Men’s Skincare Routine (And How to Get Your Man to Use One)

Getting a man to do something he doesn’t want to do is tough. If he doesn’t want to do something, newsflash, he isn’t going to. So how do you make him do something that’s good for him (like a skincare routine)? Persistence.

You dutifully perform your regime every night (here’s mine), maybe drop a few lines in there about how amazing your skin feels afterward. After hearing the word “skin” enough times, he’ll start to notice it. Maybe point out a wrinkle or two around his eyes. Gently, of course. Perhaps start with a face mask, share it on Instagram Stories (you know what I mean if you’re following me on Instagram). He’ll come around. Eventually…

So what does he really think about all these changes (aka improvements) you’ve been getting him into? Without further adieu, here are a man’s thoughts on a skincare routine. A word of warning, it’s “raw”.

If you love getting a guy’s perspective, here are more posts from Matt!

Written by Matt…

Skincare is something that a majority of guys take for granted, probably for a number of reasons. It could be because we are lazy. It could be that we don’t think we need it. Or it could be the thought of caking on a bunch of shit onto our faces before bed is quite emasculating. 

Ok, so the “we” and “guys” I was referring to was really just myself about four years ago. Washing my face? Ha, that’s what the shower is for! Then I started to notice my girlfriend spending 30 minutes in the bathroom before bed and it wasn’t because she was taking a “number 2.” Talk about annoying things about living with your significant other. Eventually it was her that persuaded me into a skin regimen and I’ve never looked back. After all, she’s the one that has to look at this ugly mug every day for the rest of her life.

When I first started up my nightly skincare routine, the act of spending 15 minutes lubing up my face with half a dozen products didn’t feel right. But I can say the results have been worth it. My face has cleared up, and I’m getting ID’d at the bar more and more (and it’s not because I have the acne of an adolescent teen). 

Skincare isn’t just about avoiding breakouts. It’s about keeping your face looking as youthful as age will allow. With all that said, I’m going to take you through my nightly skincare routine, along with some other important tips to keeping your face in top form.

Step 1. Noxema Deep Cleansing Cream

I’ve sampled countless face washes over the years but this is the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time) of them all.  Pretty easy process, all you need is the tub of cleanser, water, and a wash cloth. First, I wet the washcloth and get my face a little damp. Second, I lather up a washcloth with the puddy, rub it onto my face until I resemble a Circus Clown. Third, wipe off with said washcloth. Once cleanser is fully removed, I pat my face down with a dry towel, feeling as refreshed as a beer at a ballgame. 

Step 2. Toner Pads

These toner pads help do it all. They clean the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, prevent new zits, and support natural cell turnover. They’re also known to assist with anti-aging as they reduce fine lines and wrinkles (the same ones Jenna told me I had around my eyes). With all those positives you’d think they smell like pure rubbing alcohol but in actuality they have the aroma of a Peach Bellini. Bottoms up! 

Step 3. Protein Booster Skin Serum

This brings us to the manliest product I’m going to talk about: PROTEIN. Dudes love protein, we yearn for protein. This protein serum is consistent with our other reasons for protein consumption, as it’s directly tied to being aesthetically appealing to the opposite sex. I refer to this as the magic potion. The genie in a bottle. The secret sauce. Two pumps of the serum are plenty to rub into your face, helping you achieve Benjamin Button type results. After this is applied I usually like to let it soak in for a couple minutes before moving to the next step (fill the time by brushing your teeth).

Step 4. Eye Cream

Eye cream is a necessity if you want to battle Crow’s Feet and fight those inevitable bags growing under your eyes. Those late days at the office and late nights playing video games are eventually going to appear on your face, and eye cream is the best defense in the league. Throw a little on your middle finger and pat around your orbital bone, up to the outer corner of your eye. It’s the second most metro-sexual thing you can do right behind wearing a male romper.

Step 5. Face Moisturizer

A lot of men make the mistake of using body lotion on their face. I would recommend investing in a moisturizer geared specifically for your mug, like this one. Much like the serum, give a couple pumps and simply rub into your face and neck. Not only do I use this to finish off my nightly routine, I also apply in the morning after I shower. This moisturizer will make your face feel as quenched as a Gatorade after a night of Fireball. 

That’s it, you’re finished! See, wasn’t that painless? 

If you felt that was a little overwhelming, I used to be right there with you.  So as a starting point I would recommend Steps 1 and 5. This will give you a good wash and refresh. Try it for a couple weeks (or months, or years) and once you get comfortable we can open up the playbook a bit. Let’s compare it to when you started drinking, stick with the cheap beers first. Once you get a taste for what we’re going for, mix in some IPA’s.

Now that we’ve established a nightly routine, here are 4 additional measures I’ve incorporated into my daily habits to promote good skincare.

Art of Shaving Aftershave

Remember that scene in Home Alone when Kevin McAllister slaps Brute on his cheeks and screams in agony? I never understood alcohol based aftershaves. Not only are they uncomfortable to apply, they dry the fuck out of your skin. Avoid them like that co-worker who always says “hey we should get together outside of work.” Art of Shaving has a plethora of high quality shaving products, but my favorite is their Lavender Moisturizing After Shave. It has a subtle yet refreshing scent and will make you ditch your Grandfather’s aftershave forever. 

Face Sunscreen

I don’t care how big of a badass you think you are, the one thing you’re not tougher than is the sun.  While we all want that mocha colored skin, it can come at a price. Neutrogena makes an oil-free facial sunscreen that’s going to protect your face while avoiding that heavy or greasy feel that inevitably  accompanies most sunscreens. Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to early aging, so don’t hit the beach without it or you’ll see your skin resemble an old leathery baseball glove sooner rather than later.

Fish Oil

Most fats are bad, but Omega 3 fatty acids are good. I take two of these puppies every morning. Fish oil is packed with benefits for the bros, which include but are not limited to heart, prostate, joint and mental health. Though as it applies to this article, studies show fish oil is also tied to hair and skin strength. Move over milk, it’s Omega 3’s that do a body good.

Hydrate

Is a lecture really necessary on why it’s important to drink water? You could follow every step above, but if you’re dehydrated than it’ll all be for naught. So carry around a water bottle with you and aim for 100 ounces a day.  If that’s tough to gauge, here’s an easy indicator: Drink enough water so that your piss color resembles a glass of Pinot Grigio. That’s what we call championship level hydration.