Guide to Easy and Affordable Men’s Skincare

A men’s skincare routine that is budget friendly and simple? Yes. We can make that happen for you, or for the man in your life! This guide will easily explain the 3 steps to start with for a quality men’s skincare routine without breaking the bank and taking too much time.

The days are over where men are to believe that they do not need skincare products. With the global market for skincare estimated to hit $189 billion by 2025, these beauty companies are making sure to include men specific and gender neutral skincare products that will reach consumers more widely. With more and more skincare products being produced, it is becoming increasingly difficult for men, who are newer to the market, to choose the correct products. This guide provides helpful skincare tips to simplify the search and wade through price tags.

How is Men’s Skin Different?

Men’s skin is 25% thicker than women’s! They also produce more oil and have a higher density of collagen. This does not mean though that men should purchase entirely different products from women. Men’s skincare should consist of evaluating their different experiences to various skin conditions, such as acne and aging. But, when choosing skincare for either sex, current and future skin conditions are always taken into account!

Note* When looking for a men’s skincare routine, you do not need to purchase a product that specifically states “for men”. Usually, the only difference is the addition of fragrances directed towards men. I am including some of both in this purchase guide because it is entirely your preference!

Skincare is not a one size fits all though, even for men.

1. Cleanser

Every single skincare routine must begin with a proper cleanser. On the surface, the skin has a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and oils. This can cause the pores to clog if they are not properly cleansed away each day. For men, having oilier skin means that if they are not using the right cleanser, it can wreak havoc on the pH of the skin.

For a gentle, daily cleanser I would recommend the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. You may also choose to try the Paula’s Choice Men’s Face Wash. Both of these are fragrance free options that will gently cleanse and refresh your skin!

Exfoliation

Since men do indeed have thicker skin than women, there will often be a build of up dead skin that can inhibit proper shaving. Exfoliation can give the skin a softer and brighter appearance. There are two options when it comes to choosing an exfoliant: chemical or physical. Check out my previous blog post if you want to know the difference between chemical and physical exfoliants.

Using a physical scrub can be extremely helpful to prepare the follicles for shaving. You want to ensure the scrub is not too harsh and that you use it gently. I also highly recommend a chemical exfoliant in the form of a toner or treatment. This especially helps with: scarring, discoloration, aging, and breakouts.

For a cooling scrub before shaving, check out the Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub. It is highly recommended by several sites and blogs alike. Using peppermint to cool and Vitamin C to brighten the complexion, it is a great pre shave exfoliant. Be sure to not overuse this though, only a few times a week! If you shave every day, then I would recommend using some hot water on the beard area before shaving on days you aren’t exfoliating.

Moisturizer

Although this is the last step, it is arguably the most important. If you do not apply a moisturizer at this point, your skin will be pretty mad at you. The barrier of the skin needs this last step to prevent dehydration. Without a moisturizer as your final step, the skin can easily become dry, irritated, and even overproduce oil!

This process of feeling dry but oily often puzzles people. I typically hear at the spa, “my skin is so dry and tight…but I have acne”. Acne cannot occur without the production of oil! Meaning, you are most likely not providing the proper barrier for your skin. I also hear people say, “my skin feels fine after I cleanse so I don’t want to add anything to it”. It is supposed to feel good after cleansing. Never dry. Add some moisturizer to keep it feeling good all day and avoid multiple skin conditions from occurring!

SPF is also key when it comes to any moisturizer. At the very least, be sure you are applying a sunscreen every single morning!

I suggest trying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 for hydration and sun protection. The Neutrogena Triple Protect Men’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF 20 Is another affordable option.

Optional Personal Care Extras

After starting your simple skincare routine, why not take it to the next level? Having a personal care routine is not only great for your skin and body, but can add some positivity to your morning. Men’s skincare does not have to be simple if you don’t want it to be. Remember, starting out with the essentials is a perfect base to grow on in the future.

After months of getting used to some daily skincare, my husband also added a Vitamin C Serum to his routine.

A healthy, shiny beard is also essential to many men. My husband uses the Bulldog Beard Oil, and it definitely helps improve the look of his beard. This also keeps his follicles healthy and prevents pesky ingrown hairs.

While we are at it, let’s also throw away the dreaded 3 in 1 body care products. Those products can be entirely too drying and filled with harsh fragrance. Simplicity can still be key, while also taking care of your skin. Choosing a great body wash can help with the dry skin and hands that is common among men. My husband absolutely loves the OGX Coconut Coffee Body Wash. It is gentle enough to use every day, and helps keep the skin soft. I love this too… I think we have gone through about 5 of them!

Overview

An affordable and easy men’s skincare routine shouldn’t stress you out. Purchasing skin care products can certainly be difficult when we don’t know what to buy. Using this simple guide can help you to change up your current face care, or get you started on some great improvements toward better skin! As always seek out a professional to assist with more specific skin concerns and products that may be best suited for you. These are recommendations that can work on multiple skin types, but always test one at a time to ensure no allergies or skin sensitivity occurs.

How is your current men’s skincare? Do any of these affordable products interest you? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading and be sure to check out my new posts every Tuesday.