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The time of 2in1 shampoos and all-over ‘moisturisers’ is long gone; in 2026, we are rewriting the rules for grooming and unearthing our weapons against ageing, for better-looking skin.
The male ‘Tweakments’ movement has seen a rapid rise in the past few years. Men are actively investing in skincare, treatments, and grooming products, elevating their overall look and enhancing the way they feel. We are no longer relying on products gifted at festive seasons, which are long forgotten after the decorations are taken down and left in the back of our bathroom cabinets. We’re taking the reins and recognising the importance of a dedicated skincare routine and, more importantly, acting on it with consistency.
Our skin faces a lot of environmental and lifestyle challenges – from sun exposure and humidity, the impact of being exposed to air conditioning, excessive gym workouts, and the ritual of shaving. All these stressors can accelerate damage and ageing of our skin.
Step One – The Research
Navigating the wealth of products available on the market can feel overwhelming and slightly mind-boggling. To get the ball rolling, seek advice from a dermatologist to understand your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination.
Step Two – Shopping
Look for products designed for your skin type. Sunscreen is non–negotiable – We would recommend using one with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30.
“A few minutes each day is all it takes to fortify your skin’s natural barrier, which will leave it resilient and vibrant,” says Dr Derrick Phillips of Biolite Clinic Dubai (@bioliteuae). “If you invest in your skin today, it will thank you tomorrow.”
For the optimal outcome, consistency is paramount. One must be committed to a manageable and detailed skincare routine. Having the products on display in your bathroom or setting an alarm can be a gentle reminder to keep your regimen on track.
You do not need a cabinet bursting at the seams with hundreds of different products; this is only going to overwhelm you and likely make you close the doors for ‘another time’. To get you started, we’ve put together a basic morning and night routine that you can implement into your day.
The recommended products have been carefully tried and tested and are among the best available for all skin types.
Step 3 -The Routine
MORNING ROUTINE
Cleanse (La Mer) – The initial and most crucial step in any skincare regimen is cleansing. It helps to gently remove impurities, oil, and sweat, and aids in reducing ingrown hairs. It can also stimulate blood flow to your epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer). By fortifying your skin’s defences, maintaining hydration, and fostering the production of new skin cells, cleansing plays a pivotal role in nurturing your skin’s vitality. Everyone has a different skin type, so finding the right products for you is key to ensuring your skin’s pH levels are balanced.
Tone (Charlotte Tilbury) – Using a toner helps to reduce the size of pores by tightening the skin, leaving it less susceptible to absorbing daily dirt and grease. Some toners can also be used to alleviate razor burn and ingrown hairs, while others have distinct moisturising properties.
Moisturise / SPF (Augustinus Bader) – As we know, skin is the largest organ in the human body, and regular maintenance is crucial for healthy upkeep. Moisturising is vital to lock in hydration and the benefits from our skincare routine. If your selected moisturiser doesn’t include SPF, make sure to add a high-SPF cream to the end of your morning routine. Suncream is the best preventative for premature ageing and helps protect against wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It can also boost the health of your skin and help you achieve a smooth-looking complexion.
EVENING ROUTINE
Cleanse (La Mer) – To complement and define our grooming routine, our evening regimen is just as, if not more, significant than the morning routine. Washing away daily aggressors is essential – the accumulation of these impurities can, over time, dull the skin and cause irritation and breakouts.
Tone (Charlotte Tilbury)
Remove excess dirt and tighten your pores with the same toner you used in the morning.
Retinol (Sunday Riley)
Part of the vitamin A family, retinol can be a great product for smoothing lines and deep wrinkles. It can also reduce dark spots and scarring. The chemical can increase collagen production, which helps with signs of ageing, giving the skin a clearer and fresher-looking complexion.
But do note, introducing retinol into your regimen should be done with care, as it is a strong substance. Building it slowly into your routine over time is how to gradually build up tolerance. Retinol has exfoliating properties, so ensuring your face is cleansed with a mild wash is also advised to reduce the chances of irritation.
Moisturise (Dior)
End your day by locking in as much moisture into the skin as possible. Using a rich moisturiser protects us from the natural damage caused by the sun’s rays as well as premature ageing of the skin. Although our skin has the capability to repair itself, the key ingredients provided by an effective moisturiser help this process along.
Eye Cream (Augustinus Bader)
Adds an extra layer of moisture to the delicate area around your eyes. It can support the reduction of fine lines, dark patches, and puffiness.
