The simple 5-step men's skincare routine

What is
men's skincare?

Men's skincare is a rapidly growing industry, and with so many products out there now it can feel overwhelming when you're trying to decide what to use. To make things simple for you, NIVEA has created a straightforward 5-step skincare routine for men, along with extra skincare tips to help you look good and feel confident in your own skin.

Why men's skincare is
different to women's

Although there are similarities between men's and women's skincare needs, there are also many differences. It mainly comes down to hormone differences between men and women. Men have much higher levels of testosterone, which can make the skin up to 25 percent thicker and behave differently from women's. The higher levels of testosterone also lead to denser hair follicles, oilier skin and larger pores that pump out more sebum.

Because of the differences between men's and women's skin, you need to look for products that are specifically designed for your skin. Men usually need active ingredients in slightly higher concentrations with better absorption to penetrate thicker skin, as well as formulas that are more focused on oily skin.

Close-up of a man using his fingertips to apply white facial cream beneath his eye and across his cheek

The simple
5-step men's skincare routine

1. Cleanse

Cleansing twice a day is recommended. You should wash your face with a cleanser first thing in the morning to remove any overnight products you've used, as well as the sweat and impurities your skin has built up while you sleep. Then cleanse again in the evening at the start of your nighttime skincare routine.
Purpose: Clear your skin of excess sebum and dirt
How to: Use a facial cleanser to wash your face first thing in the morning and again to start your nighttime routine

2. Exfoliate twice a week

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, excess dirt and sebum so your skin looks bright and smooth. Using an exfoliant helps prevent breakouts by penetrating your pores to unblock deep-lying impurities and stop blockages. There are both chemical exfoliators and abrasive exfoliators (face scrubs). If you tend to have sensitive skin, it’s best to choose a gentle exfoliator and avoid using it too often.
Purpose: Remove dead skin and clear deep pores
How to: Apply a chemical or abrasive exfoliator twice a week and wash off after use

Smiling man outdoors holding a tube of NIVEA MEN Sensitive SPF 50 Face Cream against a blue sky

3. Eye cream

The skin around your eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face, so it needs more specific ingredients because this area tends to lose moisture and volume more quickly. An eye cream can help with multiple concerns such as dark circles, puffy bags and fine lines, and helps keep the skin looking fresh. You should apply eye cream in the morning and at night after cleansing.
Purpose: Hydrate and plump the thinner skin around your eyes
How to: Apply a small amount to the eye area once you've gently patted your skin dry after cleansing, in the morning and evening

4. Moisturise

Consistently using a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated is very important for skin health. A nourishing day cream helps restore the nutrients you may have lost through cleansing or exfoliating. You should choose a moisturiser that best suits your skin type, whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination. As mentioned, men tend to produce more sebum naturally so a light, matte-finish moisturiser may work best for you.
Purpose: Lock in hydration and supply nutrients
How to: Morning and night, gently apply to your whole face

Keeping your skin hydrated doesn't have to be complicated. A lightweight, fast-absorbing formula can provide moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. The NIVEA MEN Hydrocare Face Cream, enriched with Aloe Vera and Pro-Vitamin B5, provides intense, long-lasting hydration for comfortable, healthy-looking skin.

NIVEA MEN Hydrocare

5. SPF

The final step is the most important. To maintain youthful-looking skin, SPF is essential in any good skincare routine for men, no matter your skin tone. SPF is one of the most effective ways to help combat signs of ageing caused by UV rays. If you have sensitive skin, using a gentle, protective formula can make all the difference. The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30, with VitaminPro Complex (vitamin E, provitamin B5 and chamomile extract) and Licochalcone, offers triple protection against UVA/UVB rays, the effects of blue light and the effects of pollution. Its light, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, providing intense hydration while helping to strengthen the skin barrier.
Purpose: Protect the skin from UV rays to help combat signs of ageing
How to: Make this the last step in your morning routine and reapply throughout the day, applying all over sun-exposed areas of your skin.

Triple Protect Moisturiser SPF30

White bottle of NIVEA MEN Sensitive Daily Protect Moisturiser SPF 30 angled on a blue background

Close-up of smooth, pale lavender cream spread in broad, glossy swirls with soft shadows

Hands pouring NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm from a white bottle onto a palm against pale blue

Additional supplementary
skincare steps

There are a few extra steps you might want to add to this simple 5-step skincare routine, including:

1
Facial serum
There are many types of serums available, with different active ingredients to focus on specific skin concerns. Facial serums generally contain more concentrated active ingredients (vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol) and have a lighter, less oily formula. This allows for quicker absorption of higher concentrations of effective ingredients that help boost your skin’s overall appearance.

2
Face masks
Face masks are similar to facial serums in that there is a wide variety available that offer specific benefits by delivering more concentrated ingredients to your skin. They are great for topping up and supporting your main skincare routine on a weekly basis.

3
Shaving balm
Your skin can be very sensitive after shaving, so it's important to take an extra moment to look after it post-shave. Use a good quality post-shave balm to soothe, cool and revitalise your skin. Some balms can help protect sensitive skin after shaving against the 5 signs of skin irritation: burning, redness, dryness, tightness and micro-cuts.

NIVEA MEN SHAVING PRODUCTS

Men's Skincare Routine

Facts Overview

Men-Specific Needs:
Men's skin tends to be a bit thicker and oilier, which means it needs specialised products for hydration, cleansing and post-shave care.

A Simple Routine:
Use a cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil, a moisturiser to hydrate and strengthen your skin barrier, and SPF to protect your skin against damage and premature ageing caused by UV. It's also recommended to exfoliate 1–2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

The Importance of Moisturisation:
Regular moisturising keeps your skin hydrated, helps combat dryness and promotes a healthy-looking glow.

7 Common
Skincare Mistakes Men Make

Even with a good skincare routine for men, it's easy to fall into habits that stop you from getting the best results. Simple mistakes, like using the wrong products or skipping key steps, can affect the look and feel of your skin. Here are some common missteps and how you can fix them:

1
Skipping sunscreen
It's easy to think SPF is only for sunny days, but UV rays can affect your skin even on cloudy days or indoors.

Fix: Apply sunscreen every day as the last step in your morning routine.

2
Using harsh products
Harsh skincare products can disrupt your skin's natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation or excessive oil production.
Fix: Choose products that match your skin type and are formulated to maintain its natural balance and hydration.

3
Ignoring skin type
Using products that aren’t tailored to your skin type can lead to imbalances, whether that's excessive oiliness or dryness.
Fix: Get to know your skin type (oily, dry, combination or sensitive) and pick products that are designed for it.

4
Not moisturising oily skin
Oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser can actually make your skin produce more oil, leading to unwanted shine.
Fix: Opt for a lightweight, mattifying moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. This is an important step in a good skincare routine for men.

5
Over-exfoliating
Exfoliating too frequently can damage your skin's protective barrier and lead to irritation.
Fix: Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant as part of a basic skincare routine for men.

6
Applying products in the wrong order
Using products in the wrong order can affect how well they work.
Fix: Follow this simple sequence: Cleanser → Exfoliator (if used) → Eye Cream → Serum (if used) → Moisturiser → SPF (morning only). Check out NIVEA's article on how to build a skincare routine.

7
Shaving mistakes
Shaving with a dull razor, shaving dry, or skipping aftercare can lead to irritation or ingrown hairs.
Fix: Shave with a sharp razor, use a soothing shaving cream and always follow with a calming post-shave balm.
By avoiding these common skincare mistakes and following a simple, well-structured male skincare routine, you can enjoy healthier-looking, clearer and more refreshed skin.

Find
Your Routine with NIVEA MEN

The full range of NIVEA MEN products has been expertly developed to cater to the unique needs of men's skin, offering solutions for every part of your grooming routine. Whether you're looking for effective facial skincare, refreshing shower gels, reliable deodorants or high-performance shaving products, NIVEA MEN has you covered. Designed to deliver great results and long-lasting care, our products help you look and feel your best every day.

Explore the NIVEA MEN range to find the perfect fit for your skincare and grooming needs—because taking care of your skin should feel effortless. Kickstart your new routine today.

NIVEA MEN PRODUCTS

Two smiling men in sleeveless tops, one with his arm around the other's shoulders, against a blue background

Summary

Adopting a skincare routine is the first step towards healthier-looking skin. But, like many things in life, there are no miracle shortcuts—results come from consistency over time. Find products that suit your skin and pay attention to how your skin responds. Remember to follow your skincare routine in both the morning and evening. If you suspect new products are causing irritation, it's recommended to stop using them and get advice from a dermatologist.