The Effortless Man’s Guide to Basic Skin Care

A simple skin care regimen

1. Cleanse

One thing dudes have gotten right is not washing their face every single morning. This is because washing too much can ruin your skin’s natural oils.

But this only works if you wash every night. We start each day with a clean slate, so why not let your skin end on a fresh note, too? Don’t let dirt and pollution soak into your pores overnight.

Using a mild foaming cleanser before you shave to help reduce surface oil. As long as you don’t have sensitive skin, you can alternate between an exfoliating cleanser for an enhanced shaving experience and a mild wash.

Pro tip: If you have oily skin, you can use a hot towel to clean your face in the morning. Splash with cold water for a refreshing boost.

2. Repair

Our skin takes a beating over time, thanks to free radicals causing oxidative stress. Without going into a chemistry lesson, oxidative stress relates to our bodies’ negative reaction to bad things like:

• air pollution
• cigarette smoke
• industrial chemicals
• UV rays

An antioxidant serum, for example, like vitamin C, is helpful to reduce damage and should go on in the morning underneath moisturizer.

Apply after your shaving routine.

Pro tip: Before bedtime, applying a retinol cream for those in their 30s and up. Retinol helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Moisturize and protect

In the a.m., follow up your antioxidant serum with a moisturizer that has at least SPF 30. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach or outdoor sports. Incidental sun exposure, like the time you spend walking to the train or sipping a beer on the patio after work, adds up and causes skin damage.

At night, opt for a lightweight moisturizer without sunscreen.

Pro tip: You don’t have to moisturize at night if your skin isn’t dry! Moisturizing is a lot like drinking water. Do it when you need it.

4. How to pick your products

• Know your skin type

Men tend to have oily and thicker skin, mainly due to the effects of testosterone. Many products for fellas will be formulated to combat oil. But if you have flaky, dry skin, seek out products that address that. For dry skin, a cream cleanser and a heavy moisturizer.

You may also have a mix of oily and dry patches. If so, look for products formulated for combination skin. And if you have sensitive skin, you may be prone to burning, stinging or irritation. Choose products listing as few ingredients as possible.

• Forget gender

Men-specific products are nice, but many skin care products are unisex and typically are suitable for men and women.