoba oil, virgin argan oil, apricot kernel oil, pumpkin seed oil, and rosehip oil, it contains all the essential vitamins and ingredients crucial for healthy skin and hair. 

Applying just 3 – 5 drops as part of your morning routine will work wonders. Work it into your hair using a beard brush – this doubles as a light exfoliating, removing the dry skin embedded in your beard. It'll push the oil deeper into the beard, letting it hydrate the underlying skin. 

Advanced Skincare Products

Everything we've listed above is perfect for men in their 20s and early 30s. However, as time goes by, you might consider adding a few extras to your routine. These include:

• Antioxidant Serum. Boosts your skin's defense against pollution and environmental stressors that contribute to premature aging. Ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid are common and effective.
• Eye Cream. Specially formulated to hydrate and protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Look for products containing caffeine to reduce puffiness and retinol to diminish fine lines.
• Face Masks. Tailored treatments that address specific concerns such as excess oil, dehydration, or dull skin. Clay masks are great for oil control, while sheet masks can provide a hydrating boost.
• Toners. Essential for restoring the skin's natural pH after cleansing, tightening pores, and improving the overall texture of your skin. Ingredients like witch hazel can control oil, while hyaluronic acid can provide moisture.
• Blemish Serum. Beard Sorcery's new blemish serum (Healing Monk) helps keep your skin clear, reducing redness and irritation. Its ingredients control bacteria and promote better cell turnover. It'll even soften your scars over time.