Skin

Men's skincare: a simple routine, step by step

Good skin changes how you look faster than almost anything else: a clearer complexion, fewer breakouts, a less tired face. You don't need ten products. Three steps morning and night cover the basics, then one active chosen for your main problem. 🧴

Updated November 7, 2026 · By Julien Rayes · Version française

The basic routine

In the morning:

• Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, or just water if your skin is dry.
• Moisturize with a light, fragrance-free cream.
• ☀️ Protect with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, every day, even in winter. It's the best-proven anti-aging step.

At night

• Cleanse to remove sweat, oil and sunscreen.
• Apply one active, one at a time (see below).
• Moisturize, especially if the active dries your skin.

Which active for your skin

• Breakouts and blackheads: salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, then a retinoid if they persist.
• Visible pores, oily skin, mild redness: niacinamide at 5 to 10%.
• Dark spots and dull skin: vitamin C in the morning, under sunscreen.
• Fine lines and texture: over-the-counter retinol, or prescription tretinoin.
• Dry or tight skin: a ceramide cream, with no irritating active for a few weeks.

How to introduce an active

Add one new product at a time, two or three nights a week at first, then more often if your skin tolerates it. Retinoids and acids can sting and cause peeling in the first weeks. That's common, but burning that lasts means you should space them out. Give it six to twelve weeks before judging a result.

Common mistakes

• Using shower gel or bar soap on your face: too harsh.
• Alcohol-based, scented aftershaves, which irritate.
• Mixing several strong actives on the same night.
• Quitting after two weeks without results.
• Skipping sunscreen, which cancels out part of what the actives do.

Shaving and beard

Shave with the grain, using a clean blade on wet skin. If you wear a beard, wash it and moisturize the skin underneath: redness and beard dandruff often come from skin that is too dry.

When to see a dermatologist

🩺 See a dermatologist if you have acne with deep, painful pimples, scars, spots that change appearance or permanent redness. Some effective treatments, like isotretinoin for severe acne, are only prescribed after medical follow-up.

What the scan looks at

The GlowUpTogether scan picks up what shows on your skin in your photo (acne, scars, dark circles, spots) and rates its quality. Your plan then lists the most useful treatments for your case, in order.

Frequently asked questions

What skincare routine should a beginner man follow?

Gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning; cleanser and moisturizer at night. Add a single active once the basics are in place.

Do you really need sunscreen in winter?

Yes. UVA rays pass through clouds and windows, and they play a major role in skin aging and dark spots.

How long before you see results?

A few days for hydration, six to twelve weeks for acne, dark spots or texture.

Is skincare expensive?

No: a cleanser, a moisturizer and a drugstore sunscreen are enough. Price matters less than consistency.