Dermatologist-Approved Skincare for Men: Dr. Angela Lamb's Recommended Routine

A Great Beginner Facial Skincare Routine for Men (Yes, It Really Can Be This Simple)

If you’re new to facial skincare, the biggest misconception is that it has to be complicated. It doesn’t. In fact, the best place to start is with a routine that’s simple, consistent, and easy to stick to. When it comes to men’s skincare, PAPATUI has simple, affordable, and dermatologist tested products that are a great place to start. One important rule to keep in mind when starting a face care routine is to look for fragrance-free formulas, which are generally gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.

A strong beginner routine focuses on just a few essentials: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin. Once those habits are locked in, everything else becomes optional.

Morning Routine (AM)

In the morning, start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to clean away the sweat and oil that build up overnight.  PAPATUI’s hydrating facial cleanser is a great option because it is pH balanced and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) free, which is known to be harsh on your skin.  This gentle formula cleanses your skin without disrupting your skin barrier, so your skin feels fresh, clean and hydrated.  

After cleansing, apply a moisturizer. Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any routine because it strengthens your skin’s protective barrier. PAPATUI’s Restoring Facial Moisturizer has effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides that help give your skin the hydration it needs.  Moisturizers help lock in moisture, keep irritants out, and maintain a healthy, balanced look. Well-hydrated skin also appears smoother and more youthful, as moisture helps plump fine lines from within. 

The final step in the morning is sunscreen, and it’s non-negotiable. Daily SPF is the single most effective way to prevent premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer.

Evening Routine (PM)

Your evening routine mirrors the morning, but with one key goal: recovery. Start by cleansing again to wash away dirt, oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants that build up throughout the day. Going to bed with a clean face helps reduce breakouts and keeps your skin balanced overnight.

After cleansing, apply your moisturizer. At night, your skin naturally goes into repair mode, so hydration is especially important. If your skin is on the drier side, you can opt for a slightly richer moisturizer in the evening to support overnight recovery and help your skin feel comfortable by morning.

Optional Add-Ons to Complement your Simple Routine 

Once your basic routine feels second nature, you can consider adding a few targeted products based on your specific needs. Exfoliation is one of the most common next steps. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and prevent clogged pores.  This will help your skin look and feel smooth and clear.  There are some nuances when it comes to exfoliation, so let’s dig in a bit more.

There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants, such as scrubs with scrubbing beads or volcanic ash, physically polish and lift away dead skin. These should be used gently and no more than once a week to avoid damaging the skin barrier. PAPATUI’s Facial Scrub with Volcanic Ash is a great option for this. I like to tell patients to keep it in the shower for ease of use! 

Chemical exfoliants, like salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA), work by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together.  They are especially helpful for improving breakouts, tone and texture of the skin.  They can also improve fine lines and even skin tone.  PAPATUI’s Rejuvenating Toner can be used daily and is an easy way to introduce chemical exfoliation into your routine.  Because chemical exfoliants will boost skin cell turnover, your new baby soft skin will be sensitive to the sun.  It is very important to wear daily sunscreen, even in winter!  

If you want to give some extra attention to your eyes, another option is to add an under-eye gel or undereye patches if you deal with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, so targeted products can help without causing irritation. PAPATUI’s roller ball eye gel and 10 minute under eye patches are great solutions for guys! 

A great skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. A cleanser, a moisturizer, and a daily SPF can dramatically improve how your skin looks and feels. Start simple, stay consistent, and only add more when you’re ready. That’s how real results happen—and that’s skincare the PAPATUI way.

Dr. Angela Lamb, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist