NIVEA's 5-step
skincare routine for men
Discover a simple 5-step skincare routine for men, with extra, easy supplementary skincare tips you can add in when you like.
What is
men's skincare?
Men's skincare is a rapidly growing space, and with so many products out there now it can feel a bit overwhelming. To uncomplicate things, NIVEA has created a simple 5-step skincare routine for men, along with extra skincare tips to help you look and feel good 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 quite a few differences. It all 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 men's and women's skin behave differently, you need to find products that are specifically designed for your skin. Men generally need active ingredients at higher concentrations with better absorption to get through thicker skin, plus formulas that are more focused on oily skin.
Because men's and women's skin behave differently, you need to find products that are specifically designed for your skin. Men generally need active ingredients at higher concentrations with better absorption to get through thicker skin, plus formulas that are more focused on oily skin.
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 rinse off any overnight products you've used, as well as sweat and impurities your skin has picked 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 cleanser to wash your face first thing in the morning and to kick off your nighttime routine
Purpose: Clear your skin of excess sebum and dirt
How to: Use a cleanser to wash your face first thing in the morning and to kick off 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 getting into 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 pick the gentlest exfoliator that suits you 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 it off after use
Purpose: Remove dead skin and clear deep pores
How to: Apply a chemical or abrasive exfoliator twice a week and wash it off after use
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 as the area tends to lose moisture and volume faster. An eye cream can help with heaps of skin concerns like dark circles, puffy bags and fine lines, and helps keep the area looking fresh. You should apply eye cream morning and night after cleansing.
Purpose: Hydrate and plump the thinner skin around your eyes
How to: Apply a small amount to the eye area once it's patted dry after cleansing, in the morning and evening
Purpose: Hydrate and plump the thinner skin around your eyes
How to: Apply a small amount to the eye area once it's patted dry after cleansing, in the morning and evening
4. Moisturise
Consistently using a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated is really important for skin health. A nourishing day cream helps restore the nutrients you may have lost through cleansing or exfoliating. Pick a moisturiser that suits your skin type best, whether that's dry, oily, or combination. As mentioned, men tend to produce more sebum naturally, so a light moisturiser with a matte finish may work best for you.
Purpose: Lock in hydration and supply nutrients
How to: Morning and night, gently apply to your face and neck
Keeping your skin hydrated doesn't have to be complicated. A lightweight, fast-absorbing formula can give you the moisture you need without feeling heavy or greasy. NIVEA MEN Hydrocare Face Cream, enriched with Aloe Vera and Pro-Vitamin B5, provides intense, long-lasting hydration for a comfortable feel and healthy-looking skin all day.
Purpose: Lock in hydration and supply nutrients
How to: Morning and night, gently apply to your face and neck
Keeping your skin hydrated doesn't have to be complicated. A lightweight, fast-absorbing formula can give you the moisture you need without feeling heavy or greasy. NIVEA MEN Hydrocare Face Cream, enriched with Aloe Vera and Pro-Vitamin B5, provides intense, long-lasting hydration for a comfortable feel and healthy-looking skin all day.
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 combat signs of ageing caused by UV rays. If you have sensitive skin, using a gentle, protective formula can make a massive difference. The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Moisturiser SPF15, with VitaminPRO Complex (Vitamin E, Provitamin B5 & chamomile extract), offers protection against UVA/UVB rays. Its light, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, providing intense hydration while helping to strengthen your skin barrier.
Purpose: Protect your skin from UV rays to help combat signs of ageing
How to: Make it the last step of your morning routine and reapply throughout the day, smoothing it over all sun-exposed skin areas.
Additional supplementary
skincare steps
skincare steps
There are a few extra steps you might want to add to this simple 5-step skincare routine, including:
- Facial serumThere are lots of different types of serums available with various active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. Facial serums generally contain more concentrated active ingredients (Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Bakuchiol) and have a lighter, less oily formula. This means higher concentrations of effective ingredients absorb faster to help boost your skin's overall look and feel.
- Face masksFace masks are similar to facial serums in that there’s a wide variety available which offer specific benefits by delivering more concentrated ingredients to your skin. They’re great for topping up your main skincare routine once or twice a week.
- Shaving balmYour skin can be very sensitive after shaving, so it’s worth taking those extra few moments 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.
Men's skincare routineFacts
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:
Cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil, moisturiser to hydrate and support the 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 moisturising:
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 getting the best results. Simple mistakes, like using the wrong products or skipping key steps, can impact how your skin looks and feels. Here are some common missteps and how you can fix them:
- 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.
- Using harsh productsHarsh skincare products can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation or even more oil production.
Fix: Choose products that suit your skin type and are formulated to maintain its natural balance and hydration. - Ignoring skin typeUsing products that don’t match your skin type can cause more issues, whether that’s excess oiliness or dryness.
Fix: Get to know your skin type (oily, dry, combination or sensitive) and pick products that are designed for it. - Not moisturising oily skinOily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser can actually make your skin produce more oil, leading to unwanted shine.
Fix: Go for a lightweight, mattifying moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. This is a really important step in a good skincare routine for men. - Over-exfoliatingExfoliating too often can damage your skin’s protective barrier and cause 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. - Applying products in the wrong orderUsing 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. - Shaving mistakesShaving with a dull razor, shaving on dry skin 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 men’s 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, with options for every step of your grooming routine. Whether you’re after 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.
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.
Summary
Adopting a skincare routine is the first step towards healthier-looking skin. Like most 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. Try to complete your skincare routine in both the morning and evening. If you suspect new products are causing irritation, stop using them and chat to a dermatologist for personalised advice.