The Best Men’s Skincare Routine | Clearer, Healthier Skin in 7 Easy Steps

Many guys think men’s skincare starts and ends with a splash of water or a swipe of body soap. But here in Perth, where the sun blazes, UV levels soar, and daily grooming is the norm, your skin needs more than the basics.

The truth is, men’s skin faces some serious challenges like oily T-zones, razor bumps, sweat from workouts. Yet most men still skip SPF, despite the fact that men are statistically more prone to skin cancer. And with Perth’s UV index mostly at extreme levels, ignoring sun protection can fast-track wrinkles, sunspots, and premature ageing.

And let’s not forget; men’s skin is 20–25% thicker, oilier, and rougher than women’s. That means more clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation if you’re not using the right skincare in Perth.

Here’s your guide to the complete skincare routine for men. Some smart steps each day can clear your skin, prevent ageing, and boost your confidence. So, let’s get into it.

7 Easy Steps for a Men’s Skincare Routine

Gone are the days when taking care of your face was seen as a women’s thing. Follow these seven steps to nail the basics, from cleansing to sunscreen:

1. Cleansing | Refresh and Purify

Begin your routine by washing your face. Wash your skin twice a day; once in the morning and once at night. This keeps pores clear and prevents buildup.

Cleansing removes sweat, dirt and oil so that the rest of your products work better. Use a mild, non-irritating facial wash or gel cleanser designed for men’s skin.

Avoid regular bar soap (it’s too harsh) and don’t scrub aggressively. Lukewarm water works best like warm, not scalding or freezing. This step sets the stage for everything that follows.

• Pick the right cleanser. It should foam or lather lightly to lift away grime without stripping moisture.
• Apply the cleanser in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
• Rinse off completely with lukewarm water.
• Pat dry with a clean towel. No rough rubbing.

2. Exfoliation | Buff Away Dead Skin

Next up is an exfoliating scrub. It’s like buffing your face to remove dead skin. Exfoliating 1–2 times per week (not every day) helps unclog pores and smooth rough patches. It also lets your skin absorb the next products more effectively.

At Barber Nation, our facials include a gentle scrub or peel. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Look for a scrub with tiny grains like sugar or jojoba beads. These products for men gently polish your skin.
• After cleansing, massage the exfoliator into damp skin using small circular motions. Focus on oily or flaky areas (nose, forehead, chin).
• Rinse thoroughly. You’ll notice a smoother feel and fewer ingrown hairs after shaving.

3. Tone Up | Balance and Prep

Toning is optional but helpful. A toner or facial mist restores your skin’s pH balance and removes any leftover traces of cleanser or impurities. It can also give a quick hydration boost.

After rinsing your face, apply an alcohol-free toner with a cotton pad. This helps tighten pores and refresh your skin without stinging. Wipe the toner over your face or spray it on and let it air-dry.

4. Power Up with Serum | Repair & Boost

Serums contain concentrated ingredients that tackle specific issues. For example, a vitamin C or antioxidant serum can brighten dull skin and even tone. Whereas, a hyaluronic acid serum delivers deep hydration.

You only need a few drops of serum on fingertips. Gently pat it onto your face and neck. Let it absorb for a minute. Once you feel the light layers sink in, you’re good to move on.

Tip: Choose a serum based on what you need: hydration, anti-aging, calming, etc. If you’re just starting, a basic hydrating (hyaluronic acid) or antioxidant (vitamin C) serum is a safe bet.

5. Eye Care | Brighten & De-Puff

The skin around your eyes is delicate. That’s why a specific eye product can help with puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Eye creams or gels are usually lightweight and unscented. Using one regularly can make you look more awake and fresher. Follow these steps:

• Take a pea-sized amount of an eye cream or gel on your ring finger (this finger applies the least pressure).
• Dab the cream in small dots around the eyes.
• Gently tap it in. Don’t rub or drag the skin.

Tip: If you suffer from dark circles or bags, use eye cream twice a day. Consistent use in your male skin care routine will keep your eyes looking sharp and rested.

6. Moisturising | Lock in Hydration

Moisturising seals in everything you’ve done and keeps your skin balanced. All skin types need hydration, even oily skin. Choose an oil-free or gel moisturiser if you’re prone to shine, and a richer cream or balm if you’re dry.

• For oily or acne-prone skin, go with a lightweight, non-greasy lotion or gel.
• For dry skin, use a cream or hydrating balm.

Many skin products for men are labeled by skin type, so read the description.

After your serum has absorbed, use a nickel-sized amount of moisturiser. Spread it evenly over your face and neck. Don’t skip around your mouth, nose, and ears. If you have a beard, work the moisturiser into your facial hair to hydrate the skin underneath.

After a hot towel shave at our barber shop, we always finish with a soothing aftershave balm or moisturiser. You can do the same at home to keep irritation away.

7. Protection | Defend with SPF

The final and the most important step is sun protection. UV rays lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on overcast days.
• Rub it on your face, neck, and any exposed areas 10–15 minutes before going outdoors.
• If you’re outside for an extended time, reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating). Even driving or running errands can expose you to UV light, so make it a habit.

No excuses. Think of SPF as the final safeguard. It preserves all the work you’ve done and keeps your skin looking youthful. Seriously – never skip it.

Men’s Skincare Routine | Morning vs. Night Routine

When it comes to a solid skincare routine for men, one size doesn’t fit all. Especially when we’re talking about your morning vs. night routine. Your skin has different needs at different times of the day. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Morning Skincare Routine: Rise, Refresh, and Defend

In the morning, your goal is to wake up your skin, clear away sweat and oils from the night, and gear up for everything your face is about to face; pollution, UV rays, stress, and more.

Night Skincare Routine: Cleanse, Calm, and Rebuild

Your evening routine is all about letting your skin rest and recover from the day’s stress. Night is when your body heals and your skin care should support that.

Tip: Not shaving at night lets your skin breathe and repair. Save it for the morning unless you’re prepping for a big night out.

Choosing the Right Skincare Products for Men

Not all products are created equal. Look for skincare products that are gentle, fragrance-free, and labeled non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Here’s a quick breakdown of top skin care products for men:

How Often Should You Get a Professional Facial?

Getting a facial at a barbershop or spa isn’t just a luxury. It deep-cleans your pores and boosts your routine. Most skin experts suggest a facial about once every 4–6 weeks, matching your 28-day cell turnover. This timing helps you regularly strip away buildup without irritating fresh skin.

Common Mistakes Men Make with Skincare

Don’t beat yourself up. Almost every guy has tripped up on at least one of these:

• Skipping sunscreen – Think “I’m just outside” or “I’m not tanning.” Big mistake.
• Using body soap on your face – That bar soap or body wash in the shower is too harsh for your face. It strips natural oils and leaves the skin flaky.
• Shaving carelessly – Rushing through a shave or using dull razors can cause razor burn, bumps and scarring. Prep your skin and take your time.
• Popping pimples – As tempting as it is, squeezing spots only spreads bacteria and can lead to scars.
• Overdoing products – More isn’t always better. Using too many active ingredients at once or exfoliating daily can irritate.
• Inconsistency – Skipping your routine because you feel fine or are in a hurry means problems build up. Even a quick cleanse and moisturiser each night makes a difference long-term.

Realistic Skincare Tips for Busy Men

No time for a 7-step ritual? No worries. Here are some tricks:

• Keep it simple – A two-step routine (cleanse + moisturizer with SPF) morning and night is 90% of the battle.
• Multitask – Use a combined moisturiser/SPF or an all-in-one shave and moisturiser to cut down steps.
• In the shower – Do your morning cleanse while showering to save time. Stash moisturiser in your bathroom sinks so you remember it.
• Make reminders – Set a phone alarm for “SPF on!” at 7:30am or stack skincare with another habit (e.g. apply moisturiser before brushing teeth).
• Travel-friendly – Buy travel-sized or sample products. Skincare can be done anywhere. Just keep wipes, a small cleanser, or serum in your gym bag.
• Choose consistency over perfection – Even 3 minutes before bed (wash, apply a rich night cream) is better than nothing.

Building a Skincare Routine for Different Skin Types

Everyone’s skin is a little different, so adjust based on how your face reacts. You can also consult a dermatologist or our expert stylists for personalised advice. Here’s how to care for your skin based on its needs

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

• Use: Gel or foaming cleansers, oil-free moisturizers.
• Look for: Salicylic acid and niacinamide to reduce oil and clear pores.
• Tip: Wash your face twice daily. Use a clay mask once a week to deeply cleanse without drying out your skin.

Dry Skin

• Use: Cream cleansers or micellar water for gentle cleaning.
• Look for: Moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to lock in hydration.
• Tip: Don’t skip sunscreen—sun exposure can make dryness and fine lines worse.

Combination Skin

• Use: Gel cleanser on oily areas (T-zone), cream cleanser on dry areas.
• Look for: Light lotion for all-over moisture; thicker cream for dry spots.
• Tip: Exfoliate regularly, but always moisturize afterward to balance your skin.

Sensitive Skin

• Use: Fragrance-free and gentle products only.
• Avoid: Alcohol, menthol, and harsh acids.
• Look for: Soothing ingredients like aloe or calendula, and barrier-strengthening ceramides.
• Tip: Always patch test new products. Start new treatments slowly—once or twice a week.

Still puzzled about your skin? Tired of breakouts, dry patches, or razor burn that just won’t quit?

Get Your Skin the Best Cleansing & Facial Services at Barber Nation

Our Perth barbers are experts at grooming and skincare services. We offer cleansing facial services and skincare consultations to the men who want real results without the fluff.

So, visit any of our barber shops in Perth. We stock a curated selection of skincare products for men. Our barbers can recommend what works best for your skin and demonstrate how to use each product.

And don’t skip our hot towel shave. It’s like a mini-facial: it cleanses, exfoliates, and ends with a soothing moisturiser and SPF.

Ready for clearer, smoother, stronger skin?

Book a Skincare Session Now