Top 14 Underrated Simple Skincare Routines for Men That Actually Work

Simple skincare routines for men that work can be life-changing, not just for your face, but for your confidence. If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror, unsure about why your skin feels rough, oily, or dry no matter how much you wash it, then you’re not alone. A lot of men struggle with this because they think skincare is complicated, expensive, or something only women should worry about. But here’s the truth: a proper skincare routine doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be right.

Taking care of your skin is important for every man, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are some simple but powerful skincare habits that can make a big difference. These are not just passing trends—they are reliable, everyday practices that keep your skin clean, fresh, and healthy.

Let’s go through these essential skincare steps that every man should follow. They are easy to do and will help you feel more confident with a clearer, better-looking complexion. By sticking to these basics, you’ll notice a real improvement in how your skin looks and feels.

1. Face Wash First: Why Soap Isn’t Enough Anymore

Most men still use regular bar soap to wash their face. While it might feel like it’s doing the job, it often strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. A good facial cleanser is a much better choice, it’s gentle, yet tough on dirt and excess oil.

Here’s what to do:

• Wash your face every morning and night.

• Use lukewarm water (not hot or cold).

• Gently rub the cleanser in circular motion for about 30 seconds.

• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.

Look for products labelled pH-balanced or for men’s skin, as male skin tends to be thicker and oilier than women’s. One trusted option is CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, developed with dermatologists and free of fragrances and parabens.

2. Moisturising: The Step Most Men Skip (But Shouldn’t)

If your skin feels tight after washing it, that’s a sign it’s dry, and dry skin can lead to breakouts, flakiness, or even early wrinkles. Moisturising is the simplest way to lock in hydration and balance your skin.

What to Keep an Eye Out For:

• Choose moisturisers that feel light on the skin and aren’t oily or heavy.

• Look for helpful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which are great for keeping skin happy.

• Pick a product that matches your skin’s needs, whether it’s dry, oily, or a bit of both.

Apply it straight after washing your face when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to trap moisture in. Don’t be tempted to overdo it, just a pea-sized amount is enough.

If you spend time outdoors, pick a moisturiser with SPF 15 or higher. It protects your skin from UV damage even on cloudy days.

3. Exfoliation: Removing Dead Skin the Smart Way

Ever noticed your skin looking dull, even when you’ve been eating well and drinking water? Dead skin cells could be the reason. Exfoliating helps remove them, making your skin smoother and helping other products work better.

But this doesn’t mean scrubbing your face with force or harsh products.

Here’s how to do it safely:

• Exfoliate only twice a week.

• Use a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like salicylic acid.

• Avoid products with large, rough particles, they can cause micro-tears.

This step is especially helpful if you shave often, as it reduces ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

4. Sun Protection: The Silent Game Changer

Many men do not realise just how harmful the sun can be, even in countries like the UK where the weather is often cloudy. The sun’s UV rays can still damage the skin, leading to early signs of ageing such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and in serious cases, skin cancer.

The good news is that protecting your skin does not have to feel heavy or leave a white cast. Modern sunscreens are lightweight, blend easily, and can be worn daily without interfering with your usual moisturiser.

Here are some simple ways to stay protected:

• Pick a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to ensure good coverage.

• Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning, no matter the weather.

• If you are outdoors for a long time or sweating, remember to reapply.

Taking these small steps can make a big difference in keeping your skin healthy and looking its best.

There’s a reason dermatologists always stress this step. It truly makes a difference in how your skin looks years down the line.

5. Healthy Beard, Healthy Skin: Why Grooming Matters

Neglecting your beard area can lead to itchiness, dryness, or clogged pores, things you definitely want to avoid.

Read Also: The 1 Ugly Truth About Skincare for Textured Skin, and What Actually Works

6. Your Skin Reflects Your Habits: The Lifestyle Factor

Here’s how to support your routine from the inside:

• Sleep at least 7–8 hours each night. Your skin repairs itself during sleep.

• Reduce stress. Chronic stress can trigger breakouts or worsen skin conditions like eczema.

• Exercise regularly. Physical activity increases blood flow, which helps nourish skin cells and remove waste.

Even just walking 20–30 minutes a day can improve how your skin looks and feels. A good routine isn’t just about washing your face, it’s about caring for your overall well-being.

7. Water Is Your Secret Weapon (And It’s Free)

No cream or lotion can do what water does for your body. Drinking enough water is one of the best but often forgotten secrets for happy, healthy skin. Water helps your skin stay soft, smooth, and just right.

Easy Ways to Drink More Water

• Try to drink six to eight glasses of water every day. If you’re playing lots of games or it’s very sunny outside, you might need even more.

• Fizzy drinks and alcohol can make your body lose water, so it’s better to have less of them.

• Keep a water bottle nearby, on your table or in your bag, so you remember to take sips throughout the day.

If your skin doesn’t get enough water, it can look tired, dry, or even cross! Even if you’re doing everything else perfectly, dry or cracked lips are often a little hint that you need more water.

8. Consistency Beats Complexity: Stick to the Routine

Many men try a product for a week, don’t see instant results, and give up. But skin takes time to renew, typically about 28 days. That’s why consistency matters more than speed. A simple routine done daily will beat a complicated one done randomly.

Set a morning and night routine:

• Morning: Cleanser → Moisturiser (with SPF)

• Evening: Cleanser → Moisturiser → Optional exfoliation (twice a week)

Stick to the same products for at least a few weeks before switching. Constantly changing products can confuse your skin or cause breakouts.

Keep your products in plain sight, near your toothbrush or beside your shaving gear. That way, it becomes part of your everyday habit.

9. Know Your Skin Type, Stop Guessing

If you’re buying skincare based on what your mate uses, stop. Every man’s skin is different. What works for someone else might not work for you, and could even make your skin worse.

Let’s look at the different kinds:

• Oily skin often appears shiny, especially on the forehead and nose. You might notice it gets greasy quickly.

• Dry skin can feel tight, rough, or even flaky. It might need extra moisture to stay soft.

• Combination skin is a mix, sometimes oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) but dry in other areas.

• Normal skin is well-balanced, not too oily or too dry, and usually feels comfortable.

• Sensitive skin reacts easily, turning red, itchy, or feeling sore with certain products.

Knowing your skin type helps you pick the best products for you. This way, you won’t spend money on things that don’t work, and your skin will stay happy and healthy!

10. Budget-Friendly Brands That Deliver

Looking after your skin doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Some people think skincare is always pricey, but that’s not true. There are plenty of good brands that work well and won’t make your wallet unhappy. You can find these easily in shops or online without spending too much. Taking care of your skin can be both kind to your face and your pocket!

Here are a few trusted names worth checking out:

• CeraVe – Developed with dermatologists, perfect for beginners (www.cerave.com)

• The Ordinary – Simple formulas that work, especially for oily or acne-prone skin

• Nivea Men – Widely available and great for basic skincare needs

• Simple – Known for gentle products that suit even sensitive skin

Many pharmacies and online shops in the UK carry these brands. Don’t fall for marketing hype, go for ingredients and performance, not flashy packaging.

11. How Food Affects Your Skin

It’s no secret that the food you eat plays a big role in how your skin looks and feels. Foods like greasy takeaways, sugary treats, and too many fizzy drinks or sweets can lead to oily skin, breakouts, or redness. You don’t have to give up all your favourite snacks, but eating a little more mindfully can make a noticeable difference.

Simple Tips for Healthy Skin

• Fill your plate with colourful fruits and veggies, especially those packed with vitamins A, C, and E, think carrots, oranges, and spinach.

• Include foods with good fats, such as salmon, almonds, and sunflower seeds, to keep your skin soft and glowing.

• Try to enjoy sweets and fried foods in moderation, as too much can upset your skin’s balance.

Small changes in what you eat can help your skin stay happy and healthy!

Even switching one unhealthy snack for a piece of fruit each day can improve your skin’s clarity and glow.

12. Stop Touching Your Face, Seriously

You might not realise how often your hands land on your face throughout the day. But your fingers carry dirt, oil, and bacteria that can clog pores and cause spots.

Simple tips to break the habit:

• Avoid leaning on your hands while working or watching TV.

• Clean your phone screen regularly, it touches your cheek more than you think.

• Change your pillowcases at least once a week.

Clean habits outside your bathroom routine are just as important as the products you use.

13. Shaving Without Stress: Avoiding Bumps and Burns

If shaving is part of your daily or weekly routine, doing it carefully can help avoid skin irritation and other common issues.

To get a smooth, comfortable shave while keeping your skin happy, follow these simple steps:

• Always choose a clean, sharp razor. Blunt blades can pull at hairs and cause redness or discomfort.

• Shave after a warm shower or bath when your skin is relaxed, pores are open, and hairs are softer for an easier glide.

• Apply a generous layer of shaving gel or cream to protect your skin and reduce rubbing.

• Once finished, rinse the area with cool water to help soothe and refresh the skin.

• Finish with a gentle, alcohol-free aftershave balm to moisturise and calm your skin.

If you often suffer from bumps or ingrown hairs, consider switching to an electric shaver or try wet shaving with a safety razor.

14. Start With What You Can Do Today

You don’t need a 10-step plan or expensive tools. If you’ve never had a skincare routine, begin with two things: washing your face and moisturising twice a day. That’s it. Once that becomes a habit, you can build from there.

Here’s your basic starter checklist:

• Buy a proper facial cleanser

• Find a moisturiser suited to your skin

• Drink more water today than you did yesterday

• Shave smartly and slowly

• Add sunscreen to your morning routine

• Keep your hands off your face

Over time, these small actions build up to visible results, cleaner, calmer, fresher-looking skin.

Why These Routines Work for Nigerian Men

Why a Simple Skincare Routine Matters for Men