What is the 7-step skincare routine for men?

By Dandies Barber – Mountain View | Campbell | Sunnyvale, CA

What is the 3 Month beard rule?

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.

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