Skincare for Men: A Routine for Every Age

In the past, few men admitted to using skincare products. Now, the already booming skincare for men’s market is expected to explode in the coming years. Do you want to get left behind? We thought not. 

Here’s how to help counteract those late nights, early mornings, the eco-system lurking under your face mask and the endless scrolling and screen time with a winning skincare routine for men that will put your best face forward. 

Why a men’s skincare routine is important

“A man’s skin is 25% thicker than a woman’s, which is why we differentiate between men’s and women’s skincare as a brand,” explains Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager. “The reason for the difference? Testosterone levels result in a denser epidermis, and men’s skin is subject to slightly different aggressors. So when a man starts shaving, for most men, that’s when their skin really changes.”

According to a Clarins study of 1,000 men aged 18+, most men have a daily skincare routine lasting between ten and 30 minutes. The most commonly-used products? Soap and water (yes, really!), followed by a cleanser, moisturiser, eye cream, and spot treatment. A whopping 91% of males have at least one skincare bugbear.

Interestingly, says McHale, “Men tend to shop for skincare as problem solvers, while women tend to be more aspirational shoppers. Men tend not to think about their skin until something goes wrong. Which is why it’s so important for them to get into a good routine.”

Common men’s skin problems

The reason so many men have embraced a skincare routine is to combat all those common skin problems – SIS International Research lists these as spots and discolouration, shaving rash, acne, uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles. 

Sadly, few men use the right products to counteract these issues. In fact, about 25% of men with dry skin said they don’t use moisturiser and only one in five use anti-ageing men’s skincare. 

5 things that the best men's skincare routine needs

1. Invest in a double-duty cleanser

ClarinsMen Exfoliating Cleanser does both exfoliating and cleansing jobs and prepares your skin for shaving. The exfoliant includes natural lava powder and salicylic acid microbeads, which are gentle on the skin. It can be used every day, morning and evening. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and finish with cold water to tone skin and close pores.

2. Do not skimp on moisture

You have to moisturise your skin, no matter your skin type, to keep it hydrated and healthy and protect it from the elements. Use the non-greasy ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm morning and night, with its extra-hydrating organic leaf of life extract and soothing, energising bison grass. 

3. Be shaving savvy

Choose a shaving gel that looks after your skin, nourishes it and protects it, like Clarins Men Shave and Beard Oil. Lather on every day. It banishes skin irritation and razor burn, while bison grass and Chinese galanga extracts leave skin soft and smooth. When shaving, remember to shave your face in the direction of hair growth. Use warm (not hot) water to soften hairs and open pores. Then, rinse with cold water to close pores and reduce redness.

4. Don’t forget the eye area

To reduce the natural signs of ageing, use Line-Control Eye Balm in the morning and night. It prevents fine lines and wrinkles and de-puffs even after a late night. Also, lifts and firms, while maritime pine extracts fade dark circles. To use, add a small drop to your fingertips and gently tap onto bags and eye contours.

5. Last but not least: 

When shaving, ClarinsMen After Shave Soothing Gel will perfect your routine with light smoothing motions on the face. This should leave skin healthy, hydrated and free of irritation. If there is any razor burn, it will soothe it out as well. 

Dermatologist-recommended men's skin care routine

The basic skincare routine for men that we recommend includes 5 steps.

1. Cleanse: A cleanser is the first vital step to remove excess dirt, oil and pollutants on your skin before putting on any skincare product. ClarinsMen Active Face Wash, with a gentle formula, leaves your skin soft, purified and refreshed afterwash. 

2. Exfoliate: You should also exfoliate your face twice a week to get rid of any dead skin cells and sebum, ensuring your skin looks bright and smooth. Besides using an exfoliating cleanser, you can consider a physical exfoliator like Comfort Scrub or a chemical exfoliator like Beauty Flash Peel to remove flaky skin yet still nourish and comfort the skin.

3. Eye cream: An eye cream helps solve multiple skin concerns, from puffy bags to fine lines, dark circles and tired eyes. 

4. Moisturiser: You can use a face cream both in the morning and night to keep your skin hydrated. Based on your skin type, there is a selection of face creams available. If you have dry skin, try ClarinsMen Line Control Cream, which will visibly firm and smooth deep lines and wrinkles, plus, tighten sagging skin around the chin. 

5. SPF: This is a must-have step, whether it is sunny or cloudy outside. Our UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution SPF 50 Translucent protects your skin against 5 pollutants encountered in everyday life: atmospheric, indoor, pollen, blue light and photo-pollution. With organic mango leaf extract, it enhances the skin's self-defence by 64%.

However, as we age, we need to change our skincare products as well, to target the right conditions our skin having at the time. 

1. Up to mid-30s: Once men start shaving and their skin thickens, they are all concerned about hydration, McHale says. The best moisturiser? Super Moisture Balm or Super Moisture Gel, depending on your texture preference.

2. Late 30s & early 40s: This is when lifestyle choices start showing on a man’s skin. McHale recommends anti-fatigue products with Red Ginseng extract, which provides a shot of energy and hydration: the new Energising Gel and Energising Eye Gel are great choices.

3. 45 plus: This is the most crucial time for men to care for their skin. 

As you edge to older milestone birthdays, that’s when you start to analyse your skin. However, by the time you hit your mid-forties, your skin may begin to show signs of flagging. Even though you cannot turn back time, there are plenty of technological advances that can help you reap the benefits. 

Trending ingredients in men’s skincare

Whether it’s down to post-pandemic stress or life in general – one of the searched-for ingredients you guys are Googling is around ‘anti-fatigue’. 

Your scrolling stops here – just invest in ingredients like bison grass, which works as a slow-release energy on the skin, to wake up the complexion. Red ginseng is another: the G-RED Complex, found in the Energising Gel and Energising Eye Gel helps cells renew themselves. 

Acne can be another big issue – salicylic acid is a wonder ingredient that helps the skin clear when used daily. A targeted treatment serum like My Clarins PURE-RESET Resurfacing Blemish Serum helps to reduce excess sebum and the appearance of blemishes and visible pores. However, this serum is ideal for young skin. 

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