The 3-Step Men's Skincare Routine That Actually Sticks

In my chair I hear the same thing every week: “I know I should do something for my skin, but I don't know where to start.” The answer is almost always simpler than people think. You don't need ten products. You need three steps you will actually do, every day.

The routine in one sentence

Cleanse, hydrate, protect — in the morning; cleanse and hydrate in the evening. Add one targeted product (for eyes, beard or fine lines) only when the basics are a habit.

Step 1: Cleanse

Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser, morning and evening. Hot water and harsh soap strip the skin and leave it tight, which is often why men feel they “don't need” a moisturiser and then end up flaky. For the rest of you, keep the shower simple: our 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash does hair and body in one bottle.

Step 2: Hydrate

This is the step that changes how your skin looks and feels. Choose by skin type:

• Normal to oily skin, or you hate a shiny face: a gel moisturiser. Our Oil-Free Face Gel with Zinc absorbs in seconds and leaves a matte finish.
• Dry, tight or rough skin, or sensitive after shaving: a cream. Our Hyaluronic Face Cream gives lasting comfort without feeling heavy.

Apply a small amount to a clean face, morning and evening. After shaving, a moisturiser is a kinder finish than an alcohol-heavy aftershave.

Step 3: Protect

In the morning, finish with sunscreen when you'll be outside — especially in spring and summer, and always if you use products for fine lines. It's the single most effective step for skin that looks good for longer.

When the basics are a habit: add one

• Tired eyes or short nights: a light eye cream such as our 3-in-1 Eye Cream.
• A beard: 3–5 drops of Softening Beard Oil after your shower. See how to use beard oil properly.
• First fine lines or uneven texture: an evening serum like our Retinol Alternative Serum. Read retinol alternative vs retinol.

A sample routine

Morning (2 minutes): cleanse → face gel or cream → eye cream → beard oil → sunscreen if you're heading out.

Evening (1 minute): cleanse → face gel or cream (or serum first, then cream).

How to make it stick

• Keep your products where you'll see them, next to your toothbrush.
• Attach the routine to something you already do: brushing your teeth, your shower.
• Start with two steps for a week, then add the third.
• Give your skin three to four weeks before you judge the result.

Where to start

The hydrate step and the extras are all in our Barbershop Ritual: face gel or cream, eye cream, beard oil and a 2-in-1 wash for the shower, made in the EU with the full ingredient list on every page. Combine two or more products and 10% comes off automatically at checkout.

— Fabio Simbula, barber and founder of Monsera