16 Skincare Tips for Men

How To Get Clear Skin for Men

1. Cleanse twice daily

Skincare for males follows the same basic principles as skincare for women—which means that, like your girlfriend, wife, or close friend, you should always start your routine with a thorough cleanse. Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant, recommends washing your face two times a day with a gentle cleanser. If you need a recommendation, we love the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. The gel-based cleanser deeply cleanses, removes excess oil, and refreshes the skin without drying out your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores—a particularly helpful feature for men with oily skin types.

2. Exfoliate consistently

Exfoliating helps remove dead surface skin cells and can help promote a smoother, clearer appearance. Plus, when done regularly, it can also help keep ingrown hairs at bay. Unlike cleansing, you don’t need to exfoliate daily. “There is such a thing as too much exfoliation,” Dr. Nichols says. She recommends men exfoliate two to three times per week, depending on how their skin responds.

There are two different approaches you can take with exfoliation: mechanical (like with a scrub) or chemical (like with an acid toner or serum). If you want to use a scrub, try the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Scrub, which is formulated specifically for men. The invigorating formula sloughs away dead skin, dirt, and oil and helps prepare the skin for a close, comfortable shave.

If you have more sensitive skin, opt for chemical exfoliation—it tends to be a bit gentler. We love the Youth to the People Kombucha + 10% AHA Power Exfoliant, which you can apply before bed once or twice weekly for brighter, smoother-looking skin over time.

3. Don’t skip moisturizer

Men’s skin tends to be on the oilier side, but that doesn’t mean you should skip moisturizer: All skin needs hydration, regardless of how dry or oily it may be. When selecting a moisturizer, we suggest opting for a formula that aligns with your skin’s needs. If you have oily skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer (such as a gel moisturizer) can provide the hydration you need without any excess weight. Those with drier or more sensitive skin, meanwhile, may want to opt for a richer lotion or cream.

4. Wear sunscreen every day

Harmful UV rays don’t just come out in the summer—so sun protection is a must year-round. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen has been shown both to help prevent skin cancer and reduce the risk of premature signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Keep your skin protected and clear with a lightweight sunscreen, such as the SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50. The non-comedogenic formula hydrates, soothes, and helps protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types and feels light on the skin.

Note that proper application is essential. Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, says that people often underestimate just how much sunscreen they need to effectively protect their skin. “You’ll need at least two to three finger lengths of sunscreen for your face, and an entire shot glass [worth] for your body,” she says. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours—or after sweating or swimming—as well.

5. Change your skincare with the seasons

Building a men’s skincare routine is rarely a one-and-done deal: The products you use may need to change with the seasons. “As temperatures drop, it’s important to reevaluate your skincare routine accordingly,” says Dr. Palm. “The products that worked well for you in the summer may not go the distance in the wintertime.” In particular, you may want to reach for heavier, more hydrating moisturizers in the winter, as cold, dry air can dry out the skin.

6. Be consistent

Consistency is essential to seeing actual results from your skincare products. But skincare for guys doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. “If you’re a skincare newbie and you’re feeling overwhelmed, just focus on nailing down the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF,” advises Dr. Palm. “From there, you can incorporate additional steps that make sense for your skin type.”

7. Avoid touching your face

On a daily basis, your hands come in contact with countless germs and bacteria. When you touch your face after touching your keyboard, doorknob, phone, or anything else, you run the risk of transferring that bacteria onto your skin, where it can wreak havoc. Dr. Nichols recommends avoiding touching your face altogether—and if you must (like to apply your skincare products), be sure to wash your hands thoroughly first. On a similar note, avoid touching, picking at, or popping pimples: doing so can worsen the breakout or even lead to permanent scarring.

8. Always use shaving cream

Razor burn is a type of irritation that can occur when there’s too much friction between your razor blade and your skin. If you’re a man who shaves, you can reduce the risk of developing razor burn by prepping your skin with a shaving cream before reaching for the razor. We recommend looking for a gentle, fragrance-free formula to further help reduce the risk of irritation. Our pick: the Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream Blue Eagle. The aloe vera-infused formula helps soothe skin while preparing it for a close, comfortable shave. Plus, you don’t need a brush (or water!) to apply it. Just smooth the creamy formula onto your skin and shave as usual, being sure to rinse your face thoroughly once you’re done.

9. Shave in the direction of hair growth

Adopting the right shaving technique is another important aspect of your male face care routine. To help avoid razor burn—as well as ingrown hairs, commonly referred to as razor bumps—experts recommend shaving in the direction of hair growth, rather than against the grain. You’ll also want to rinse your razor between each pass and be sure to change out the razor head frequently (usually after five to seven uses).

10. Use gentle aftershave products

After shaving, apply a post-shave product to help soothe and hydrate your skin. We’re fond of the Aēsop Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion, which contains shea butter, witch hazel water, and panthenol (a form of vitamin B). Apply a small dollop of the luxuriously-scented lotion onto your face and neck after shaving to help calm, balance, and hydrate your skin. Afterward, you can apply your facial moisturizer and sunscreen as usual.

11. Skip shaving on days you exfoliate

Shaving isn’t just for hair removal—it also helps exfoliate your skin. As mentioned earlier, regular exfoliation can help promote a smoother, clearer complexion. However, it’s important not to overdo it. To avoid over-exfoliating and potentially irritating your skin, Dr. Palm advises against shaving on days when you use a chemical exfoliant (like a serum or toner with alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids). You’ll also want to moisturize your skin well after exfoliating to help lock in moisture.

12. Consider using retinol

Achieving clear skin for men isn’t just about keeping breakouts and razor burn at bay—it’s also important to address other skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone and texture. That’s where retinol can come into play. According to the Cleveland Clinic, topical use of retinol can help minimize pigmentation, smooth skin texture, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start with a low strength retinoid to help avoid irritation. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol. The mild formula contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid and helps improve the appearance of skin tone and texture while moisturizing the skin. We suggest starting with twice-weekly usage (at night) and gradually increasing the frequency to nightly as your skin acclimates.

13. Take cooler showers

There’s nothing like a steaming hot shower to decompress at the end of a long day, but making hot showers a regular habit can negatively affect your skin. “While this goes for women too, a lot of men don’t realize [that] hot, steaming showering can cause dry, scaly, and itchy skin,” Dr. Palm says. The drying effect of hot water can be especially problematic if you’re “not diligent about moisturizing afterward.” To avoid stripping your skin, turn down the temperature—lukewarm is best. And always remember to moisturize your face and body post-shower to help lock in moisture.

14. Level up your shower routine

Speaking of showers: We suggest taking your daily shower as an opportunity to care for all of your skin, not just the skin on your face. Next time you go shopping for shower essentials, skip the harsh, stripping soap and snag Youth to the People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser instead. It’s full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like amino acids and niacinamide and provides a thorough cleanse that leaves your skin looking clearer and smoother over time. Plus, the fragrance—an herbaceous mix of fresh greens, cedarwood, and black pepper—makes for a seriously pleasant shower experience.

15. Check your skin regularly

Even if you’re diligent about sun protection, it’s important to check your skin regularly and take note of any suspicious spots or changing moles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the development of asymmetrical moles, large moles, and spots that change in size or color are all potential warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any of these changes, schedule a visit with your dermatologist ASAP. You should also visit your dermatologist at least once a year for a full-body screening since there are some areas (like the top of your scalp or back) you can’t check yourself. While all of the above tips are important for maintaining healthy-looking (and -feeling) skin, we’d argue that this is one of the most important skincare tips for men to take to heart.

16. Visit a dermatologist

Last but not least, find a dermatologist you like (and trust) and use them as a resource. If you have any questions about building a skincare routine, develop any skin concerns that you’re not sure how to address, or want help integrating a new product into your existing regimen, they can help.

Next Up: 26 of the Best Skincare Products for Men (And How To Use Them)