The men’s skincare guide (that anyone can follow)

Great skincare should be part of your holistic well-being routine. Daily life is an assault course. First, there's the stressful commute. A tough day at work. The dirty burger you grabbed in a hurry. Pollution and UV radiation, and environmental irritants — and all of this can leave your skin looking dull and tired.

And while a good diet and regular exercise can certainly boost skin health, only a solid skincare routine adapted to your needs will keep your face looking and feeling soft, supple, and glowing.

Unsurprisingly, men's skincare needs are very different from women's. Did you know your skin is 20-25% thicker? Men also tend to have higher levels of hydration, pigmentation and sebum.

Besides, skincare is not just for women. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it's your first defence against pollution, damaging UVA/UVB rays. So it makes sense to protect the skin mantle to prevent damage.

And while it might sound superficial, great skin really is a confidence booster. A clear complexion and reduced signs of ageing mean you're always 'red carpet ready' — even if that red carpet is in your very own living room. Paying attention to your skincare regime is essential to achieving those personal grooming goals.

The phrase “men’s skincare routine” sounds complex. But our basic three-step process provides everything you need to protect and nourish your skin day in, day out.

The essence of every great routine is simplicity. You shower, wash your hair, and clean your teeth because it works. So your skincare needs to be equally functional and fit for purpose. Adding face wash while you shower and moisturiser to warm damp skin is a quick and purposeful way to establish your skincare routine and get the best out of your products.

Start with the men’s Grooming Collection to establish your skincare baseline. This handy kit features five essential items you can use at home and on the go.

With a straightforward cleanse – exfoliate – moisturise routine, you’ll get quick – effortless – exceptional results.

Step 1: Cleanse morning and night

Make sure to wash twice a day. It's the foundation of any good men's skincare routine and the best way to eliminate grime, dead skin cells and excess product. In other words, it leaves your skin refreshed and revived and ready to face the day.

Cleanse every morning to get rid of sweat and dirt, then again in the evening before applying your nighttime products. A coin-sized amount of face wash massaged into the skin and then rinsed away leaves your face ready for moisturiser or other treatments. We recommend our Deep Cleanse Facial Wash for a refreshed complexion that’s ready for the next stage of your skincare routine.

Step 2: Shave and groom

Update your grooming routine with products that deliver the closest possible shave without irritation. For example, choose a shave gel with actives like witch hazel, jojoba oil and aloe vera — ideal for sensitive skin and an ultra-close shave. If you have facial hair, apply beard oil to keep it silky-smooth.

Step 2a: Exfoliate

Exfoliate or peel at this stage twice a week as part of your evening routine.

Step 3: Moisturise day and night

A good moisturiser works with your skin type to create a barrier against damage and premature ageing. It’s a good idea to incorporate a specifically formulated eye cream packed with concentrated ingredients to tackle early signs of ageing.

For daytime, you need an SPF defender that works hard against harmful UV rays. By contrast, your nighttime moisturiser should be packed with skin actives to nourish and replenish. Try our Superfood Night Cream that delivers intense nutrition for balanced and revitalised skin when you wake. 

The next level: hydrate and treat

If you're ready to go next level with your skincare, you can introduce products that hydrate, protect, and rebalance your skin. For example, apply lightweight Clarifying Serum after cleansing to restore skin clarity. Then twice a week, resurface your skin with the Dynamic Resurfacing Peel & Reset.

Now you have your basic routine sorted, there are a few ways to make sure you really get the most out of it…

1. Do use SPF

SPF is a skincare essential. And the lightweight formula of our Daily Defence Shield SPF 30 delivers protection and hydration for supple, nourished skin.

While it’s important to use SPF every day, take extra care after spending time at the beach and drench your skin in our Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice, a super hydrating gel that leaves skin feeling cool and soothed.

2. Don’t get flight-weary skin

That long-haul flight can leave your skin looking dull and travel-weary. So pack a couple of Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks in your carry-on to instantly refresh and tighten the skin of the under-eye area. 

Apply under the eyes, sticky side down and relax for twenty minutes. Then gently tap any remaining product into the skin using the ring finger to help the actives penetrate.

3. Do use masks

You don't need a separate product. Instead, use a light moisturiser, like our Daily Moisture Boost, applied generously to the face, paying particular attention to the beard area. Then cover the skin with a hot cloth before jumping into your morning shower. The result is extra smooth skin without the hassle. 

4. Don’t skip hydration

Get proactive with your skincare by adding a serum. For the delicate skin around your eyes, we love the Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask. This serum-infused mask deepy hydrates, and its gel texture offers a rejuvenating cooling effect.

You can also take your skincare to the next level with our Pro-Collagen Skin Future Supplements. These feature Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate skin from the inside.

5. Do exfoliate (but don’t overdo it)

Exfoliation buffs away dead skin cells, decongesting your skin to leave it smooth and glowing — perfect.

But don't overdo it. While that just buffed look can be addictive, limit your exfoliation to twice a week.

Choosing a gentle exfoliator, like our Skin Buff, will refine and reveal your skin while supporting natural skin turnover. Use a pea-sized amount massaged into damp skin as part of your evening routine. It’s the best way to let your skin recover while it drinks in your overnight treatments.

At Elemis, we're passionate about your skin. So we've made it straightforward to put together a daily men's skincare routine that's functional and effective.

Our products are powered by nature to be effective across all skin types, and we’ve put together a collection of skincare products for men that work effortlessly to keep your skin balanced, hydrated and looking its best.