Best Simple Skincare Routine for Men in Their 30s & 40s

I get it, you’re a man. You’re a soap-and-water guy. You want something quick, easy, and effective without it turning into a 10-step ritual. And yes, I know you’ve got more important things to deal with, but here’s the thing: you do need some sort of skincare routine

Take a good look at your handsome face in the mirror. Do you see any dark spots? Fine lines at the corners of your eyes, on your eyelids, or across your forehead? Maybe those subtle “sad” lines are pulling the corners of your mouth down, making you look a little tired or grumpy. Yeah, that’s all normal. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it.

If you don’t want to look like an old leather bag anytime soon, a simple routine can help slow down the signs of aging. Pair it with your usual active lifestyle, whole foods, water, and rest—it all adds up to you becoming a silver fox in your 50s and 60s!

Why Men Need Skincare?

Men and women have totally different skin. Men’s skin is a whole different beast, and it needs some love, too.

Thanks to testosterone, your skin is about 20–25% thicker than a woman’s. Sounds cool, right? Until you realize thicker skin = more oil, more clogged pores, and yep, more acne.

Testosterone also fuels a little troublemaker called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which cranks up oil production, which is about four times more than women.

Some men also deal with dry, tight, flaky skin. And that’s a problem when it comes to irritation, especially if you’re shaving regularly. Dragging a razor across your face is basically an open invitation for redness, dryness, and those annoying little ingrown hairs.

And while women lose collagen suddenly after menopause, guys lose it gradually over time. So if you want to hang onto that firm, youthful face, now’s the time to start giving your skin a little attention.

Bottom line: A simple skincare routine can help with all of it: oil control, breakouts, shaving irritation, aging. And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. Your future face will thank you.

Basic Skincare Routine for Men

The recommended morning routine is a 4-step process, but if you want to make it 3, choose a moisturizer with sunscreen.

Layering your products in this correct order is key to getting the best results:

Morning: Cleanse → Serum → Moisturize → Sunscreen (or moisturizer with sunscreen)

Evening: Cleanse → Serum → Moisturize

You might think that you don’t need a serum or a moisturizer, but trust me, they’re both important. Serums deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns, like wrinkles, dark spots, or dryness. And even if you have oily skin, you still need moisturizer. It helps lock in your serum and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day. Just go for a lightweight, oil-free formula so it won’t clog your pores.

Okay? Let’s get started.

Note: These products mentioned below rank among Japan’s top-performing skincare products, backed by strong sales and consistently high customer ratings.

1. Cleansers

As you already know, the first step is to remove dirt, sweat, and oil that build up throughout the day. It keeps your face balanced and preps it for what’s next. If you shave, it’s even more important: cleansing softens facial hair and clears away buildup, helping you get a smoother shave with less irritation or razor burn.

Recommendations:

1. For All Skin Types

If you're not sure where to start, I confidently recommend Shiseido Men Cleansing Foam Facial Wash. Backed by over 100 years of skincare research, the Shiseido Men lineup is known for high-quality, high-performance skincare specifically developed for men’s skin.

This cleanser creates a creamy, rich lather that removes dirt and excess oil from deep within the pores while keeping your skin hydrated. Bonus: It doubles as a shaving foam.

2. For Dry Skin

Curél Foaming Wash gently removes dirt and sweat while protecting the skin’s natural ceramides. Its soft foam cleanses without rubbing, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable. Designed for dry, sensitive skin, it supports the moisture barrier and prepares your skin for deeper hydration.

Developed through more than three decades of dermatological expertise by Kao Japan, Curél is a go-to brand in Japan for sensitive skin care.

Check out some of the best Japanese face washes for men in this guide for more options.

3. For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin and Clogged Pores

For oily, acne-prone, or dull skin, Orbis Men’s Face Wash targets excess oil, dryness, and razor irritation with sebum-absorbing micro-particles. If you have stubborn blackheads, I highly recommend Ishizawa Keana Face Scrub, as it deeply cleanses pores while maintaining skin moisture.

Shaving Tips

For shaving, I recommend Feather, a leading razor brand established in 1932 in Osaka with the largest market share in Japan. Their Samurai Edge Cartridge Razor offers precision and durability, while the Hi-Shave Moist Shaving Gel provides a smooth, hydrating lather for a comfortable shave.

For more shaving product recommendations, you may explore this collection: 19 Must-Have Japanese Shaving Products for Men.

2. Serums

Serums are your skin’s secret weapon and one of the most overlooked steps in many men’s skincare routines. These lightweight formulas are packed with high concentrations of active ingredients that target specific concerns like dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

All of the products mentioned here are designed to fight signs of aging, so just choose based on your budget and specific skin concerns.

Recommendations:

1. “I’m Just a Simple, One-Bottle-Guy”

DHC Men Q10 All-in-One Moisture Gel packs the power of a toner, essence, lotion, and body cream into one bottle. Enriched with coenzyme Q10, it provides hydration, anti-aging benefits, and skin revitalization, making it a convenient choice for men seeking a straightforward skincare routine.

2. “I Want My Skincare to Work Better”

Considered a premium option in men’s skincare in Japan, Shiseido Men Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is perfect for soothing post-shave irritation while boosting long-term skin strength. Ideal for those who want high-performance results, it’s a smart investment for a streamlined and effective grooming routine.

3. “I Have Acne Scars and Dark Spots”

Suitable for both men and women, Rohto Obagi C25 Vitamin C Serum Neo is a high-potency Japanese vitamin C serum with 25% concentration to brighten, hydrate, and fight signs of aging. It targets dark spots, uneven tone, fine lines, and dullness, while penetrating deep into skin layers to boost elasticity, improve texture, and support overall skin health.

3. Moisturizer

As mentioned above, you still need moisturizer even if you have oily skin. Hydration actually helps balance oil production and keeps your skin barrier healthy. That’s why a good moisturizer can make all the difference.

Recommendations:

1. For Dry to Normal Skin

If you're noticing changes in your skin with age, the Shiseido Men Skin Empowering Cream is a great choice. It’s packed with ingredients that target fine lines, firmness, and dehydration. The texture is creamy but sinks in fast without greasiness, making it easy to stick with, even on busy mornings. (Just don’t forget sunscreen if you use it in the morning because it contains retinol.)

For a simpler, more affordable pick, Nivea Men Active Age Balm Q10 Moisturizing is worth checking out. It hydrates, supports skin elasticity, and doubles as an aftershave balm.

2. For Oily or Combination Skin

For something lighter, Shiseido Men Energizing Moisturizer Extra Light Fluid Milky Lotion is ideal. This fast-absorbing, lightweight formula hydrates and refreshes while helping to prevent dryness and fine lines. With a subtle citrus-bamboo scent, it’s perfect for daily hydration and soothing, refreshing post-shave care.

3. For Dry, Sensitive Skin

Suitable for men and women, Curél Intensive Moisture Cream is a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer designed for dry, sensitive skin. Enriched with ceramides and eucalyptus extract, it deeply hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, and soothes irritation with a lightweight texture that leaves skin soft and calm.

4. Sun Protection

I don’t know what kind of "man logic" makes some guys think they’re immune to sun damage, but news flash: the sun doesn’t care about gender.

For instance, my boyfriend used to refuse sunscreen, but after I reminded him that dermatologists recommend SPF 30 to block about 97% of UVB rays, he’s been using it more often (not religiously, but we’re getting there). He literally went from “I only need (body) lotion” to being a 3-step skincare routine disciple!

What Does SPF+/PA++++ Mean?

For context, SPF+/PA++++ are indicators used to describe the level of sun protection a sunscreen provides:

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor): The number (for example: 50+) measures how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. SPF50+ means the sunscreen blocks 98% of UVB rays, offering strong protection.
  

• PA (Protection Grade of UVA): The PA rating measures the protection against UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and wrinkles. The more pluses (+), the higher the protection. PA++++ is the highest rating, meaning it provides extremely high protection against UVA rays.

Together, SPF50+/PA++++ indicates a sunscreen that offers very high protection against both UVB (sunburn) and UVA (skin aging) rays.

I’ve picked a few options that are non-sticky, allergy-tested, and provide SPF50+/PA++++ protection.

Recommendations:

1. Gel

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Gel Sunscreen has a light, non-sticky texture that hydrates the skin. Suitable for both face and body, it’s water-resistant, and it can be easily removed with soap. Ideal for daily use without feeling heavy or greasy.

2. Stick

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick features a transparent, non-sticky formula suitable for all skin tones. Its innovative technology strengthens when exposed to heat, sweat, or water. Compact and convenient, it’s especially ideal for sports and outdoor activities, allowing for easy, mess-free reapplication anytime.

3. Mist

Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen Protect Mist is a non-aerosol, super waterproof mist that’s easy to apply. Enriched with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it provides long-lasting hydration, leaves no white cast, and offers a refreshing citrus scent.

If you’re looking for more beauty and grooming products specifically tailored for men, check out this list: Best Japanese Beauty Products for Men.

Final Thoughts

Just like other healthy habits, the best skincare routine for you is the one you can stick to consistently.

As the 28-day rule suggests, it takes about 21 to 28 days to form a new habit, so the first few weeks might be mendokusai (bothersome). But I’m sure sooner or later, skincare will become a seamless part of your day! And trust me, it’s worth it.

Plus, this is probably the most important part: girls like guys who take care of themselves, and having a skincare routine is definitely a plus. After all, healthy skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good about yourself too!