An Easy Skin Care Routine for Men

Let’s face it: Skin care isn’t exactly the most popular subject among most men—so there’s no chance a 10-step high maintenance skin care routine would be, either. But just because you’re busy (or you’re just not all that interested in trying the latest and greatest beauty trends) doesn’t mean you should skip out on taking care of your skin altogether. The good news is, you don’t need a super-complicated and lengthy skin care routine to get the job done. If you prefer a lazy approach to skin care, all it takes to keep your complexion in tip-top shape is following a few simple steps and using a small selection of must-have skin care products, like a facial cleanser and moisturizer. Sound doable? Below, we’re sharing an easy skin care routine for men. Let’s get started!

STEP 1: START WITH CLEANSER

Regardless of your gender or age, you’ll want to kick things off with a facial cleanser. It’s always (always) a good idea to cleanse your skin morning and night in order to help get rid of dirt and excess oils that have built up on its surface. The L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra Energetic Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal is a prime pick for getting clean, as the formula acts as a magnet to capture and get rid of all kinds of dirt (like impurities and excess sebum) and deal with common problems caused by daily city grime: dirt, oily skin, dullness, clogged pores, and a sticky touch. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your skin, concentrating on your forehead, nose, and chin, since these areas tend to be oilier than the rest of your face, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

STEP 2: MOISTURIZE AND PROTECT

After cleansing, the next step in your skin care routine should be moisturizing—and if it’s the morning, you should reach for a moisturizer that’s formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher, which can help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. And don’t even think about skipping this step! Sun protection is necessary for everyone, every day of the year. Seriously, you can burn all year-round, even on cloudy days.

To lock in hydration, smooth the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Vita Lift SPF 15 Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer onto damp skin post-cleansing, and take an extra moment or two to carry the product down to your neck. In order to receive the moisturizer’s full effects and stay safe from the sun, be sure to apply 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. You should take other sun protection measures. These include avoiding the sun during peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), seeking shade, and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

STEP 3: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR EYES

Your eyes can be a dead giveaway that you’re exhausted, which is why it could be a good idea to add a separate eye product to your skin care routine. Plus, we swear you’ll actually find this step enjoyable.

Instead of trying the old school trick of splashing your face with cold water to wake up, use L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra-Energetic Ice Cold Eye Roller. The roller’s cooling effect is perfectly invigorating for the morning, but that’s not all. The easy-to-use applicator helps provide de-puffing action to reduce the look of under-eye bags. Formulated with vitamin C and caffeine, this eye serum helps fight the five signs of tired eyes: dark circles, under-eye bags, puffiness, tired appearance, and roughness. Gently roll the applicator under your eye, starting from the bridge of your nose and going outward toward your temple to massage the entire eye area. You can use it morning and night.

Editor’s tip: In a pinch, you can create a similar effect by placing your eye cream of choice in the fridge overnight. Pull out the eye cream when you wake up and ta-da, you have yourself a chilled treat.

STEP 4: SHOW YOUR LIPS SOME LOVE

Think about it: Dry lips aren’t exactly the most attractive, are they? It turns out that your lips need some attention, too. Keep a hydrating lip balm on hand so that you can reapply whenever needed. Bonus points if it’s formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen!

STEP 5: USE POST-SHAVE PRODUCTS

Does your skin feel irritated after shaving? If you rush out the door without using an after-shave balm, you could be doing a serious disservice to your skin. The L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra Energetic After Shave Balm helps to fight the five signs of shaving discomfort: razor burn, tightness, irritation, redness, and excessive dryness. It’s formulated with vitamin E and broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen and helps provide long-lasting hydration. Once you finish shaving, apply it all over your face and neck, and you’re good to go!

Speaking of shaving, here’s The Guy’s Guide to Taking Care of and Removing Facial Hair.