The Best Vegan Skincare and Routine for Men
Let’s face it, men are pretty useless when it comes to skincare. Some of us don’t believe it’s important, and some think it’s “too girly.” Skincare is important for everyone. Your skin is the largest barrier against infection. Keeping skin healthy, keeps that barrier strong!
So, what is the best vegan skincare routine for men? There is a simple 4 step process to follow for healthier and better-looking skin. First, you will want to exfoliate two or three times a week. Each day you should cleanse, use a serum, and apply a high-quality moisturizer.
If you haven’t yet adopted a skincare routine, the time is now. It’s not just for women, and it’s vital for your health and wellbeing. This short, simple guide will help you to find the best vegan skincare plus the best routine.
Read also: 16 Best Vegan Skincare Products for Women
The Best Vegan Skincare Routine
The best way to adopt a skincare routine is to make it as simple as possible. So, that’s what I have done. Below you will find a simple 4 step skincare routine that should be done daily with suggested products for each.
- Exfoliate (2-3x per week, 30 seconds)
- Cleanse (Daily, 30 seconds)
- Apply Serum (Daily, 10 seconds)
- Moisturize (Daily, 10 seconds)
This is the start of your journey to better-looking and healthier skin.
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the first step for your skin. We exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and sebum from our skin.
When you use a quality vegan exfoliator, it will penetrate your pores and unblock any deep-lying impurities. This helps prevent blockages that cause skin issues such as spots and blackheads.
Exfoliation can also help those who suffer from mild or more severe acne. Regular exfoliation will help to smooth the skin and brighten your complexion. Exfoliation will also help reduce breakouts of acne by unclogging your pores.
Exfoliation is then the critical first step in your skincare routine. You only need to exfoliate two or three times a week. Too much exfoliation can actually damage your skin and even increase breakouts of acne.
There are two types of exfoliators you can choose from:
- Chemical Exfoliators – these products use acids that react with the skin to remove layers of dead skin cells, dirt, and sebum.
- Abrasive Exfoliators – these products are scrubs and contain rough particles that physically scrub away dead cells, dirt, and sebum
For those with sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a chemical exfoliant over a scrub. The scrub can be harsh on sensitive skin and cause irritation. Those with eczema or psoriasis will want to avoid scrubs.
When using a chemical exfoliant, gently massage the recommended amount into your skin and leave on your face for 30 seconds before gently washing off.
When using a scrub, gently rub your skin with two fingers in a slow and circular motion for about 30 seconds. Then wash away.
You only need to exfoliate 2 or 3 times a week. Make a plan that includes this in your week. For me personally, I know I always exfoliate Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. You can fit yours in as per your own preference.
If you have naturally very oily skin, you can consider exfoliating 4 times a week.
2. Cleanse
Cleansing is essential for your skin and should be done daily. Each day your skin is exposed to dirt, pollutants, bacteria, and other impurities. Your skin also naturally produces sebum, which builds on the surface of your skin.
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that is produced by your sebaceous glands. It is a natural moisturizer and protectant for your skin.
Cleansing helps remove all these impurities, which, if left on the surface of your skin, lead to breakouts and clogged pores.
To use a cleanser, all you need to do is damp your skin first with clean water. Do this in the morning or after exfoliating. Massage the recommended dose into your skin gently for about 10 seconds and then wash away.
This is a very quick and simple 30-second process. A cleanser further helps to remove any dirt and other impurities from your skin. It works much like an exfoliator, but you can use a cleanser every day.
3. Apply Serum
Serums are skin miracle workers. Once you remove all those impurities, it’s time to give your skin some high concentrations of specific active ingredients that improve your skin.
You only need a very low dose to benefit from a serum. Most serums are transparent or gel-like substances that are less thick than a moisturizer.
Serums are typically applied before moisturizer because they help lock in moisture keeping your skin hydrated for longer. Serums usually hydrate your skin much more effectively than a moisturizer.
Personally, I love using a serum on my face, especially hyaluronic acid. It feels so refreshing and instantly hydrates your skin. As someone with dry skin, serums have done wonders for my face.
There are tons of other benefits with serums too. Many serums also include vitamins A, C, and E. They will have topical retinol and ingredients that help tone out your skin. When layered underneath a good moisturizer, they can help reduce wrinkles, pigmentations, and any redness.
You should apply the serum after cleansing and before moisturizing for the most benefits. You will quickly notice the difference in your skin even after a few days.
To use, simply add two or three small drops to the palm of your hand and apply for a light coverage over your entire face. If you have a beard, you can use your fingertips to get to the skin. The skin under your beard needs love too! Don’t forget!
4. Moisturize
My favorite part! Men who have never moisturized are in for a treat. Once you start using a good moisturizer, you won’t go back, believe me.
Moisturizer helps to restore hydration to your skin. It also firms the skin, while replacing lost nutrients and moisture that has been lost during exfoliating and/or cleansing.
The moisturizer also forms a protective barrier for your skin. This helps ward off any impurities that you’re generally susceptible to. This means a moisturizer is a preventative treatment for your skin, not just a cure for dry skin.
Deciding on how much moisturizer to use depends on a few factors. Such as your skin type, the season, and how oily your natural skin is.
Most moisturizers come in different versions that support anything from normal to very dry skin. If you have very oily skin, you will want to use less moisturizer. Otherwise, your face may become too moist, uncomfortable, and could lead to spots.
Always use moisturizer by spreading thinly and evenly across your face. You don’t need to slather it all over your face.
Those with very dry skin should run some tests with the quantity you use. When your skin feels appropriately hydrated and lasts throughout the day, that is the amount to stick with.
When it’s cold outside, and humidity is low, your skin will naturally be drier than in summer. Now you can use a little bit more moisturizer to help fight against winter dryness. Low temperatures slow down the production of sebum, which leaves your skin vulnerable to dryness.
Those with eczema will know all about winter dryness. If you do suffer from eczema, make sure you use quality products throughout your skincare routine. Don’t just focus on your skincare. Pay close attention to your diet, lifestyle habits, and consider buying a humidifier for your bedroom.
The Best Vegan Skincare and Routine for Men
Ok, so now we know what to do with our skincare products, we need to know which vegan skincare products are best. Again, I have divided these into the routine steps for your ease.
Exfoliating Vegan Products
ACURE Brightening Facial Scrub - Sea Kelp & French Clay
My personal favorites that I use 3 times a week. You will notice your complexion brighten up after one week! You will also benefit from softer and smoother-looking skin.
ACURE is a top vegan brand with a wide selection of vegan cosmetic products. This exfoliator is vegan and certified cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, petroleum-free, and formaldehyde-free.
BULL DOG Original Face Scrub
BULL DOG is an excellent vegan men’s skincare brand that continually delivers top products. This original face scrub is no exception. It is packed with eight essential oils, plus pumice, coconut shell, rosehip oil, and shea butter.
BULL DOG products never contain parabens, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or ingredients from animal sources. They’re 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2%
The Ordinary is a brand that has been hugely successful over the last few years. This issue to their no-nonsense but high-quality cosmetic products. They’re especially popular within the vegan community.
This peeling solution is a chemical exfoliant that should only be used twice a week at most. It works like a face mask and should be left on the skin for no more than 10 minutes. This is very important, as any more will damage your skin.
It is also essential to wear sunscreen if going out into the sun after use or the following day. It contains an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), which increases your skin’s sensitivity to UV light.
I’ve personally used this product, and it works wonders for your skin!
Cleansing Vegan Products
Aesop Geranium Body Cleanser
This cleansing gel from Aesop is high-quality and well-rated among customers. It contains geranium leaf extract that helps to reinvigorate senses.
This is a gentle product that helps to cleanse and deodorize without dehydrating your skin. You can also use it as a hand wash as a bonus, and it is suitable for people with all types of skin.
There are no nasty ingredients or harsh chemicals, so your skin will never feel irritated when using this product. If you’re new to cleansing, this is my top choice!
Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Face Wash
This cleanser is excellent for those of you with oily or blemish-prone skin. Pacifica is a unique vegan cosmetic brand that has been making waves over the last few years.
I like this cleanser because it genuinely feels incredibly fresh when you use it and quickly provides real noticeable results.
This cleaner includes phytonutrients such as kale, seaweed, and blue seakale with coconut and clay. This helps to restore your skin with healthy nutrients lost during exfoliating.
Beauty Without Cruelty Facial Cleanser 3% AHA Complex
This excellent cleanser from BWC is suitable for dry and oily skin. They’re also a brand that has been cruelty-free since 1963, so they know how to create great vegan products.
It’s a lightly foaming cleanser that will help you to remove dead skin and other impurities in no time. The select botanicals and alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) are gently and deeply clean, tone, and clear.
Again, because this product uses AHA, please make sure you wear sunscreen if you’re planning on spending time in the sun after.
Serum Vegan Products
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Another top-quality product from The Ordinary. This hyaluronic acid serum has been in my bathroom cabinet for over two years now. It works well to give you great-looking skin.
Why hyaluronic acid? Because hyaluronic acid is capable of attracting up to 1,000 times, its weight in water. This means each time you use the product, it super hydrates your skin.
I found this product particularly useful for combating eczema on my face. Vitamin B5 has been added to further help the hydration of your skin.
Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum
This is some seriously advanced skincare from Mad Hippie. Not just for hippies, though, for everyone that needs some hydration for their skin.
It includes 9 actives with HPR & Sodium Hyaluronate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a bioavailable form of vitamin A which helps to seriously help with the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt of hyaluronic which will plump up and soften your skin.
Avalon Organics Intense Defense with Vitamin C Serum
This is an NSF-certified serum from Avalon Organics. It contains only organic ingredients, as you may have guessed from the brand name.
The concentrated elixir targets signs of aging for smoother and brighter skin. The difference is noticeable after just a week of use. It also helps to support your collagen and elastin production for a much smoother surface.
Moisturizer Vegan Products
BULL DOG Age Defense Moisturizer
Another top product from the vegan BULL DOG brand. This time a super-hydrating facial moisturizer specially formulated for men.
This moisturizer contains an antioxidant complex of Rosemary, Echinacea, and Vitamin E. This helps support the hydration of your face skin and keeps your skin soft and smooth.
What I really like about this moisturizer is the duration that it keeps your skin hydrated. For me, that lasted just over 24 hours. Perfect for active and busy men.
Brickell Men's Daily Essential Face Moisturizer
This moisturizer is quite unique because it also includes some hyaluronic acid. This means you will get extra hydration, especially if you use a serum before applying.
This is an extraordinarily light and fast-absorbing moisturizer that has been specially formulated for men’s faces. It’s suitable for any skin type and can be applied daily for super-hydration that easily lasts 24 hours or more.
It also uses natural & certified organic ingredients, including aloe, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and green tea.
Every Man Jack Face Lotion with SPF 20
Another top-quality face moisturizer that has been specially formulated for men’s skin. Every Man Jack face lotion is made with aloe is fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.
The product is light, non-oily, and really helps to hydrate and smooth out your skin. There are no parabens, no phthalates, no dyes, and no GMOs.
As a bonus, the brand is super conscious about the environment and uses 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, and their products are ethically made in the USA. They’re even PETA-Certified!
Final Thoughts
I can’t express enough how important it is for men to have a skincare routine. Our skin is the largest organ on our body and goes under immense stress every single day. A skincare routine will help improve the health of our skin with noticeable effects.
Using the guide above, I hope I have inspired you to adopt a skincare routine and made the process a little bit easier. Yes, a skincare routine can be pricey. But, if you have the money spare, can you really put a price on your health?
Plus, who doesn’t want to have great-looking skin? Nobody!
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