A Simple Starter Skincare Routine for All Grooms-to-Be

If you're a guy (or are marrying a guy) who has never gone beyond soap and water, then prepping for the big day is the perfect time to start caring for your skin. The best skincare routine for grooms starting a regular care regimen should be simple and easy to follow, because it means you will actually follow it, without getting overwhelmed or bored.

If you commit to getting the basics right, will mean clearer and healthier skin in time for your wedding. Best of all, a rock-solid skincare routine for grooms only involves four steps for great results - cleansing, moisturising, exfoliation and protection - for great results by your wedding day.

However, before buying any products, you need to figure out which skin type you have - dry, normal, combination or oily - and then shop accordingly. The easiest way to do this is to visit a skincare counter in a department store that stocks men's skincare lines from the likes of Clarins, Clinique, Kiehls or Shiseido, which all have great ranges for guys, and advisers who can assess your skin type.

Image by Luke Hayden Photography via One Fab Day

Eavanna Breen is a leading Irish beauty expert in advanced skincare and laser treatment and explains how much time you need to create a skincare routine for grooms. She says, "A groom should begin a proper skincare routine at least six months before the wedding if he has no specific skin issues.

"However, if he suffers from acne or other concerns that require attention, starting a year before the wedding date will provide ample time to manage any problems. This ensures sufficient time to address concerns like acne, pigmentation, or uneven texture. But don't worry, if you don't have that kind of lead in time - even three months can yield noticeable improvements to your skin, if you have minimal issues."

Image by Pascal Vo via One Fab Day

Dry, Normal or Oily Skin? How to Tell...

Chances are, if you have very dry or very oily skin, you already know your skin type as most likely your skin will suffer with either flaky patches, or regular breakouts and clogged pores. But, what if, like many people, you are somewhere in between or even combination of two? Once you identify which skin type you have build your routine using the relevant steps below.

Dry skin

Typically has smaller pores and less oil so it needs:

1. Gentle cleansing both morning and evening.
2. Regular exfoliation to remove dry skin and allow your creams to penetrate.
3. Lots of rich nourishment to repair your skin barrier.

Normal and combination skin

Has regular sized pores and any excess oil centres on the T-zone (the T-shaped area across your forehead down to your nose and chin) during the day. This skin needs:

1. Cleansing both morning and evening.
2. Regular exfoliation to remove debris such as dead skin and oil from pores.
3. Light hydration to keep it looking fresh.

Oily skin

Has larger pores and is prone to blackheads and breakouts. It needs a good oil-free skincare routine that includes:

1. A gentle cleanser morning and evening that can shift excess oil.
2. A glycolic or salicylic acid exfoliator to keep pores free from breakout-causing bacteria and debris.
3. An oil-free moisturiser for hydration will help balance the skin barrier.

All skin types

Need sun protection as the final step in the skincare routine to stop sun damage like dark spots, pigmentation and premature ageing such as lines and sagging. Choose the formula according to your skin type as identified above from this list of the Best SPFs for Grooms.

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Image by Wonder & Magic via One Fab Day

The Best Men's Skincare Buys For Different Skin Types

The Best Cleansers For:

• Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, €16.30/236ml
• Normal Skin: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, €13.40/150ml
• Oily Skin: Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, €28/150ml

The Best Exfoliators For:

• Dry Skin: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, €20.70/13g
• Normal Skin: Rituals Homme Charcoal Face Scrub, €17.95/125ml
• Oily Skin: Caudalie Vinoclean Deep Cleansing Exfoliator, €26.45/75ml

The Best Moisturisers For:

• Dry Skin: Clarins ClarinsMen Super Moisture Balm, €42/50ml
• Normal Skin: Skinmade Personalised Face Cream, €100/50ml
• Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT, €23.62/40ml

The Best SPFs For:

• Dry Skin: The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30, €17.25/50ml
• Normal Skin: Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF50+, €35.65/50ml
• Oily Skin: Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF45 PA, €56.35/50ml

Image by Olga Hogan Photography via One Fab Day

Pre-Wedding Professional Skin Treatments

In-salon or professional skin clinic treatments can really boost and complement your new skincare routine, and so are definitely worth considering. Eavanna says, "Professional treatments can enhance skin clarity, reduce signs of ageing, and impart a healthy glow for wedding photos."

But like your skincare, it's important to give yourself enough time to see the results. "Start booking treatments four to six months in advance for optimal results," advises Eavanna. "The first step is to schedule a consultation to discuss your skin goals or concerns with a therapist so that they can advise you on what will work for your skin and what you can achieve within your timeline." She recommends the treatments below to complement a skincare routine for grooms.

Image by Hannah McKeown Photography via One Fab Day

Recommended Professional Treatment Options:

• Facials - Deep cleansing, hydrating, and great for refining pores. These are ideal once a month.
• Chemical Peels - This targets acne, uneven texture, and dullness but you need to start at least three months prior, preferably six months before for the best results.
• Laser Treatments - LYMA laser or Laser Genesis can aid collagen production to plump and rejuvenate the skin and and promote healing.
• Microneedling - If there are concerns about scarring, fine lines, or texture, microneedling can work wonders, but it takes a few months to see results. It's recommend that you undergo three treatments at least six months before the wedding.
• Inmode Lift - If you desire a chiselled jawline for the big day, this treatment is great. This process involves three phases. The first phase uses radio frequency to tighten and tone the skin. The second phase employs a high-energy pulse to dissolve fat cells under the jawline. The third phase consists of a relaxing lymphatic drainage massage. A course of six treatments is required, and is administered bi-weekly.

Looking for great groom style? Check out these fab accessories brands for grooms!