Most men know that taking care of their skin is important, but they may not know the best order for their skincare routine. To get the most out of your skincare products, it's important to understand the order in which they should be applied. The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. To cleanse your face, wet it with warm water and apply a five-cent-sized amount of product to your fingertips.
Rub your hands together to activate the foam and then massage it into your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds. If you have a beard, spend an extra 15 seconds rubbing the product into your skin. People with dry skin should look for products labeled "soft" or "cream", while those with oilier skin should opt for gel formulas. A great all-around option is Jart Dermaclear Microfoam Cleanser.
The next step is toning. Toners are usually applied by spraying a cotton pad and then rubbing it all over the face and neck. Alternatively, you can place a quarter-sized amount of product on the palm of your hand and press it onto your forehead, cheeks, and neck. For acne or wrinkles, look for toners with lactic or salicylic acid, such as Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Toner.
For aging or dark spots, look for ingredients like AHA, BHA, or glycolic acid - Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner is a great option. Serums are an important part of any skincare routine as they address specific skin concerns. Place two or three drops of serum on your fingertips and then rub them together before applying them to your forehead, cheeks, and neck with quick sliding motions. Choose a serum that targets your main skin problem rather than your skin type - if you have multiple concerns, alternate between two serums each day.
For lines and sagging skin, try Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Night Serum. Retinol can be harsh on sensitive skin so start by using it every other night and watch for redness in the morning - if you experience any irritation, take a break from using it for a few days. Retinol also increases sun sensitivity so take a break from using it a week before any big sunny days or vacations. If you're concerned about dryness or want an instant boost of hydration, try Skin Drink's hero serum with hyaluronic acid.
For hyperpigmentation or dullness, look for products labeled "brightener" as they usually contain high doses of vitamin C - C-Firma Drunk Elephant Day Serum is a great choice. Acne-prone men should stick with salicylic acid serums such as Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum to combat breakouts and eliminate pore congestion. Eye creams are also important as they help reduce puffiness and dark circles while also providing anti-aging benefits. Depuffing eye gels usually have a gel consistency while anti-aging formulas tend to be richer and creamier - try Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Serum or Kiehl's Powerful Strength Dark Circle Eye Serum for dark circles.
Finally, finish off your routine with a moisturizer - choose two different ones for morning and night. At night, opt for something rich enough to penetrate your skin without clogging pores or causing breakouts - Eminence Organics Monoi Night Cream is perfect for normal to dry skin while Shiseido Essential Energy Cream-in-Gel is ideal for oily skin types. In the morning, use a moisturizer with SPF such as Dermalogica Broad Spectrum Oil-Free Matte SPF 30 to protect your skin from UV rays and sunburns. After shaving, apply an aftershave skincare product such as aloe vera or natural ingredients like jojoba and coconut oil to keep your skin soft and hydrated while also protecting it from bacteria and reducing itchiness caused by ingrown hair.
A balancing toner can help remove dirt and oil from your pores that may have been left behind after washing your face. Finally, use a morning routine serum to protect your skin from UV rays and provide it with hydration and nutrition - Skin Drink's hero serum is perfect for this purpose. A morning routine eye cream can also help lighten dark circles over time - Kiehl's Powerful Strength Eye Cream is an excellent choice.
