- Morning: cleanse → moisturise → sunscreen (SPF50/50+).
- Night: cleanse → moisturise.
- Optional: a vitamin C in the morning; a retinoid a few nights a week — start slow.
- Rule of thumb: consistency > complexity. Every day beats elaborate-but-occasional.
This is the step-by-step companion to our men's skin health guide. If you want the why, start there. If you just want to know what to do, here it is.
Morning: three steps
1. Cleanse
Splash warm (not hot) water and use a gentle cleanser to clear overnight oil and sweat. You don't need anything harsh or "deep-scrubbing" — over-cleansing strips the skin and can make oiliness worse, not better.
2. Moisturise
A light moisturiser keeps the skin barrier comfortable and is especially worth it after shaving. Oily skin still benefits — look for something that doesn't feel heavy.
3. Sunscreen
A broad-spectrum SPF50 or 50+ every morning is the most important step in the whole routine, particularly in Australia. Apply it after your moisturiser, on clean skin, and use enough (most people under-apply). The full how-and-why is in sunscreen and Australia's UV.
Night: two steps
Cleanse again to clear the day's sweat, sunscreen and grime, then moisturise. That's it. No sunscreen needed at night, obviously — but the cleanse matters precisely because you've worn sunscreen all day.
Optional extras (only if you'll actually use them)
Once the basics are a habit, two cosmetic additions are popular and generally well tolerated:
- A vitamin C serum in the morning, under sunscreen — an antioxidant a lot of people like for general skin appearance.
- A retinol / retinoid a few nights a week — start once or twice weekly to let your skin adjust, and always pair with morning sunscreen, as it can increase sun sensitivity.
These are extras, not essentials. If they complicate things to the point you stop, drop them — the core trio is what counts. Introduce one new product at a time so you can tell what your skin likes.
Shaving, without the irritation
If shaving leaves you raw: use a sharp blade, soften the hair with warm water first, use a lubricating gel or cream, go with the grain, and moisturise afterwards. Persistent razor burn or ingrown hairs that bother you are worth a chat with a pharmacist or GP.
Skincare ingredients vary, and not every product lives up to its marketing. Patch-test new products, introduce them one at a time, and see a health professional for anything persistent — severe acne, reactions, or a rash that won't settle. This is general information, not a recommendation of any specific product or treatment.
Want skin handled as part of a bigger plan, overseen by Australian-registered practitioners? Join the waitlist.
Join the waitlist →Sources
- Cancer Council Australia — sunscreen choice and application. cancer.org.au
- healthdirect (Australian Government) — skin care and general health. healthdirect.gov.au
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government) — skin health. betterhealth.vic.gov.au