By Dandies Barber – Mountain View | Campbell | Sunnyvale, CA
Most men want clearer, healthier skin, but few know where to start. With so many products and routines online, skincare can easily feel confusing or overwhelming. The truth is, men don’t need a complicated routine — just a simple and effective one that works every day.
At Dandies Barber, we help men understand their skin and build routines that are easy, practical, and results-driven. The 7-step skincare routine is the perfect blueprint for men who want healthier skin, a fresher complexion, and a well-groomed look — with or without facial hair.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the 7 steps and how to follow them the right way.
1. Cleanser: Start With a Fresh Base
Every great skincare routine begins with clean skin. Throughout the day, your face collects oil, dirt, sweat, pollution, and bacteria. Cleansing removes all of this so your skin is ready to absorb the products that follow.
How to do it:
Use a gentle face wash morning and night
Massage it into your beard area too
Rinse with lukewarm water
A clean face = better product absorption.
2. Exfoliator: Remove Dead Skin & Prevent Ingrowns
Exfoliation is essential, especially for men who shave or have facial hair. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, prevents clogged pores, reduces ingrown hairs, and keeps your skin smooth.
How to do it:
Exfoliate 1–2 times per week
Focus on areas prone to roughness: nose, chin, forehead, and jawline
Don’t over-scrub — let the product do the work
At Dandies Barber, we recommend exfoliating a day before shaving to reduce irritation.
3. Toner: Balance & Prep Your Skin
Most men skip toner, but it’s a game-changer. Toner restores your skin’s pH balance, tightens pores, controls oil, and preps your face for better absorption of moisturizers and serums.
How to use it:
Apply using a cotton pad or your hands
Choose an alcohol-free formula
Gently press into the skin
This step takes 5 seconds but makes the whole routine more effective.
4. Serum: Targeted Skin Solutions
Serums are lightweight treatments that address specific skin concerns like dullness, acne, dark spots, wrinkles, or dryness. They penetrate deeper than moisturizer.
Common serums for men:
Vitamin C: Brightens and evens skin tone
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps
Niacinamide: Reduces redness and oiliness
Retinol: Smooths lines (use at night only)
How to use it:
Apply a few drops after toner
Pat gently into the skin
Think of serums as the “booster” step in your routine.
5. Moisturiser: Lock In Hydration
Moisturiser is non-negotiable — especially for men with beards. It keeps your skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy, and prevents tightness or flakiness.
How to use it:
Apply morning and night
Massage it under your beard using your fingertips
Use a lightweight gel for oily skin; a cream for dry skin
At Dandies Barber, we teach clients to lift the beard slightly to reach the skin underneath — an essential trick for healthy beard growth.
6. Eye Cream: Refresh & Brighten
The skin around the eyes is thinner and ages faster. If you have dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines, eye cream helps keep you looking fresh and awake.
How to use it:
Use a pea-sized amount
Gently tap (don’t rub) around the eyes
Apply morning and night
It only takes a few seconds but makes a huge difference.
7. Sunscreen: Your Daily Shield
Sunscreen is the most important step — and the one men forget the most. UV rays cause 80% of visible aging, including wrinkles, pigmentation, dark spots, and rough skin. Sunscreen protects your skin all day.
How to use it:
Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning
Use it even on cloudy days
Press into the skin and lightly apply around/through facial hair
This is the ultimate anti-ageing step for men.
Why the 7-Step Routine Works
This routine covers all the essentials:
✔ Cleansing
✔ Exfoliating
✔ Treating
✔ Hydrating
✔ Protecting
It improves skin tone, reduces breakouts, prevents signs of aging, and enhances the look of your beard by keeping the skin under it healthy.
With consistency, most men see a noticeable improvement in 2–4 weeks.
Want Better Skin? Let Dandies Barber Help.
A routine works best when it’s customized. At Dandies Barber, our grooming experts help men understand their skin, beard, and lifestyle — and recommend routines that are simple, effective, and actually enjoyable to follow.
For deeper skin repair, hydration, and relaxation, our professional facials for men deliver results you can see immediately.