Most guys don't want a 10-step routine, and you don't need one. Korean skincare is known for long routines, but the thinking behind it works just as well in three steps: clean skin, steady hydration and sunscreen every morning. Here's a simple K-beauty routine for men that takes about two minutes.
Why keep it simple
The routine you actually do every day beats the perfect routine you skip. Men's skin also tends to deal with a few specific things: shaving irritation, shine by midday, and skipping sunscreen because it feels greasy or leaves a white cast. Each step below is chosen with those in mind.
The 3-step morning routine
- Cleanse. A gentle foam or low-pH gel wash. Skip harsh, squeaky-clean cleansers: tight skin after washing usually means your skin's moisture barrier is being stripped.
- Hydrate. A light toner, then a lotion. If you only want one product here, use the lotion. It hydrates and softens without a heavy feel, and it's comfortable to apply after shaving.
- Protect. Sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days and even with deeper skin tones. Korean sunscreens are known for light, lotion-like textures, and many are made to leave little to no white cast.
At night
Wash off the day (sunscreen, sweat, city grime), then toner and lotion again. That's it. If you wear a heavier sunscreen, try a double cleanse at night.
Our picks for men
Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam
ROUND LAB For Men Birch Toner
ROUND LAB For Men Birch Lotion
Anua Zero-Cast Sunscreen
- Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam: a gentle, hydrating foam that cleans without that tight feeling.
- ROUND LAB For Men Birch Juice Toner and Lotion: a matched pair made for men's skin, light enough for oily or combination skin.
- Anua Zero-Cast Sunscreen or COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream: everyday SPF that feels like a moisturizer.
Shop the full edit in Men's Skincare.
Shaving and your skin
- Shave after washing your face, when hair is softer, and go with the grain.
- Use a fresh blade; dull blades drag and irritate.
- Follow with toner and lotion instead of a stinging alcohol aftershave.
- If you get frequent razor bumps or ingrown hairs, especially with curly or coarse beard hair, a dermatologist can help. It's a common, treatable issue.
Optional upgrades, once the basics stick
- Whiteheads or rough texture: a gentle exfoliant like COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, two nights a week.
- Tired-looking eyes: a light eye cream. See our eye care guide.
- Smoother-looking skin over time: a beginner retinol. Read how to start retinol first.
Not sure what your skin needs? Take the 1-minute routine quiz.
The bottom line
Cleanse, hydrate, protect. Do those three things every day and you've got a real skincare routine. Add more only when you want to.