How to Build a Healthy Personal Care Routine

A good personal care routine does not need to be long or complicated. The aim is a set of small habits, done consistently, that keep your skin, teeth, hair and body healthy. This guide gives you a workable routine for mornings, evenings and once a week, which you can adapt to your own needs.

Start by knowing your skin

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests identifying your skin type so you can choose suitable products:

• Sensitive: may sting or burn after product use.
• Normal: clear and not sensitive.
• Dry: flaky, itchy or rough.
• Oily: shiny and greasy.
• Combination: dry in some areas, oily in others.

Morning routine

1. Wash your face

Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Apply with your fingertips, rinse and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing, which irritates skin. Our Gentle Foaming Cleanser suits daily use.

2. Shave, if you shave

• Shave after or during a shower, when hair is soft.
• Apply shaving gel or cream. See Sensitive Shaving Gel.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth with a sharp blade.
• Rinse the blade after every stroke.
• Rinse your face with cool water.

3. Moisturize

Apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to help hold in water. Our Men’s Daily Face Moisturizer is lightweight with a matte finish.

4. Protect from the sun

Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin when you will be outdoors, including the ears, neck and scalp if hair is thin. See Daily Sunscreen SPF 50.

5. Brush your teeth

Two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

6. Deodorant and hair

Apply deodorant or antiperspirant to clean, dry underarms. Style hair as usual.

Evening routine

1. Shower or wash

Especially after exercise or a day of sweating. Wash underarms, groin and feet, and dry well.

2. Wash your face

Remove the day’s sweat, oil and sunscreen.

3. Moisturize

Face and any dry areas of the body, such as hands, elbows and shins.

4. Oral care

Brush again and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes.

5. Beard care, if you have one

Wash, dry and apply a few drops of Nourishing Beard Oil.

Weekly tasks

• Nails: trim fingernails and toenails; clean under them. A set such as our Stainless Steel Grooming Kit keeps the tools together.
• Razor: replace the blade or cartridge after five to seven shaves.
• Beard and hair: trim as needed.
• Feet: check for cracked skin, athlete’s foot or nail changes.
• Towels and bedding: wash regularly.
• Toothbrush: replace every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray.

Monthly

Take a few minutes to look over your skin, including your back and scalp with a mirror or a partner’s help. See a dermatologist about any spot that is new, changing, itching or bleeding.

Choosing products

• Keep it small. A cleanser, a moisturizer, a sunscreen and shaving products cover most needs.
• Match your skin type. Oil-free or “non-comedogenic” products for oily or acne-prone skin; fragrance-free for sensitive skin; richer creams for dry skin.
• Introduce one new product at a time so you can tell what works and what irritates.
• Check labels. “Unscented” products can still contain masking fragrances; “fragrance-free” is the safer choice for sensitive skin.

Dealing with common problems

Razor burn and bumps

Use a sharp blade, shave with the grain and do not stretch the skin. If bumps persist, try shaving less closely or less often, and see a dermatologist.

Dry, tight skin

Use lukewarm, not hot, water, limit showers to five or ten minutes and moisturize straight after.

Oily skin and breakouts

Wash twice a day and after sweating, use oil-free products and avoid harsh scrubs.

Dandruff

Try a medicated dandruff shampoo from a pharmacy and follow the directions.

Habits that support the routine

• Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet.
• Sleep seven or more hours.
• Do not smoke; smoking ages skin and stains teeth.
• Limit alcohol.
• Exercise regularly and shower afterward.

Making it stick

• Keep products where you will see them.
• Link each step to something you already do, such as showering.
• Start with the minimum and add only what helps.
• Use a travel kit so the routine continues away from home.

The bottom line

Cleanse, shave carefully, moisturize, use sunscreen and look after your teeth. Ten minutes a day, done consistently, makes a visible difference. Find the essentials in our men’s health range.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin care tips for men.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Hair removal: How to shave.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Tips for Adults.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Face washing 101.