Skincare is no longer a realm dominated by women; men have increasingly realised the importance of a good skincare routine. Good skincare is paramount because our skin is the “largest organ” and our first line of defense against environmental factors.

An effective skincare routine is one that not only keeps your skin looking fresh, supple and vibrant but also protects you against environmental aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and free radicals.

Your morning routine should be designed to protect your skin from these threats, while your nighttime routine should focus on repair and rejuvenation. So, let’s look into an ideal men’s skincare routine – dividing it into day and night care for optimal results.

A Look into the Skin’s Daily Skin

Choosing the right skincare products for your routine is based on science. So, to make the best choices, you need to understand your skin’s requirements and daily cycles.

As mentioned, during the day, the skin is exposed to environmental triggers like UV radiation, pollution, and dirt. So, your daytime skincare routine should emphasise “PROTECTION.”

At night, the skin switches to repair mode, regenerating and repairing itself from the damage it sustained throughout the day. So, your nighttime skincare routine must include products that will aid this process.

Morning Skincare Routine

The ideal morning skincare routine for a man is a three to four step process, depending on how deep you’re willing to go into the skincare regimen and ensure a healthy looking skin.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Cleansing

When you wake up, cleansing is the first step of your skincare routine to proactively remove the oil, sweat, and any residue accumulated overnight. You want to use a gentle cleanser with non-stripping properties. The cleanser should clean and hydrate the skin at the same time.

For application, start by wetting your face with regular water. Apply a pea-sized amount of cleanser, rub it on the skin in gentle, circular motions for 20-30 seconds, and then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Toning

This isn’t a “mandatory” step but can help balance your skin’s pH and prep it for further products. Toners are also great for pore tightening and cleansing the gunk and excess sebum from the pores. You do need to use an alcohol-free toner.

For application, pour some on a cotton pad and gently dab it on the skin without dragging the cotton pad across your face.

Step 3: Moisturising

The most vital step in any skincare routine is moisturising. This step is indispensable as it helps hydrate the skin and strengthen its barrier. If you are stepping out after skincare, opt for a lightweight moisturiser that seeps into the skin quickly without making the skin feel sticky.

For application, take some on your palms and generously apply it to your face, ears, neck, etc. Proper application will lock in moisture and make the skin look plump and hydrated.

Step 4 Sunscreen

Lastly, sunscreen is one of the most crucial protective steps in men’s skincare routine. With the harsh UV rays, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ is an absolute must. Sunscreen is vital for preventing risks of early signs of ageing, dark spots, etc.

For application, apply a generous amount across two fingers on the face, neck, ears, and hands.

Night Skincare Routine

When you return home after a hectic day outdoors, exposing the skin to pollution, UV rays, dirt, sweat, and so much more, a rigorous night skincare routine helps cleanse the skin and let it repair and rejuvenate at night.

Here’s a breakdown of an ideal night skincare routine for men:

Double Cleansing

The first step is to prepare the canvas for all the forthcoming products in your nighttime skincare routine. For this, the first step is to double cleanse. This will remove the makeup, sunscreen, impurities, etc. that you have collected throughout the day.

Not prioritising this step with clogging the pores with dirt and oil leads to increased risks of acne and other skin complications. Also, double cleansing cleans the face enough to let the other products penetrate better.

Exfoliation

A quick disclaimer beforehand – Exfoliation isn’t a “DAILY” ritual. It can be done 2-3 times a week, depending on how your skin reacts to the products. The main objective behind using an exfoliant is to remove dead skin cells and improve cell turnover.

Ideally, the best in-home exfoliants for men’s skin include products formulated with AHAs and BHAs. You need to follow the instructions mentioned on the product’s labels and avoid applying it around or on the eyes.

Pro tip: There’s a thing called “over-exfoliation,” which does the opposite of what you intend with a comprehensive skincare routine. So, find that balance between how much and how often you should exfoliate.

Toning

Once you are done cleansing and exfoliating the skin, a slight dab of an alcohol-free toner restores its pH and hydrates it.

If you have had some kind of irritation on the skin due to environmental triggers, a toner can also calm that irritation and redness.

Serum

A treatment serum is a great addition to your night skincare routine. The one you choose depends on the concern you are trying to address, such as ageing, hyperpigmentation, or acne. Usually, retinol or similarly targeted treatments work best for the skin.

Night-time is the perfect opportunity to use treatment serums as the skin undergoes repair and regeneration. Retinol, for example, is highly effective in promoting cell turnover and collagen production, but it can be photosensitive, making it suitable for nighttime use.

Moisturiser

Without fail, a hydrating moisturiser must also be part of your night skincare routine. A richer and more hydrating formula is ideal since it promotes deep hydration and skin repair during the night. There are night creams and moisturisers specifically formulated for the night that you can use.

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides are excellent for nighttime hydration. So, consider buying accordingly. Also, an eye cream is optional but works wonders in preventing dark circles and puffiness.

Bottom Line

Crafting the perfect skincare routine involves understanding your skin's distinct needs in the morning and at night. Since skin is a sensitive element, it's always better to consult a dermatologist for specific recommendations that will work wonderfully for your skin. Beyond that, indulge in a little research and consistently apply the products for desired results.

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