Young man on a surf board

NIVEA’s 5-step Skincare Routine For Men

Discover a simple 5-step skincare routine for men, with further supplementary skincare tips

What's in this article:

What is men's skincare?

Men's skincare is a rapidly growing industry, with so many products out there now it can be overwhelming. In order to uncomplicate things NIVEA has created a simple 5-step skincare routine for men, along with additional skincare tips to ensure you are looking and feeling good.

Why men's skincare is different to women’s

Although there are similarities between men's and women's skincare needs there are also many differences. It all comes down to hormone differences between men and women, as men have much higher levels of testosterone which can make the skin up to 25 percent thicker and behave differently from woman’s. The higher levels of testosterone also lead to denser hair follicles, oilier skin and larger pores which pump out sebum. 

Due to the differences between men's and women's skin, men need to find products that are specifically designed for their needs. Men therefore require active ingredients that contain higher concentrations with better absorption to penetrate thicker skin and formulas that are more focused on oily skin.
Young man using Nivea Men Sensitive Face Cream

The simple 5-step men’s skincare routine

1. Cleanse

Cleansing twice a day is recommended, you should wash your face with a cleanser first thing in the morning. This is to wash any overnight products you may have used as well as the sweat and impurities your skin has accumulated while you sleep. Then also once in the evening at the start of your nighttime skincare regimen.
Purpose: Clear the skin of excess sebum and dirt
How to: Use cleanser to wash the face first thing in the morning and to start your nighttime routine

2. Exfoliate twice a week

Exfoliation removes any dead skin cells, excess dirt and sebum to ensure your skin looks bright and smooth. Using an exfoliant helps prevent breakouts by penetrating pores to unblock any deep-lying impurities, stopping blockages. There are both chemical exfoliators and abrasive exfoliators (face scrub), if you tend to have sensitive skin, it may be best to use  the most appropriate exfoliator and avoid using it too often.
Purpose: Remove dead skin and clear deep pores
How to: Apply a chemical or abrasive exfoliator twice a week and wash off after use
Young man using Nivea SPF face cream

3. Eye cream

Eye skin is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face, so it needs more specific ingredients as the area tends to lose moisture and volume more quickly. An eye cream can help with multiple skin concerns such as; dark circles, puffy bags, fine lines and helps keep the skin looking fresh. You should apply eye cream in the morning and night after cleansing.
Purpose: Hydrate and plump the thinner skin around the eyes
How to: Apply a small amount to the eye area once patted dry post-cleanse, in the morning and evening

4. Moisturise

Consistently using a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated is very important for skin health. A nourishing day cream helps restore the nutrients you may have lost through cleansing or exfoliating. You should choose a moisturiser that best suits your skin type, whether this be dry, oily, or combination. As mentioned men tend to produce more sebum naturally so a light, matte finish moisturiser may be best.
Purpose: Lock in hydration and supply nutrients
How to: Morning and night, gently apply to the facial region

Keeping your skin hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. A lightweight, fast-absorbing formula can provide moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. The NIVEA MEN Hydrocare Face Cream, enriched with Aloe Vera and Pro-Vitamin B5, provides intense, long-lasting hydration for a comfortable feeling and healthy-looking skin.
NIVEA MEN Hydorocare

5. SPF

The final step is the most important, in order to maintain youthful-looking skin SPF is essential in any good skincare routine for men, no matter your skin tone. SPF is one of the most effective ways of combating the signs of ageing caused by UV rays. For those with sensitive skin, using a gentle, protective formula can make all the difference. The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30, with VitaminPro Complex (vitamin E, provitamin B5 and chamomile extract) and Licochalcone, offers triple protection against UVA/UVB rays, the effects of blue light and the effects of pollution. Its light, non-greasy texture penetrates quickly, providing intense hydration while helping to strengthen the skin barrier.
Purpose: Protect the skin from UV rays to helps combat signs of ageing
How to: Last step of your morning routine and throughout the day, apply all over sun-exposed skin areas.
Triple Protect Moisturiser SPF30
Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling range

Additional supplementary skincare steps

There are additional steps that you may want to add to this simple 5-step skincare routine, these include:

1
Facial serum

There are many types of serums available to you with various active ingredients to focus on different skin concerns. Facial serums generally contain more concentrated active ingredients (vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol) and have a lighter, less oily formula. This allows for the quicker absorption of higher concentrations of effective ingredients that help boost skin complexion.

2
Face masks

Face masks are similar to facial serums in that there is a wide variety available  which offer specific benefits by delivering more concentrated ingredients to your skin. They are great for supplementing your main skincare routine on a weekly basis.

3
Shaving balm

The skin can be very sensitive after shaving, and it is important to take those extra few moments to give your skin attention post-shave. Use a good quality post-shave balm to soothe, cool and revitalise your skin. Certain balms can help protect sensitive skin after shaving against the 5 signs of skin irritation: burning, redness, dryness, tightness, and micro-cuts.

NIVEA MEN SHAVING PRODUCTS
Men’s Skincare Routine

Facts Overview

Men-Specific Needs: 
Men’s skin tends to be a bit thicker and oilier because it requires specialised products for hydration, cleansing, and post-shave care. 

A Simple Routine:  
Cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil, moisturiser to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, and SPF to protect the skin against damage and premature ageing caused by UV. It is also recommended to exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. 

The Importance of Moisturisation:  
Regular moisturising keeps skin hydrated, combats dryness, and promotes a healthy glow. 

7 Common Skincare Mistakes Men Make

Even with a good skincare routine for men, it’s easy to fall into habits that can hinder the best results. Simple mistakes, like using the wrong products or missing key steps, can impact the appearance of the skin. Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:
1
Skipping Sunscreen

It’s easy to think SPF is only for sunny days, but UV rays can affect the skin even on cloudy days or indoors.

Fix: Apply sunscreen daily as the last step in the morning routine. 

2
Using Harsh Products

Harsh skincare products can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, or excessive oil production. 
Fix: Choose products that are suited to the skin type and formulated to maintain its natural balance and hydration. 

3
Ignoring Skin Type

Using products not tailored to the skin type can lead to imbalances, whether that’s excessive oiliness or dryness.
Fix: Get to know the skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) and pick products that are designed for it. 

4
Not Moisturising Oily Skin

Oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser might make the skin produce more oil, leading to unwanted shine.
Fix: Opt for a lightweight, mattifying moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. This is an important step in a good skincare routine for men. 

5
Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliating too frequently can damage the skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation.
Fix: Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant as part of a basic skincare routine for men. 

6
Applying Products in the Wrong Order

Using products in the wrong order can affect their performance.
Fix: Follow this simple sequence: Cleanser → Exfoliator (if used) → Eye Cream → Serum (if used) → Moisturiser → SPF (morning only). Check out NIVEA’s article on how to build a skincare routine.  

7
Shaving Mistakes

Shaving with a dull razor, shaving dry, or skipping aftercare can lead to irritation or ingrown hairs.
Fix: Shave with a sharp razor, use a soothing shaving cream, and always follow with a calming post-shave balm.
By avoiding these common skincare mistakes and following a simple, well-structured male skincare routine, men can enjoy healthier-looking, clearer, and more refreshed skin. 

Find Your Routine with NIVEA MEN

The full range of NIVEA MEN products has been expertly developed to cater to the unique needs of men's skin, offering solutions for every aspect of your grooming routine. Whether you're looking for effective facial skincare, refreshing shower gels, reliable deodorants, or high-performance shaving products, NIVEA MEN has you covered. Designed to deliver optimal results and long-lasting care, our products help you look and feel your best every day. 

Explore the NIVEA MEN range to find the perfect fit for your skincare and grooming needs—because taking care of your skin should be effortless. Kickstart your new routine today.
NIVEA MEN PRODUCTS
Young man using Nivea Men Anti Tiredness Active Energy Cream

Summary

Adopting a skincare routine is the first step to promoting healthier-looking skin. However, like many things in life, there are no miracle shortcuts and results come from consistency over time. Find products suited to your skin and be careful to observe how your skin responds, remember to complete your skincare routine in both the morning and evening. If you suspect new products are causing skin irritation, it is recommended to stop using them and seek a dermatologist's advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is men's skincare different from women's?

Men’s skin is naturally thicker, and oilier, and has larger pores due to higher testosterone levels. This means men will generally benefit from skincare products with a light formula that penetrates easily and helps to control excess sebum.

How often should men follow a skincare routine?

Men should follow a skincare routine daily, cleansing and moisturising in the morning and evening. Exfoliating once or twice a week can be beneficial but is optional, depending on skin type and personal preference.

What are the key ingredients men should look for in skincare?

Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and plump the skin, Pro-vitamin B5 to support regeneration and sunscreens for daily sun protection are just some of the effective ingredients in skincare for men.

Is exfoliation necessary if I already cleanse my skin?

Cleansing removes surface dirt, but exfoliation helps to loosen dead skin cells and unclog pores, preventing breakouts and improving skin texture.

Why is SPF important even if I don’t spend much time in the sun?

UV exposure happens daily, even through windows and on cloudy days. Sufficient SPF contributes to protecting against premature ageing and long-term skin damage caused by UV.

Can men with oily skin skip moisturiser?

Even oily skin benefits from hydration. Using a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser can help maintain balance without adding excess shine.

What is the benefit of using an eye cream?

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more prone to dehydration, making it more susceptible to dark circles and fine lines. An eye cream provides targeted hydration and protection.

How can I prevent irritation after shaving?

Using a post-shave balm can help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and prevent discomfort caused by shaving. Look for formulas with calming ingredients like Chamomile Extract, Licochalcone A or Aloe Vera.

Mens Skincare Products

Other Related Articles