The Best Skincare Routine For Men
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
Originally published on | January 22
And it need not be complicated say Giorgi Strachan and Shivan Patel from MECCA’s Beauty Board. “You just need to know the basics,” says Strachan, with Patel adding, “And someone to take away all the jargon!”
The pair are here to walk you through an easy men’s skincare routine for beginners. It should only take you three minutes in the morning and even less time in the evening, while leaving your skin feeling fresh, smooth and hydrated. Let’s start with an overview:
Your motto: keep it simple. Start with the essentials, learn the best order to apply them and build your routine based on how your skin feels.
“Understanding your skin goals is a great way to find the right products for you,” explains Strachan. “If you are unsure where to start, book a consultation with a MECCA Skin Specialist who will help you determine specific ingredients and products that will give you the results you’re looking for.”
Just as you wash the skin on your body every day, washing your face is the essential first step in any skincare routine. “Functionally, cleansing removes dirt, oil and pollutants, and helps to prevent congestion,” explains Strachan. “This is particularly important for those with facial hair, as it helps to balance both the hair and the skin underneath.”
In addition, proper cleansing enhances the absorption of subsequent skincare products and helps prevent irritation from shaving.
What might this look like? “You’ve just hopped out of the shower and brushed your teeth, now it’s time to cleanse,” says Patel. “I like to use a light cleanser to really wake up my skin in the morning. Ingredients like caffeine and citrus will leave your skin feeling the zing!”
In the evening, reach for an oil or foaming cleanser to effectively whisk away dirt and stubborn SPF.
Regular exfoliation (twice a week) helps provide a smooth and vibrant complexion by sloughing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
“Those with facial hair may experience a more oily complexion and congestion due to the number of follicles on the face,” says Strachan, adding, “Regular exfoliation will help to maintain the skin under the beard by removing the barrier of dead cells and assist in combating ingrown hairs and any razor bumps.”
She recommends choosing gentle exfoliators tailored to your skin type. For men with longer beards, granular exfoliants can get caught in the hair – so Strachan recommends trying a cleansing gel with ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid instead.
Want to level up? Once you have your base routine, add in a serum for even better results. “A serum is beneficial because it offers concentrated, targeted ingredients that directly benefit the skin,” says Strachan, adding, “They contain potent active ingredients that can address specific skin concerns such as dryness, fine lines, dullness or irritation, particularly after shaving.”
Patel agrees: “This step is one missed by many – but in my opinion, it’s one of the most important.”
Everyone needs a moisturiser to prevent dryness and maintain the skin's balance. “Regular moisturising can also help improve texture and minimise the visible signs of ageing, like fine lines and discolouration,” explains Strachan. “This important step also creates a supportive barrier from environmental aggressors and can help calm the skin.”
For Patel, moisturiser is a non-negotiable: “Choose a moisturiser targeted to your skin type,” he advises, adding, “For instance, if you have oily skin there are lighter options available, but if you’re on the dry side, try something rich and comforting.”
If you can only commit to one step, make it SPF. “Even on cloudy days, employing the use of an SPF is essential as UV rays can still impact the skin,” Strachan says.
Let it be known that sunscreens have come a long way from the thick, greasy formulas you might remember from your youth; many include additional skincare benefits and some are so lightweight you can barely feel them on your skin.
Read more: Everything You Need To Know About SPF
"Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30, and always apply it as the last step in your skincare routine,” Strachan advises. It goes without saying, this step only applies to your morning routine!
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
