So, here’s the thing – we know how much time guys dedicate to selecting clothes and caring for them. The same can be said about barber time and hair grooming time. The question is – do you give equal consideration to your skincare and grooming routine? And we’re not talking about grabbing the closest body lotion after a shower and hoping it will do the job. Great skin that looks and feels healthy requires time, effort and energy. Following this routine will clarify what’s required to achieve your skin goals.

Step 1 – Identify your skin concerns and select the appropriate products.

First things first- know what’s right and wrong with your skin. Is your skin sensitive, oily, dry, normal, or maybe a combination of all four? Oily skin looks shiny throughout the day, whereas dry skin can appear ashen, flaky and feel tight. Sensitive skin tends to break out easily and can react to the smallest triggers. Normal skin is neither too oily nor dry where combination skin can exhibit different characteristics on different areas of the body. Also understand any skin conditions that may exist – ailments like razor bumps, eczema, uneven skin tone, blackheads etc. are key factors in selecting the products which are right for your skin. Frequently, one needs to treat more than one skin condition at a time. This means that the product you use in the mornings may differ from the ones used in the evening – this helps resolve more than one problem simultaneously. Finding the correct products forms a solid foundation for achieving great skin.

Step 2 – Cleanse

It’s basic – clean skin is happy skin. It is essential to wash your face twice daily to keep your face free of bacteria and those pores clear and clean. Sorry – once a day just doesn’t cut it. When washing your face, use lukewarm water and clean hands. Lather well over your entire face and neck area and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Make sure to use a clean towel afterwards.

Step 3 – Exfoliate

Women have been doing this for years – time for guys to man up and embrace this process! Exfoliation involves the gentle removal of dead skin, revealing new skin cells that appear brighter, healthier and younger. It’s the best way to unclog pores and help with conditions like dry skin, hyper-pigmentation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs and scarring. There are different ways to achieve this step. The first would be to make use of an exfoliating face wash that’s gentle enough to use every day. The bonus here is that you achieve 2 steps in 1. Alternately, make use of facial scrub once or twice a week as per product recommendations. Utilise over the same area as when washing your face.

Step 4 – Moisturise 

Your clean, exfoliated skin is now well-prepared and ready to embrace moisturise to replenish what life takes out of your skin. Here’s where understanding your skincare needs and selecting the correct solution-orientated products is important. Moisturising is a key part of your skincare routine, with ingredients enjoying an extended period to stay on your skin and help resolve your skin concerns. And depending on if you are treating more than one skin concern, your morning moisturiser may differ from your evening moisturiser.

Great skin requires investment, not just in products, but in time, effort and commitment. A skincare routine is a lifelong daily habit. Do it well and your results will pay dividends.