Unless you’re a naturally early riser and certified “morning person,” you may not think about what your skin needs as soon as you roll out of bed. However, the morning is when your skin needs your help the most! Depending on your sleeping environment, your skin might be more dry, oily, or simply dull first thing in the morning.
This is why it’s so important to develop a morning skin care routine. Fortunately, if you know your skin type, you can easily find the products you need and follow morning skin care routine steps that make sense for you at Anthony. In the following sections, we’re going to go through some of the best practices and routines for men’s morning skin care for different skin types, including balanced skin, dry skin, and oily skin. So, let’s get started!
The Best Morning Skin Care Routine Steps For Men
If you have balanced or “normal” skin, count yourself lucky! Many men struggle with acne breakouts, too much shine, or dry, red, flaky skin. However, just because your skin is naturally balanced doesn’t mean you can skip good skin care practices at any time of day.
A good morning skin care routine keeps your skin healthy and prepares it for the day ahead. If you have normal skin — meaning it’s not too dry or too oily by default — you just need a simple routine that maintains balance without overloading it with products. The goal is to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and protect your skin so it looks and feels its best.
1. Wash Your Face With a Gentle Cleanser
Overnight, your skin collects oil, sweat, and bacteria. Washing your face in the morning removes these impurities and refreshes your skin. Use a mild facial cleanser that cleans but does not strip away moisture. Look for ingredients like aloe and chamomile, which help keep the skin calm and balanced. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs, as they can cause dryness or imbalance.
2. Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and keeps your skin looking fresh. While you don’t need to exfoliate every single day, especially if you don’t struggle with breakouts, using an exfoliating scrub 2 to 3 times a week can prevent buildup and improve your skin’s texture. Look for gentle exfoliants with ingredients like glycolic acid or jojoba beads, which clear the skin without being too abrasive. Exfoliate after cleansing and before applying any other products.
3. Apply a Lightweight Moisturizer
Hydration is very important, even if your skin isn’t dry. A good moisturizer locks in moisture and keeps your skin smooth. For normal skin, choose a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly without leaving your skin with a greasy feel. Ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid help maintain hydration, while antioxidants protect against environmental stressors. Applying moisturizer right after cleansing helps keep your skin barrier strong.
4. Use an Eye Cream (If Needed)
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face. If you wake up with puffiness or dark circles, an eye cream can help reduce these signs of fatigue. Choose one with caffeine to reduce swelling or hyaluronic acid to keep the area hydrated. Gently pat the product under your eyes — don’t rub, as the skin is more sensitive near the eyes.
5. Apply Sun Protection Daily
Even if you’re not spending hours outside, UV exposure can cause premature aging and skin damage. A broad-spectrum cream with SPF 30 will protect your skin from the sun’s rays. If you prefer a simplified routine, use a moisturizer with built-in SPF protection (like Anthony’s SPF cream). Apply it to your face, neck, and any exposed areas. You can also reapply if you intend to stay outdoors for long periods.
The Best Morning Skin Care Routines For Men With Dry or Oily Skin
Men with dry or oily skin might feel like they got the short end of the stick, but with some targeted skin care, there’s no need to struggle with flaky skin or excess shine. In the sections below, we’ll go over the best morning skin care routine for different skin types:
Morning Skin Care for Dry Skin Types
For dry skin, here are the steps you should follow:
- Use a Hydrating Cleanser - Cleansing is essential, but harsh soaps and hot water can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser like Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser. It removes dirt and oil while keeping your skin smooth and hydrated. Stick to lukewarm water to avoid further dryness.
- Apply a Hydrating Toner - A toner isn’t always necessary, but for dry skin, it can add an extra layer of hydration. Choose an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to refresh the skin.
- Use a Moisturizing Serum - Serums deliver concentrated hydration. Look for one with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin. A few drops before moisturizing can make a big difference in preventing dryness throughout the day.
- Apply a Rich Moisturizer - A good moisturizer is the most important step for dry skin. Anthony’s All Purpose Facial Moisturizer provides deep hydration without feeling heavy. Apply it while your skin is still slightly damp to help keep the moisture locked in.
- Treat the Lips & Eyes - Don’t forget about the more delicate parts of your face! Apply Anthony’s High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream to keep your eyes well hydrated, and Anthony’s Mint + White Tea Advanced Formula Lip Balm SPF 25 to keep your lips soft and protected.
Morning Skin Care for Oily Types
If you tend to have oily or shiny skin, here is a solid morning routine you can follow:
- Use a Gentle Cleanser - Start with a face wash that removes excess oil without over-drying. Anthony’s Charcoal Face Wash is a great option, as it draws out impurities while keeping skin fresh.
- Exfoliate 2 to 3 Times a Week - As with “normal” skin, it’s a good idea to exfoliate regularly so that oily skin and dead skin buildup don’t clog your pores. Use a product like Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser to keep pores clear and unirritated.
- Apply a Lightweight Serum - A serum with vitamins and antioxidants helps regulate oil production. Look for a formula that absorbs quickly and won’t clog pores.
- Moisturize with an Oil-Free Lotion - Skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce even more oil. Use Anthony’s Oil-Free Facial Lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
- Control Shine Throughout the Day - For long-lasting oil control, apply Anthony’s Instant Fix Oil Control to target greasy areas and maintain a matte finish.
The Best Morning Skin Care Products For Men
Following the right routine is important, but using high-quality products makes all the difference. At Anthony, we create our products for the unique skin care needs of men, using science-backed, natural ingredients that deliver real results. Whether you have dry, oily, or balanced skin, our cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments are designed to keep your skin in peak condition. This way, you can start your day with confidence!
Want to learn even more about the best men’s morning skin care routine? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
