A Simple Men’s Skincare Routine: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize and Protect

Men’s skincare does not need to be complicated. A consistent routine built around four useful steps can do far more than a crowded bathroom shelf: cleanse the skin, exfoliate away buildup, add moisture and protect it with SPF.

Exfoliation is often the missing step. SPF may be the most important.

Cleansing removes oil and surface debris, but dead skin can remain behind, leaving the face feeling rough, dull or congested. Regular exfoliation helps clear that buildup and prepares the skin for the moisturizer that follows. Daily SPF helps protect the skin from sun damage and should be the final step of the morning routine.

Facial hair can hide what your skin needs

For men with beards, skincare still means caring for the face beneath the hair. Facial hair can make dry skin, visible flakes and product buildup harder to see and reach. Beard oil may soften the hair, but it cannot replace cleansing and exfoliating the skin underneath it.

The four essential steps in a men’s skincare routine

A simple routine looks like this:

1. Cleanse to remove oil, sweat and daily debris.

2. Exfoliate (with a VIC Cloth!) to lift dead skin and buildup.

3. Moisturize to support comfortable, hydrated skin.

4. Apply SPF every morning to protect exposed skin from the sun.

Men who shave can also exfoliate before shaving to help create a smoother surface around short, coarse hairs. Avoid exfoliating directly over razor burn, broken skin or active irritation. 

Because facial skin is more delicate than the skin on the body, begin with controlled pressure and adjust based on how your skin responds.

One cloth for the face. One for the body.

Made in the Netherlands from 100% cotton, the VIC Cloth offers substantial physical exfoliation without a synthetic pouf, plastic cleansing tool or jar of body scrub.

The VIC two-pack makes it easy to keep one cloth for the face and one for the body. It is a straightforward addition to a men’s skincare routine, whether you are clean-shaven, have a full beard or fall somewhere in between.