Men's skincare routine: Dermatologist-approved steps for long-term skin health

A tailored skincare routine for men is important because male skin is biologically different from female skin. Men’s skin is thicker, produces more oil, and is often exposed to shaving, all of which create specific care needs.

Skincare is not only about appearance but also about maintaining the skin’s protective barrier and preventing premature signs of ageing. Establishing good habits early supports healthier skin in the long run and helps reduce issues such as acne, irritation, or uneven tone. Even a simple routine can make a significant difference when followed consistently.

This article outlines a skincare routine for men, from a basic routine for beginners to optional, more advanced steps. With dermatologist-backed advice and Eucerin product recommendations, it provides clear steps to support long-term skin health.

Men’s skin is, on average, 20 to 25 percent thicker than women’s and contains more collagen, so signs of ageing often appear later. However, once collagen and elasticity decline, wrinkles and fine lines can look deeper and become noticeable more quickly.

Sebum production is also higher for men, which increases oiliness, clogged pores, and the risk of acne. Shaving adds daily stress, creating micro-cuts and irritation. This means that men’s skincare routine choices should prioritise barrier repair, oil regulation, and consistent sun protection.

A good skincare routine for men does not need to be complex. Dermatologists agree that a routine built on core steps, cleansing, moisturising, sun protection, and, where beneficial, a targeted serum, can be sufficient for maintaining healthy, resilient skin¹. These steps form the foundation for every skin type.

Cleansing should always be the first step in men’s skincare. Morning and evening, wash with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to irritation. Using a product like Eucerin DermatoClean Refreshing Cleansing Gel helps keep skin clean, fresh, and prepared for the next steps in your routine.

After cleansing, apply a serum to address your specific skin needs. Serums deliver concentrated ingredients that work on concerns such as fine lines, blemishes, or pigmentation. Discover the Eucerin serums collection, with clinically tested formulas that penetrate deeply and provide targeted solutions, making this a powerful step for supporting long-term skin health.

Moisturising is key to keeping men’s skin hydrated and supported throughout the day. Even oily skin requires this step to maintain balance and protect the barrier. Using a product tailored to your skin type from the Eucerin moisturisers for face range helps reduce dryness, soothe irritation, and keep skin comfortable and resilient.

Daily sun protection is the most important part of any skincare routine. UV rays contribute to premature ageing, dark spots, and long-term damage, even on cloudy days. A clinically proven product from the Eucerin sun protection range offers effective defence for your skin while caring for your skin type, ensuring lasting skin health.

After building the four essential steps of your routine, adapting your products to your specific skin concern helps ensure the best results.

Excess oil and breakouts are common skin concerns for men, often linked to higher sebum production. A consistent dermatologist-recommended routine can help control shine, prevent clogged pores, and reduce blemishes.

1. Cleanser: Use a cleanser formulated for blemish-prone skin, such as Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Purifying Cleanser. This soap-free formula gently yet effectively removes excess sebum and dirt without drying the skin, helping to prevent clogged pores and reduce impurities.

2. Serum: Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Triple Action reduces blemishes and post-acne marks with exfoliating and soothing ingredients, while also helping to prevent new imperfections.

3. Moisturiser: Choose a lightweight hydration such as Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL Mat Fluid. It helps control oiliness for up to 8 hours, reduces excess sebum, and works to minimise the visibility of pores and blemishes.

4. Sunscreen: Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF 50+ provides high protection with a non-greasy texture for shine control, which helps keep oily skin comfortable.

Explore the Eucerin DERMOPURE CLINICAL range designed specifically for blemish-prone skin.

Dry or sensitive skin needs extra care to maintain comfort and reduce irritation. A dermatologist-guided routine focuses on gentle cleansing, intensive hydration, and daily protection to strengthen the skin barrier.

1. Cleanser: Opt for a gentle, moisturising cleanser such as Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Cleansing Milk. It effectively removes impurities and makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance, helping to reduce dryness and leave skin feeling soft and comfortable.

2. Serum: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler +3x Effect Firming Serum combines Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Glycerin to plump wrinkles, firm the skin, and repair the skin barrier for a smoother, more resilient appearance.

3. Moisturiser: Eucerin UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea hydrates with Urea and Lactate, relieving tightness, reducing roughness, and leaving skin smooth and supple.

4. Sunscreen: Protect with an SPF that is gentle on sensitive skin, such as Eucerin Sensitive Protect Face Sun Cream SPF 50+. It provides high UVA/UVB and HEVIS light protection while supporting the skin’s own DNA repair mechanism.

Discover the Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS range for sensitive and dry skin.

As men’s skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, fine lines and wrinkles become more visible. A targeted skincare routine with proven anti-ageing ingredients can help smooth, firm, and protect the skin.

1. Cleanser: A gentle cleanser such as Eucerin DermatoClean Refreshing Cleansing Gel removes daily impurities and prepares the skin to absorb anti-ageing actives.

2. Serum: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum combines Epicelline® with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, plump wrinkles, and support smoother, firmer skin. Its formula also stimulates the production of Collagen and Elastin, helping improve visible signs of ageing.

3. Moisturiser: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Day SPF 30 reduces fine lines and wrinkles with Hyaluronic Acid, Saponin, and Enoxolone, leaving skin looking rejuvenated.

4. Sunscreen: Eucerin Photoageing Control SPF 50 offers high UVA/UVB and HEVIS light protection with Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce wrinkles and support skin’s own DNA repair.

Learn more about the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Range for anti-ageing care.

Consistency is more important than complexity. A simple routine performed every day will deliver better results than an advanced one followed irregularly.

• Begin with the four essential steps and add extras later if needed.
• Keep the process short, ideally no more than five minutes.
• Combine skincare with existing daily habits, such as brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Store products in a visible place to act as a reminder.
• Be patient. Hydration may improve quickly, but acne, ageing, and pigmentation concerns often take four to eight weeks of consistent care.

Once the four essential steps are established, additional products can be introduced to provide targeted support for specific skin concerns. These steps are not necessary for everyone, but can help enhance results when used consistently.

• Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation with Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Scrub removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. This scrub improves skin texture and prepares it to absorb active ingredients more effectively.
• Masks: Hydrating or purifying masks, like the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Hyaluron Intensive Mask, offer an occasional boost by replenishing moisture, leaving skin plumper, more refreshed, and rejuvenated.
• Eye cream: Specially formulated for the delicate under-eye area, eye creams help reduce puffiness and fine lines. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Eye Cream SPF 15 smooths and protects the skin with added sun protection.

A consistent men’s skincare routine does not have to be complicated. Starting with cleansing, serum, moisturiser, and daily sunscreen is enough to support healthy skin and prevent premature ageing. Adjust your routine to suit your skin concern and add advanced steps if desired.

Explore the full Eucerin facial skincare range and find dermatologist-backed products suited to your needs.