Best Basic Skincare Routine for Men
More often than not, a skincare routine for men means a quick face splash in the shower and a quick towel dry. Unfortunately, that’s not going to cut it if you want healthy skin, gents!
The good news is a men's skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated or take up half your morning. It’s really just a few smart steps in the right order, so your skin looks and feels fresh and comfortable, keeping you ready for whatever the day throws at you.
In this chapter, we’ll break down a basic skincare routine for men, for both morning and night, plus a few optional upgrades if you want to level up. And if you’d rather shop the routine than think about it, we’ll point you to Clarins’
Key Takeaways
- A basic skincare routine for men is simple: AM - cleanse, tone, serum, moisturize, sunscreen; PM - cleanse, tone, nighttime moisturizer.
- Cleanse before shaving to help your skin feel more comfortable and support a smoother shave.
- Toner is the reset step: it refreshes skin and preps it for moisturizer and other products.
- Serum is your targeted anti-aging treatment that gives your skin that special treatment its craving.
- Moisturizer is non-negotiable for skin that looks fresh and feels comfortable, find one you’ll actually use daily.
- Sunscreen is the most important morning step to help defend against UV exposure that can make skin look dull and uneven over time (don’t forget ears, neck, and hands).
Best Skincare Routine for Men
A great basic skincare routine for men should be simple. The one we designed for you will take you through just a few easy steps: cleanse, balance, eye care, serum, moisturize, and protect in the morning, then cleanse, tone, eye care, and moisturize at night. That’s it. The “best” routine is really the one you’ll actually do (and can do on autopilot, half-asleep, before coffee).
If you’re looking for a little more guidance, you can build your perfect routine in just a few clicks with our
Morning routine
Mornings are all about getting your skin to look awake and feel comfortable. This routine helps rinse off overnight buildup, add lightweight hydration, and finish with protection so your skin stays looking fresh through whatever your day has planned.
Step 1. Cleanse
Overnight, skin collects oil, sweat, and whatever’s going on with your pillowcase. A face cleanser helps rinse away that buildup so your skin feels comfortable, not tight or squeaky. Use lukewarm water, massage for about 20 seconds, rinse, and pat dry.
You can level up this step by choosing an
Quick tip: If you shave in the morning, cleanse first. It helps soften the surface, making shaving feel smoother.
Step 2: Tone
Think of toner as the “reset” step. It removes the last traces of cleanser, helps skin feel refreshed, and preps you for what comes next. Sweep it on with your hands or a cotton pad—fast, easy, done.
Try the
Step 3: Eye cream
The delicate skin around your eyes needs special care, so it’s important to include an eye cream in your routine. We recommend our ClarinsMen Energizing Eye Gel, it’ll feel great as you apply it, and visibly depuffs and gets rid of dark circles.
Step 4: An anti-aging serum
If you’re looking for an anti-aging step, this is a great place to start. Serums layer in quickly, feel lightweight, and help level up your skincare routine.
Our
Step 5: Moisturize
Moisturizer is your daily comfort layer. It helps skin look healthy and stay hydrated in any condition. Pick a texture you’ll enjoy using—gel-like, lightweight lotion, or something richer if your skin tends to feel dry.
Step 6: Sunscreen
If you only commit to one step long-term, make it this one. Sunscreen helps defend skin from UV exposure that can make it look dull and uneven over time. Apply it as your final morning step (and reapply if you’re outside for extended periods).
Try Clarins multi-protection
Bonus tip: Don’t forget ears, neck, and the back of your hands. Those areas get just as much daylight as your face.
Evening routine
Nighttime is about cleaning off the day and supporting skin while you rest. Your skin picks up a lot of pollution, oil, and sunscreen throughout the day, so it’s important to cleanse each night.
Step 1: Cleanse
Same as the morning, but with one extra job: removing sunscreen and daily grime. If you’ve had a long day or worked out, a thorough cleanse helps your skin feel clean and comfortable before bed.
Step 2: Toner
You used it in the morning and it’s helpful in the evening too to help remove the last traces of the day. Give your skin a once-over with a cotton pad and some toner, and you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 3: Eye cream
The eye area can look tired before the rest of your face catches up. Late nights and early meetings, as well as staring at screens, can all exhaust this area of your face. An eye product adds comfort and moisture where skin is more delicate, and it takes about five seconds to apply. Tap it in gently with your ring finger (Don’t rub. This area likes a softer touch).
Step 4: Nighttime moisturizer
Finish with a night cream or moisturizer to seal in comfort and keep skin feeling soft when you wake up. The textures of night products are often a little more cushy than daytime moisturizers, which is perfect if your skin feels tight after shaving or if you spend a lot of time in dry indoor air.
Bonus Steps
Once you’ve nailed the basics, these add-ons are the “nice to have”
Add-on 1: Exfoliator
Think of exfoliation as a polish step: it helps lift away surface buildup, so skin looks smoother and feels softer. It can also be a game-changer if your skin tends to feel rough or if shaving leaves you feeling a little stubbly. Keep it simple: 1–2 times per week is plenty for most people.
Add-on 2: After-shave balm
If shaving leaves your skin feeling tight or uncomfortable, an after-shave balm is the comfort step you’ll actually look forward to. It helps calm that post-shave feeling, adds moisture, and makes your skin feel more calm.
Are Skincare Routines Different for Men and Women?
The basics are the same for everyone: cleanse, moisturize, and wear sunscreen daily. Where things can differ is how skin behaves and what it deals with day to day. Hormonal differences often mean men’s skin is thicker and can produce more oil, which may appear as extra shine or a heavier-feeling surface. Add shaving into the mix, and skin can also feel tight or uncomfortable if it’s not supported with the right textures.
That’s why the best routine isn’t for men or women, it’s the one that fits your skin and your lifestyle. Look for products that feel easy to use, layer well, and leave your skin feeling comfortable and looking fresh. If you want more options to explore, visit our skincare routines hub.
Frequently Asked Mens Skincare Questions
When should men start a skincare routine?
Now. If you’ve got skin, you can start a routine, there is no “right age” to begin. Start with the basics: cleanse morning and night, moisturize after, and add sunscreen every morning. Keep it simple for two weeks so it becomes automatic, then upgrade with a serum or eye product if you want more targeted results.
What is the 3-step skincare routine for men?
A simple 3-step routine is: Cleanse + Moisturize + Sunscreen (AM). At night, skip sunscreen and stick with Cleanse + Serum + Moisturize. Use a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer while skin is slightly damp for best results.
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Men’s anti-aging face cream powered by our exclusive Matrix Lift Technology to visibly lift, firm, smooth skin and refine pores.
