This Men’s Skincare Routine Is Only 4 Steps – and Expert Approved

Words by Tony Wilkes

In the 2000 film American Psycho, Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman runs us through his morning skincare routine standing in front of a bathroom cabinet filled with bottles labelled ‘Pour Homme’. Bateman’s drill, he narrates, includes an exfoliating gel scrub, a herb-mint face mask, moisturiser and an “anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturising protective lotion”.

Lucky for us all, an effective skincare routine needn’t include so many steps – here, Dr Costas Papageorgiou’s therapist Abigail King from the Wellness Clinic breaks down a simple regime of under five. Read on for her top tips and recommended products to nail the essentials of everyday grooming.

“Cleansing the skin is essential for removing sweat, oils and environmental pollutants that clog pores and lead to breakouts,” King explains. Compared to women, men’s skin tends to be thicker and have larger pores, which makes it more prone to oiliness and acne. As a result, skincare should focus on deep cleansing. King recommends a wash or gel cleanser containing salicylic acid, penetrating deep into pores to clear dead skin cells and dissolve excess oil. “Cleansing also prepares the skin to absorb other products more effectively,” King adds, “ensuring that subsequent skincare steps work as intended.”

Exfoliation simply means removing dead cells from the surface of your skin. “This helps prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs,” says King – which can both lead to acne – while also “promoting cellular turnover, improving skin texture and reducing dullness” for a brighter, smoother complexion. In terms of products, King recommends AHA or BHA based exfoliants – though it’s important to introduce these actives gradually. “Start with a lower concentration and use it once or twice per week mixed with a moisturiser to ease your skin into it,” she advises, “especially if you’re new to them.”

“Keeping your skin hydrated is key to maintaining its moisture balance,” says King, ensuring it’s healthy, smooth and elastic. The recommendation is a lightweight serum first, followed by a well-formulated moisturiser which will make a big difference to glow and skin-barrier function – the latter serving as a gatekeeper to lock in hydration and protect against pollution, irritants and harmful UV rays. Look to products incorporating hyaluronic acid, the hydrating molecule, and ceramides – oils that are vital in keeping your skin barrier strong.

We’ll never stop beating the drum for sunscreen. Yes, you should wear it all year round – and yes, even in winter. “Protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays is crucial for preventing premature aging, pigmentation and other forms of skin damage,” King shares. “Sunscreen acts as a barrier to safeguard the skin from harmful environmental factors, helping to maintain its health and appearance.” If you would like to trim your routine to just three steps, look to moisturisers containing SPF. Easy.