Men Skincare Routine for Anti-Aging: Dermatologists Reveal the Simplest Steps

Whether they want to advance in their careers or stand out on dating apps, men have shown a growing interest in taking care of their skin.

But while more men are seeking out cosmetic procedures like fillers and eyelid lifts, dermatologists recommend starting with a simpler anti-aging investment: a daily skincare routine.

Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, said that the male clients who ask him for skincare advice are usually in his office for a more invasive procedure, like Botox for wrinkles or skin cancer surgery — all while they never wear sunscreen.

He’s not surprised.

“Skincare products were historically marketing toward women both in message and packaging,” Hartman told Business Insider. That is changing, but the vast majority of skincare products are still aimed at women, which he believes has “discouraged men from fully participating or feeling as though the products were meant for them.”

As a result, male clients are overwhelmed by the options, Dr. Peter Bittar, a board-certified dermatologist and cofounder of Miami Dermatology in Florida, told Business Insider. “You go to the pharmacy and there are 300 products on the shelf, versus women, often from a young age, are taught how to use makeup, what the steps are,” he said.

Hartman and Bittar shared the best beginner skincare routine for men, keeping it as bare-bones as possible to achieve clear, soft, and youthful skin.

“It’s two steps in the morning, three steps at night, and takes about a minute,” Bittar said. “I think people find it really easy to do.”

Swap soap for a gentle cleanser

Hartman and Bittar said the first step in the morning should be washing your face to remove oil or sweat that could clog pores and cause acne. Using cleansers reduces the chances of accidentally irritating or clogging your skin with harsh soap.

Bittar recommended CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which costs under $20 and is gentle and unscented, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.

Another favorite of Hartman’s — for a similar price point — is La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, which works as a two-in-one facial cleanser and body wash and can simplify your routine even more.

Opt for a 2-in-1 moisturizing sunscreen

Out of all the skincare steps, Bittar and Hartman said wearing sunscreen is the most important.

“That is going to be 80% of the anti-aging game as well as the large chunk of the skin cancer-prevention game,” Bittar said.

Following what most dermatologists recommend, Hartman said you should use a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 for proper protection. He and Bittar both recommended La Roche Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer with UV, a $26 sunscreen, which doubles as a moisturizer.

“It doesn’t pill up on the beard, goes on smoothly, has no white cast,” Bittar said.

Cleanse again

At night, Hartman and Bittar said the first step is using the same cleanser you used in the morning to wash off dirt, oil, and sunscreen.

Invest in retinol

While it’s not as crucial for a healthy skin barrier as wearing sunscreen or washing your face, Hartman and Bittar urge their male clients to get a retinol serum or cream. They both insist that it solves nearly every common skin issue.

“A retinol will help stimulate collagen production and expedite cellular turnover, revealing newer, fresher, smoother, and more even-toned skin,” Hartman said.

Of all the products out there, Hartman and Bittar both recommended skinbetter science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream, a $145 retinol cream that also includes anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C which “help prevent free radicals from destroying collagen in your skin,” Hartman said.

If the price is a sticking point, Bittar suggested trying Differin, a $12 over-the-counter gel that used to be prescription-only because of how strong the formula is and the potential side effects like skin redness. The FDA approved it for over-the-counter use in 2016.

Whatever the product, the key with retinol is to apply a pea-sized amount and start with only a few days a week to let your skin gradually adjust, he said.

Eventually, once your skin easily handles retinol, Hartman and Bittar recommended switching to a prescription retinoid — which is stronger and more effective than any storebought retinols. It can also be cheaper, Bittar said, if your insurance covers it.

If the effects are still irritating, Hartman recommended switching this step and the step below, starting with moisturizer first before adding retinol.

Use a non-sunscreen version of your moisturizer

Applying moisturizer, especially before or after using retinol, helps protect the skin barrier and promotes smoother skin.

To keep things simple, Bittar said you can just buy a moisturizer version of your sunscreen. He recommended buying La Roche Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer without UV and just applying it after cleansing to mirror your morning routine.

“I think men often can buy into that really well: ‘Hey, it’s the same moisturizer. Just use the sunscreen version in the morning, the not-sunscreen version at night,” he said.

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