Skincare routine for men: the essentials

Skincare isn't gender-specific: the basics are the same for everyone. However, men's skin does have a few unique characteristics, and many men have never really established a routine. The good news is that a few simple steps are all it takes to make a real difference.

An effective men's skincare routine consists of three essential steps: cleansing, protecting, and moisturizing, plus shaving care. Here are the basics, kept simple.

Does men's skin have any unique characteristics?

Yes, and this is well documented. Due to the effects of testosterone, men’s skin is, on average, thicker than women’s (by about 20 to 25%), richer in collagen, and produces more sebum, with larger pores. As a result, it is often oilier, shinier, and more prone to breakouts, with a slightly more acidic pH.

Men’s skin also ages differently: its collagen density, which is higher to begin with, declines more gradually with age, so that the signs of aging may appear later, but sometimes more suddenly. Added to this is a specific factor: shaving, which puts daily strain on the skin and can cause irritation.

The basics of an effective routine

There's no need to use multiple products. Three simple steps cover most of your needs.

Clean. Morning and night, gentle cleansing removes sebum, sweat, and impurities without stripping the skin. The PERS Soothing Cleansing Gel, which is soap-free, cleanses while maintaining the skin’s natural balance, making it well-suited for both oily and sensitive skin.

Protect. This is the step with the greatest impact—and one that men often overlook. In the morning, an antioxidant such as the 10% PERS Vitamin C Serum helps defend the skin against oxidative stress, followed by the PERS SPF 50+ Protection. Daily sun protection is the most well-documented measure for slowing skin aging, yet men have historically been less likely to use it, which leaves them more vulnerable to sun damage.

Moisturize. The right cream helps keep your skin feeling comfortable. For oily or combination skin, a light texture like the PERS Light Cream moisturizes without leaving a greasy residue.

Shaving: soothe and protect

Shaving is a form of mechanical exfoliation: it removes hair, but also some of the surface cells, which can weaken the skin barrier and cause redness, tightness, or ingrown hairs. A few simple habits can help minimize these issues: cleanse the skin before shaving, avoid over-exfoliating in other ways, and then soothe and moisturize the skin immediately afterward. It’s also important to apply sunscreen afterward, as freshly shaved skin is more vulnerable.

To take it a step further: exfoliate and stimulate

Once the basics are in place, two steps can round out your routine. Gentle exfoliation, once or twice a week, helps refine skin texture, restore radiance, and reduce ingrown hairs: the PERS Triple Exfoliator gently combines three actions to achieve this. For anti-aging, the PERS 0.3% Retinol Serum, applied every other night and introduced gradually, stimulates cell renewal. These are two optional additions you can incorporate as desired—there’s no obligation.

Key Takeaways

Men's skin is generally thicker, oilier, and richer in collagen, and it is subjected to daily stress from shaving. An effective skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated: gently cleanse, protect your skin in the morning with an antioxidant and sunscreen, moisturize, and take care of your skin around shaving time. To take it a step further, gentle exfoliation and a retinol serum can round out the routine. The key, as always, is consistency.

Scientific Sources