The best skin care products for men in Kenya, and a simple routine that works

Most men do not want a ten step routine. They want skin that is not shiny by lunchtime, a shave without bumps, and to still smell fresh after a long day in Nairobi traffic. Three products and two minutes each morning get you most of the way. Here is the routine, and the products we recommend for it.

The 3-step routine

1. Cleanse, morning and night. A proper face wash removes sweat, oil and city dust without the tight, dry feeling that a bar of body soap can leave on the face.
2. Moisturise. Even oily skin needs it. Skin that is stripped dry often makes more oil to make up for it.
3. Sunscreen every morning. It stops dark marks from razor bumps and pimples getting darker, and it protects you on the walk, the drive and the matatu ride.

Our picks

Best face wash for normal to oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is a gel wash with ceramides and niacinamide, made for normal to oily skin. It cleans well without stripping, so it is an easy everyday choice for most men.

Best face wash for razor bumps and pimples: COSRX Salicylic Acid Cleanser

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contains salicylic acid and tea tree. Salicylic acid exfoliates gently, which helps keep pores clear and makes it easier for hairs to grow out instead of getting trapped. A good pick if you get bumps after shaving or pimples on oily skin.

Best moisturiser: Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser is a light moisturiser for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It does the job without feeling heavy in the heat.

Best sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Aqua-Fresh

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 is a light, fresh sunscreen that suits oily and combination skin. It goes on easily after moisturiser and does not leave a white cast.

Best body wash: Dove Original Beauty Bar

Dove Original Beauty Bar is a gentle soap with a quarter moisturising cream, so the rest of your body is cleaned without being left dry and ashy. Simple and good value.

Best deodorant: Old Spice

Old Spice Original is the classic spicy, citrus scent. If you prefer aluminium-free, try Old Spice Captain or Deep Sea. Whitewater is crisp and clean, and Night Panther is bolder. All come as 50ml sticks.

Razor bumps: what actually helps

• Prepare. Wash with the COSRX cleanser and warm water before you shave, so the hair is soft.
• Shave gently. Use a sharp blade, go with the direction of growth, do not stretch the skin, and use as few strokes as you can. If bumps keep coming back, a trimmer that leaves a little stubble is kinder to your skin.
• Calm the skin after. Rinse with cool water and moisturise. For sore, irritated patches, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5+ is a soothing repair balm with panthenol and centella.
• Do not pick. Picking bumps and ingrown hairs leaves dark marks that last much longer than the bump.

If your bumps are painful, full of pus or keep coming back whatever you do, see a doctor or dermatologist.

Questions we get asked

What is the best skin care routine for men in Kenya?

Keep it to three steps. Wash your face morning and night with a gentle face wash, apply a light moisturiser, and finish with sunscreen every morning. That alone handles most oiliness, dryness and dark marks.

How do I get rid of razor bumps fast?

Stop shaving the area for a few days if you can, wash with a salicylic acid cleanser, moisturise, and do not pick. A soothing balm like Cicaplast B5+ helps sore skin. To prevent them, shave with the grain using a sharp blade, or use a trimmer.

What is the best face wash for men with oily skin?

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is our everyday pick for normal to oily skin. If you also get pimples or razor bumps, the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a better fit.

Do men really need sunscreen?

Yes, especially in Kenya, where the sun is strong all year. Sunscreen stops dark marks from razor bumps and pimples getting darker. A light one like Beauty of Joseon Aqua-Fresh does not feel greasy.

Which Old Spice deodorant is the best?

It comes down to scent. Original is the classic spicy, citrus scent, Whitewater is crisp and clean, and Night Panther is bolder. Captain and Deep Sea are aluminium-free if you prefer that.

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Compare more options in our guides to the best face cleanser in Kenya and the best sunscreen in Kenya, see the full Old Spice range, or read how to fade dark spots left by old bumps. Order on WhatsApp or online, pay on delivery with M-Pesa or cash, and get same-day delivery in Nairobi before 5pm.