# Skincare for Men: How to Build a Simple But Effective Routine # ![](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1vV2w7ah.jpg) The misconception that skincare is something exclusively for women is slowly fading away, and more and more men are beginning to understand the importance of taking care of their skin. Rather than simply being a moment of pampering and self-care, the importance of skincare extends more towards taking proper care of our body’s largest organ. While it may help build confidence in one’s appearance, skincare also helps keep our skin as healthy as possible as it prevents signs of premature aging due to sun damage, skin irritation, uneven pigmentation, and the development of skin cancer from DNA damage. Understandably, many men still find the relatively new world of skincare very overwhelming, but an effective routine doesn’t have to be elaborate or have too many steps. Here are the basics of skincare that every man should have in their skincare routine. <h2>Cleanse to Refresh Skin</h2> Every good skincare routine has to start with a gentle cleanser. Washing your face helps remove any dirt, excess sebum, and other impurities that may have settled onto your skin throughout the day or night, while also giving the skin a much needed refresh. When choosing a cleanser, it’s important to stay away from cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils. A common misconception is that harsher cleansers clean the face much more thoroughly, especially for those with oily skin, but this isn’t true. Severely stripping cleansers will only irritate your skin and potentially introduce a wide range of skin issues that you may not have had to deal with before, while also forcing skin to overproduce oil to compensate. A general rule is to stick with gentle and hydrating cleansers that can wash away all the grime without removing the natural oil that your skin needs. If you feel like this isn’t enough, then feel free to experiment with different cleansers with different actives or ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid—both of which work great on oily skin and can offer mild exfoliation. You can also double cleanse at night for a more thorough cleanse if you need it. <h2>Hydrate for a Glowing Complexion</h2> Many men would choose to stay away from any creams or lotions that need to be applied on the face, but it’s important to maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin. No matter what skin type you may have, a moisturizer is essential for keeping your face hydrated and well-balanced throughout the day, but you do have the option to choose from a few different options. Those with oilier skin can opt for a lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer, which will moisturize and protect the skin without having it feel greasy and heavy. On the other hand, those with really dry skin would benefit from a heavier formulation that uses more oils, occlusives, and emollients that can help lock in the water. With the right moisturizer, you’ll find that your skin will look much better and healthier than ever before. Sunscreen for Sun Protection Sun protection might just be the most important step in every skincare routine, especially with dermatologists and skin care professionals saying that almost 90% of skin issues can be caused or worsened by unprotected sun exposure. The sun is not your friend as the harmful ultraviolet rays can inflict some serious damage to your skin such as loss of volume and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, sunburns, hyperpigmentation, as well as skin cancer. Because of that, it’s very important to put on a good layer of sunscreen before you head out the door, making sure to reapply every two hours, especially when spending prolonged periods outdoors. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 will keep you protected from both UVA and UVB, so make sure to put it on, even during cloudy or overcast days. <h2>Serums for Targeted Treatments</h2> Now that you have the basics down, it’s also crucial to address any skin concerns you may already have. This can be anything from uneven skin tone and signs of aging to acne and acne scars. There’s a wide range of serums and treatments out there that can help minimize the appearance of your skin concern or even eliminate it, so it’s best to incorporate those into your routine to help achieve the best skin possible. As you can see, skincare doesn’t have to be overcomplicated because a basic routine with only a handful of steps might just be all you need to keep your skin in the best state possible. It’s also worth mentioning that there aren’t that many differences between men’s and women’s skincare routines, and that’s because the overall goal is to have a healthy complexion—something that both genders should aspire towards. If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your skincare routine, definitely check out Temu for the latest skincare gadgets and accessories that you can try out. Temu is an online shopping platform that offers high quality and affordable items from a world-class selection. With over 29 categories and 250 subcategories to choose from, you’ll be able to find everything you need [over at Temu](https://www.tiktok.com/@shoptemu).