Men’s skincare routine: correct order, steps and products by age & skin type
If you want to improve how your skin looks without overthinking it, you need a men’s skincare routine that’s simple, consistent and tailored to your skin. Here you’ll find the correct order, the recommended products and a quick guide by age and skin type.
Want to make sure you’re choosing right?
Take our personalized skincare routine test (age, skin type, climate and goal) and we’ll recommend the best products for your face in under 1 minute.
Correct order for a men’s skincare routine (steps)
Golden rule:
In a skincare routine, anything with pigment or color goes last. That’s why if you use a sunscreen stick (tinted to avoid a white cast), it should be your last step. If you use a sunscreen spray (no color), you can apply the under-eye concealer only on dark circles before or after SPF—whatever you prefer.
If your goal is a “fresh look” with a touch of color, use concealer during the day. At night, prioritize colorless treatment.
Order with sunscreen spray (no color)
- Cleanse (morning & night)
- Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- Revitalizing toner mist
- Serum (based on your goal: anti-aging, dark spots, pores…)
- Anti-aging moisturizer (by skin type / season)
- Under-eye concealer (optional, dark circles only)
- Sunscreen spray (morning)
Because concealer is localized (dark circles only) and the spray has no color, this order works great for daytime.
Order with sunscreen stick (tinted)
- Cleanse (morning & night)
- Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- Revitalizing toner mist
- Serum (based on your goal: anti-aging, dark spots, pores…)
- Anti-aging moisturizer (by skin type / season)
- Under-eye concealer (optional, dark circles only)
- Sunscreen stick (last step because it’s tinted)
Weekly extra: scrub 1–2 times per week (after cleansing, before toner/serum). If you want a basic men’s routine, 3–4 steps (cleanse + serum + anti-aging moisturizer + SPF) are enough to see real changes.
Daily men’s skincare routine: morning vs night
Morning routine
- 1. Cleanse
- 2. Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- 3. Revitalizing toner mist
- 4. Serum (based on your goal)
- 5. Anti-aging moisturizer (by skin type / season)
- 6. Under-eye concealer (optional, dark circles only)
- 7. Sunscreen (spray or stick)
If your SPF is a tinted stick, always apply it last.
Night routine
- 1. Cleanse
- 2. Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- 3. Revitalizing toner mist
- 4. Serum (or serums: apply the most watery one first)
- 5. Eye treatment (no color)
- 6. Anti-aging moisturizer (by skin type / season)
At night you don’t need tinted concealer—this is the best time to focus on treatment.
Recommended products for your routine
Step 1: Sulfate-free facial cleanser (daily)
Cleansing is the foundation of any men’s skincare routine: it helps remove impurities, excess oil, sweat and product residue (including sunscreen).
Recommendation: Extra Gent’s (facial cleanser).
Step 2: Scrub (1–2 times per week)
Even if you wash your face daily, dead skin cells and small impurities can build up and dull your skin, making pores look more visible. A scrub 1–2 times per week helps:
- improve skin texture,
- refine the look of pores,
- and help your serum and moisturizer absorb better.
If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week and adjust based on tolerance.
Recommendation: X-foliate (face scrub).
Step 3: Revitalizing toner mist (daily, optional but highly recommended)
This is one of the most noticeable steps if you want an instant “fresh face” effect: it gives an immediate feeling of freshness and helps your skin look more awake.
Recommendation: Cool Splash (toner mist).
Step 4: Serum (anti-aging, dark spots and pores)
If you want an anti-aging men’s routine or you’re aiming to improve texture and tone, serum is the step that accelerates results the most. See them all here: anti-aging serums for men.
- Anti-aging + dark spots: Anti-aging + dark spots serum.
- Triple-action anti-aging (pores / sensitive-acne-prone skin): Triple-action serum.
If you use two serums, apply the most watery one first and the thicker one second.
Step 5: Eye treatment (night) + under-eye concealer (day)
For the eye area, it’s best to separate use by time of day:
- Daytime: under-eye concealer (optional) for a more rested look.
- Night: eye treatment as skincare (no color).
Recommendation: Concealer + eye contour 2-in-1.
Step 6: Anti-aging moisturizer (choose gel or cream)
- Oily / Combination: Anti-Aging Gel
- Dry / Normal: Anti-Aging Cream
You can switch gel/cream by season: lighter textures in warm weather, richer textures in cold weather.
Step 7: Sun protection (morning)
Explore the collection: natural sun protection.
- Sunscreen spray SPF 30 (no color)
- Biodegradable sunscreen stick SPF 50 (tinted)
Golden rule: if your SPF has pigment (stick), it always goes last.
Not sure what to pick (age, combo/oily skin, climate, shaving…)?
The fastest way to get it right is to take the personalized skincare routine test. Based on your answers, we’ll suggest the correct order and the right products.
Includes recommendations for pores, dark spots, fatigue, first wrinkles and sensitive skin.
Complete men’s skincare routine (infographics + video)
Infographic: order with sunscreen spray
With spray SPF (no pigment), concealer can remain an optional step for dark circles only.
Infographic: order with sunscreen stick
With tinted SPF stick, sunscreen always goes last.
Video: skincare routine (short)
Expert recommendation (the easiest path)
If you want a routine built for you, start here: personalized skincare routine. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll give you a selection adapted to your skin.
Men’s skincare routine kit / set / pack
If you prefer to keep it simple, a men’s skincare routine kit removes guesswork and ensures product compatibility.
For an intensive option with both serums: Anti-aging serums for men.
FAQs about men’s skincare routines
What’s the correct order for a men’s skincare routine?
Base: cleanse → (scrub 1–2x/week) → toner mist → serum → anti-aging moisturizer → sunscreen (morning). Under-eye concealer is optional and used during the day.
How should a men’s skincare routine change with age (30s, 40s, 50s)?
The base stays the same (cleanse, serum, moisturize and SPF), but the focus changes: in your 30s you prioritize prevention, in your 40s consistent anti-aging, and in your 50s+ repair and comfort.
How do I adapt my routine to my skin type?
For best results, adapt your routine to your skin type:
- Oily or combination: lighter textures (Anti-Aging Gel), consistent cleansing and weekly scrub to help with pores and shine.
- Dry or normal: more comfort and nourishment (Anti-Aging Cream), gentler scrub and avoid harsh products.
- Sensitive: keep it simple, use fewer well-formulated products and scrub occasionally.
If you’re unsure, the easiest way is to take our personalized skincare routine test.
Should I use under-eye concealer at night?
Not necessary. At night, it’s better to prioritize colorless treatment for the eye area.
Does a tinted sunscreen stick go last?
Yes. Because it contains pigment, it should always be the final step.
How often should I use a scrub?
Usually 1–2 times per week. If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week.
What if I don’t know my skin type?
You can read our skin type guide or take the personalized skincare routine test.
Where can I get a personalized skincare routine?
Right here: Personalized skincare routine.