A simple men's skincare routine.

A simple men's skincare routine is three steps in the morning (cleanse, moisturise, sunscreen) and two at night (cleanse, moisturise). That core is what does the work, and consistency matters more than complexity. A couple of optional extras are worth adding once the basics are a habit.

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).

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 product 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.