The Best Skincare Routine for Men: A Simple Beginner's Guide

If your current skincare routine is shower, shave, aftershave and hope for the best, you're definitely not alone. The good news is that a good skincare routine for men doesn't need to be complicated.

You don't need ten products, a bathroom shelf full of serums or half an hour every morning. For most men, a simple routine built around cleansing, moisturising, sun protection and proper post-shave care is a great place to start. And if you shave regularly? What you do immediately after shaving can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable your skin feels. Here's how to build a simple men's skincare routine you'll actually stick to.

The Simple Men's Skincare Routine

Want the short version?

Morning: Cleanser → Moisturiser → Sunscreen

Evening: Cleanser → Moisturiser

When shaving: Cleanse → Shave → Aftershave → Moisturise if needed

That's it.

Once you've mastered the basics, you can add products for specific concerns such as dryness, oily skin, fine lines or uneven-looking skin. But start simple. Your skin doesn't get bonus points for having the longest routine.

Why Do Men Need a Skincare Routine?

Skin is skin. Men can experience the same everyday concerns as anyone else, including:

• Dryness
• Oiliness
• Dehydration
• Breakouts
• Sun damage
• Fine lines
• Rough texture
• Sensitivity
• Shaving irritation

Regular shaving adds another consideration because repeatedly running a razor across the skin can contribute to redness, dryness and irritation, especially if you're using a blunt razor or shaving without enough lubrication. A basic skincare routine helps keep your skin clean, moisturised, protected and comfortable. And it doesn't have to become a hobby.

Step 1: Wash Your Face With a Gentle Cleanser.

Let's start with something surprisingly important: Your shower gel isn't automatically a face cleanser. Neither is whatever bar of soap happens to be sitting beside the sink. Facial skin can respond differently to stronger cleansing products, so a face-specific cleanser is usually a better choice.

How often should men wash their face?

For many men, cleansing in the morning and evening works well. At minimum, cleansing at night helps remove the day's accumulation of:

• Oil
• Sweat
• Sunscreen
• Dirt
• Environmental debris

If your skin becomes dry or tight from frequent cleansing, adjust your routine and choose a gentler product. Your face should feel clean and comfortable, not squeaky and stripped.

What cleanser should men use?

It depends on your skin.

Oily skin: look for a cleanser that removes excess oil without leaving your face uncomfortably tight.

Dry skin: choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser.

Sensitive skin: keep things simple and avoid unnecessarily aggressive cleansing.

Combination skin: choose a balanced cleanser and resist the temptation to attack your T-zone with the strongest product you can find.

If your face feels tight five minutes after washing, that's usually a sign to reconsider what you're using.

Step 2: Moisturise - Yes, Even If You Have Oily Skin.

A lot of men skip moisturiser because they assume: "My skin is oily. Why would I put more moisture on it?" Oil and hydration aren't the same thing. Your skin can produce plenty of oil while still feeling dehydrated or uncomfortable. A moisturiser helps support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

Choosing a moisturiser for men's skin: If you have oily skin, you may prefer a lighter lotion or gel-like moisturiser. If you have dry skin, a richer cream may feel more comfortable. If you have combination skin, a lightweight everyday moisturiser is often a good starting point. And if shaving leaves your face feeling tight or dry, moisturising becomes particularly useful.

Ingredients commonly found in hydrating skincare include:

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Squalane
• Panthenol

Mineral-enriched moisturisers can also be incorporated into a men's routine if you enjoy Dead Sea skincare. The important thing is the complete formulation and how your skin responds to it.

Step 3: Wear Sunscreen Every Morning.

If you're only going to take one anti-ageing tip from this entire article, make it this one: Use sunscreen.

UV exposure contributes to premature skin ageing and skin damage, and sun protection is an important part of reducing UV-related skin cancer risk. In Australia, this isn't a step worth treating as optional. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for your skin and use it according to the label directions. And no, sunscreen isn't just for:

• The beach
• Summer holidays
• Playing golf
• Days when it's extremely hot

UV and temperature aren't the same thing. Make sun protection part of your normal morning routine and follow current Australian sun-protection advice.

Step 4: Make Shaving Part of Your Skincare Routine.

This is where men's skincare gets particularly interesting. Shaving isn't separate from skincare.
Shaving is skincare.
Every time a razor travels across your face, it's interacting directly with the surface of your skin. A rushed shave with a blunt blade, excessive pressure and no post-shave care can leave your face feeling:

• Tight
• Dry
• Red
• Uncomfortable
• Sensitive

So let's improve the process.

The Best Skincare Routine Before Shaving.

1. Clean your face

Start with clean skin. A gentle cleanse helps remove excess oil and debris before your razor gets involved.

2. Use warm water

Warm - not painfully hot - water can help make the shaving process more comfortable. Shaving during or shortly after a shower is convenient because the facial hair has already been exposed to water.

3. Use a proper shaving product

Don't dry-shave with a manual razor and expect your skin to be thrilled about it. Use a suitable shaving cream, gel or other lubricating product to help the razor glide across the skin.

4. Don't press too hard

Let the razor do its job. Pressing harder doesn't necessarily give you a better shave. It can simply increase friction against the skin.

5. Look after your razor

A razor blade shouldn't become a family heirloom. Replace blades when they become dull and keep your shaving equipment clean.

What Does Aftershave Actually Do?

Here's the product many men already know - but don't necessarily understand. Aftershave is designed to be used after shaving to help care for freshly shaved skin. Depending on the formulation, an aftershave product may help skin feel:

• Refreshed
• Soothed
• Hydrated
• Softer
• More comfortable after shaving

There are several different types of aftershave.

Traditional aftershave splash

These are the classic aftershaves many people immediately think of. They tend to feel refreshing and often have a noticeable fragrance. Some traditional formulas contain a relatively high amount of alcohol, which can create that familiar sting. If your face feels like you've just introduced it to a flamethrower, however, don't assume that means the product is "working."

Aftershave balm

Balms generally have a creamier texture and can be a good option for men who want more moisturising post-shave care. They're particularly appealing if shaving leaves your skin feeling dry or tight.

Aftershave cream

Aftershave creams tend to offer a richer skincare experience and can combine post-shave comfort with moisturising ingredients. 

They're worth considering if you want your aftershave and skincare routine to overlap rather than using several separate products.

How to Use Aftershave Properly

After you've finished shaving:

1. Rinse your face. Remove remaining shaving cream and loose hair.

2. Pat your skin dry. Don't aggressively rub your freshly shaved face with a towel.

3. Apply your aftershave. Use a small amount and gently spread it over the shaved areas.

4. Follow with moisturiser if needed. Whether you need a separate moisturiser depends on the aftershave formula and your skin type.

If you're using a moisturising aftershave balm or cream and your skin already feels comfortable, you may not need another heavy layer. Listen to your skin.

Aftershave vs Moisturiser: Do Men Need Both?

Sometimes. Think of them as products with overlapping—but not necessarily identical—jobs.
Aftershave is specifically designed around post-shave care.
Moisturiser is designed primarily to hydrate and help reduce moisture loss from the skin.

A hydrating aftershave balm may provide enough moisture for some men, particularly during warmer months. Someone with very dry skin might prefer:
Aftershave → Moisturiser

The right combination depends on your skin and the products you're using. There's no skincare police waiting to check whether you applied exactly four products.

Does Aftershave Help With Razor Burn?

First, let's clarify what people generally mean by razor burn. It's the redness, stinging, sensitivity or irritation that can appear after shaving. Post-shave products formulated to soothe and moisturise may help freshly shaved skin feel more comfortable. But aftershave won't compensate for poor shaving technique.
If you're constantly experiencing irritation, look at the entire routine:

• Is your blade blunt?
• Are you pressing too hard?
• Are you repeatedly shaving over the same area?
• Are you using enough shaving cream?
• Is your cleanser too harsh?
• Does your aftershave sting excessively?
• Are you applying strong skincare actives immediately afterwards?

Fix the cause rather than simply covering up the aftermath.

What About Dead Sea Mineral Aftershave?

Dead Sea mineral skincare can fit naturally into men's grooming. Dead Sea-derived ingredients are associated with minerals including magnesium, calcium and potassium, and mineral-rich skincare has become particularly popular in moisturisers, cleansers, masks and body treatments. A Dead Sea mineral aftershave can combine the familiar post-shave step with the experience of mineral skincare. But don't buy an aftershave solely because the front of the bottle says "minerals." Look at the overall formulation. The best product is the one that suits your skin type, shaving habits and preferences.

A Men's Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Does your face regularly feel tight, rough or flaky? Keep your routine focused on gentle cleansing and moisture.
Morning: Gentle cleanser→ moisturiser→ sunscreen

Shaving days: Gentle cleanser → shave → moisturising aftershave balm or cream → moisturiser if needed → sunscreen during the day

Evening: Gentle cleanser → moisturiser

Avoid washing your face repeatedly with very hot water and be careful with aggressive exfoliation. Dry skin doesn't need punishment. It needs support.

A Men's Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Oily skin doesn't require industrial-strength degreaser. The goal is to remove excess oil without stripping your skin.

Morning: Cleanser → lightweight moisturiser → sunscreen

Evening: Cleanser → lightweight moisturiser

If you want to introduce an additional treatment, a suitable clay or mineral mud mask can occasionally be incorporated into the routine.add an extra treatment, you can occasionally incorporate a suitable clay or mineral mud mask  Just don't use every oil-removing product you own on the same night.

A Men's Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin benefits from simplicity.

Start with: Gentle cleanser → moisturiser → sunscreen

Then evaluate your shaving products. If your aftershave causes significant burning every single time you use it, consider whether the formulation is appropriate for you.

Introduce new skincare products individually rather than starting four on Monday and trying to work out which one caused redness on Tuesday.

What About Skincare for Men Over 40?

You don't suddenly need a completely different face when you turn 40.

The fundamentals remain: Cleanse. Moisturise. Protect.

If you want to target visible signs of ageing, you can then consider additional products containing ingredients such as:

• Retinoids
• Peptides
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic acid

But don't build an elaborate anti-ageing routine while ignoring sunscreen. Start with the foundations first.

Should Men Exfoliate?

Exfoliation can help remove dead surface skin cells and improve the feel and appearance of rough skin. But this is another area where enthusiasm can become irritation. You don't necessarily need to:

scrub + shave + exfoliating acid + retinol and all in the same evening.

Shaving itself already creates physical interaction with the skin's surface. If you use an exfoliating product, introduce it gradually and see how your skin responds. More tingling doesn't mean more results.

Do Men Need Face Masks?

Need? Probably not.

Can they be useful and enjoyable? Absolutely.

Different masks serve different purposes.

A clay or mud mask may appeal to men with oily-feeling skin.

A hydrating mask can be useful when skin feels dry.

A nourishing mask may suit someone looking for a richer treatment.

Dead Sea mud masks are particularly popular as part of mineral skincare routines.

Use them according to the product instructions rather than assuming leaving a mask on until your face can no longer move makes it more effective.

5 Common Men's Skincare Mistakes

1. Using the same soap for everything

Face, body and hands don't necessarily need the same cleanser. Choose products based on where you're using them.

2. Skipping moisturiser because your skin is oily

Oil isn't the same as hydration.

3. Treating aftershave sting as a sign of quality

Pain isn't a performance indicator.

4. Ignoring sunscreen

You can spend hundreds on anti-ageing skincare while ignoring one of the most important preventative steps.

5. Starting too many products at once

Keep it simple. Build a routine you can maintain before experimenting with extra serums, masks and active ingredients.

How Many Skincare Products Does a Man Actually Need?

For a beginner?

You can build an excellent foundation with just:

1. Facial cleanser
2. Moisturiser
3. Broad-spectrum sunscreen
4. Aftershave if you shave

That's a perfectly respectable skincare routine. Once you've used those consistently, decide whether you actually have a skin concern that needs another product. Don't buy a serum because an algorithm told you that your bathroom shelf looks empty.

How Long Before You See Results From a Skincare Routine?

Skincare rewards consistency. Some effects - such as skin feeling more moisturised - may be noticeable relatively quickly. Other goals, particularly changes in the appearance of skin texture, pigmentation or signs of ageing, can take considerably longer.

Don't change your entire routine every four days because you haven't transformed overnight. Give appropriate products time to work and make changes gradually.

Frequently Asked Questions About Men's Skincare

What is the best skincare routine for men?

For most beginners, start with a simple routine: cleanse, moisturise and use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Men who shave can add an appropriate aftershave or post-shave product to help freshly shaved skin feel comfortable.

Should men do skincare every day?

Yes. A basic daily skincare routine is much more useful than an elaborate routine you only remember once a week. Consistency matters more than complexity.

Should men moisturise after shaving?

If your skin feels dry or tight after shaving, moisturising can help. You may use a moisturising aftershave balm or cream, a separate facial moisturiser, or both depending on your skin and the formulations.

Is aftershave necessary?

It's not compulsory, but many men enjoy using aftershave as part of their shaving routine. A good post-shave product can help freshly shaved skin feel refreshed, moisturised and comfortable.

Should aftershave go before or after moisturiser?

Generally, apply your aftershave product to clean, freshly shaved skin and follow with moisturiser if your skin needs additional hydration. Always check the directions for your specific products.

Can men use women's skincare products?

Of course. Skincare doesn't stop working because the packaging is a different colour. The most important considerations are your skin type, concerns and the product formulation.

How often should men wash their face?

Many men cleanse morning and evening, although your ideal frequency depends on your skin, lifestyle and cleanser. If cleansing leaves your face consistently tight or irritated, reconsider the product or frequency.

What skincare should a man use after shaving?

After rinsing and gently drying the face, use an appropriate post-shave product such as an aftershave balm or cream. Follow with moisturiser if needed, and use sunscreen when heading outdoors during the day.

Good Men's Skincare Should Be Simple Enough to Actually Do

You don't need to become a skincare expert. You just need to know what your skin needs.

Start with the basics:
Clean your face without stripping it.
Moisturise according to your skin type.
Use sunscreen.
Shave carefully.
Look after your skin afterwards with a suitable aftershave.

Once those habits become automatic, you can decide whether you want to add a serum, mask or targeted anti-ageing product. The best skincare routine for men isn't necessarily the most expensive or complicated one.

It's the routine that suits your skin—and that you're willing to do tomorrow, next week and next month.

Ready to Upgrade Your Shaving Routine?

If shaving regularly leaves your skin feeling dry, tight or uncomfortable, explore our range of men's aftershaves and Dead Sea mineral skincare designed to make everyday grooming feel more like skincare—and less like a chore.