How to Create a Skincare Routine For Your Significant Other

You love your partner—but their skincare routine (or lack thereof) might be a little… questionable. Maybe they wash their face with the same soap they use on their body, or worse, they think splashing water in the morning counts as “skincare.”

Skincare isn’t just about keeping skin clear or reducing wrinkles—it’s an act of self-care that can boost confidence and overall well-being. When you take the time to create a skincare routine for your significant other, it shows that you care about their health, comfort, and even their daily rituals.

A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, and for many people (especially those who haven’t put much thought into skincare before), a little guidance can go a long way. By building a routine tailored to their skin type and lifestyle, you’re giving them the gift of healthier skin and helping them build habits they’ll appreciate in the long run.

Identify Their Skin Type

Before you start picking out products, the first and most important step is identifying your partner’s skin type. This will determine which ingredients and formulations will work best for them—and which ones to avoid. Using the wrong products for their skin type can lead to breakouts, dryness, irritation, or an overly greasy complexion.

Oily Skin

If your partner’s skin tends to get shiny within hours of washing, they likely have oily skin. This skin type produces excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and frequent breakouts. While it may seem counterintuitive, stripping away all the oil will only make their skin produce more to compensate. Instead, focus on oil-balancing and lightweight products.

Dry Skin

Does their skin feel tight, rough, or flaky? If so, they probably have dry skin. This skin type lacks natural moisture and needs extra hydration to stay comfortable. Using the wrong products—especially harsh cleansers—can make it worse, leading to irritation and even premature fine lines.

Combination Skin

If your partner’s T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to get oily while their cheeks stay dry or normal, they likely have combination skin. This skin type requires a balanced approach—hydrating enough to prevent dryness but not so heavy that it clogs pores in oilier areas.

Normal Skin 

If your partner’s skin rarely feels too dry or too oily, they have normal skin—the ideal balance. With smaller pores and fewer breakouts, normal skin requires simple, consistent care to keep it healthy.

Sensitive Skin

If your partner’s skin gets red easily, reacts badly to new products, or feels itchy and irritated, they likely have sensitive skin. This means their skin barrier is more delicate, making it prone to inflammation from harsh ingredients, fragrance, or extreme weather conditions.

Why Skin Type Matters

Knowing your partner’s skin type makes it easier to pick products that actually work instead of relying on random skincare trends. More importantly, a routine tailored to their needs will feel good on their skin, which makes them more likely to stick with it. By understanding their skin’s unique needs, you’ll be helping them create a routine they’ll actually enjoy—one that feels effortless rather than overwhelming.

Start Simple

If your partner isn’t used to a skincare routine, the last thing you want to do is overwhelm them with a dozen different steps. The key is to keep it simple and effective, so they can easily integrate it into their daily routine without feeling like it’s a chore.

A basic three-step skincare routine—cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF—is all they need to start seeing improvements in their skin. Once they get comfortable with the basics, they can explore additional steps based on their specific needs.

Creating a Simple Morning Skincare Routine

The morning routine is all about refreshing the skin and protecting it from the day ahead. Even if they’re not dealing with breakouts or dryness, a proper morning routine helps keep their skin balanced, healthy, and resilient.

• Cleanser - The skin naturally produces oils while we sleep, and any sweat or dead skin cells can build up on the surface. A gentle cleanser helps wash away impurities without stripping the skin. If your partner has oily skin, try a foaming or gel cleanser. A cream or lotion-based cleanser works best for those with dry or sensitive skin.

• Moisturizer - Even if their skin isn’t dry, daily moisturizer is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Try gel-based or oil-free moisturizers for those with oily skin and thicker creams for those with dry skin. 

• SPF - If there’s one non-negotiable in skincare, it’s sunscreen. If your partner is resistant to sunscreen because of the texture, look for a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. Many modern sunscreens feel just like moisturizers!

 

Creating a Simple Evening Skincare Routine

The nighttime routine is all about removing the day's buildup and allowing the skin to repair overnight. Even if they don’t feel "dirty," sweat, pollution, and excess oil accumulate throughout the day, making a proper nighttime routine essential.

• Cleanser - Just like in the morning, cleansing is the first step. If they wear sunscreen or work in a dusty environment, they might benefit from a double cleanse—using an oil cleanser first to break down sweat and sunscreen, followed by a regular cleanser.

• Moisturizer - Nighttime is when the skin repairs itself, so this is the perfect time to restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. A richer night cream can help hydrate dry skin overnight while a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer can help prevent excessive oil production.

Enhance the Routine Based On Their Skin Concerns

Once your partner has a basic skincare routine down, you can help them take it to the next level by addressing specific skin concerns. Whether they’re dealing with acne, dryness, dark spots, or fine lines, a few targeted products can make a big difference. The key is to introduce treatments gradually—too many active ingredients at once can overwhelm the skin and cause irritation. The best skincare products for men will address their skincare concerns while still keeping it simple. 

• Acne-prone skin - Acne can be frustrating, but the right ingredients can help reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and calm inflammation. Look for products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide to help soothe skin and reduce acne.

• Uneven skin tone - Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne marks are common concerns, especially for those who spend a lot of time in the sun. Brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C, can help fade discoloration and even out skin tone over time.

• Fine lines - Even if your partner isn’t worried about wrinkles yet, preventing premature aging is always a good idea. A firming serum with a few powerhouse ingredients can boost collagen, smooth fine lines, and keep skin firm.

 

Introduce New Products Slowly 

If your partner is new to skincare, suddenly throwing five different serums at them might backfire. Instead, follow these steps to ease them into it:

• Stick to one skincare concern at a time - If they have multiple concerns, start with the one that bothers them most.

• Introduce one new product at a time - This helps avoid irritation and makes it easier to tell what’s working.

• Wait 2-4 weeks before adding a new product - Skin takes time to adjust, so patience is key.

 

With the right approach, your partner will start seeing improvements and might even get excited about taking care of their skin. And who knows—maybe they’ll start reminding you to apply sunscreen too!

Make It Enjoyable and Hassle-Free

Let’s be real—if your partner sees skincare as a chore, they’re not going to stick with it. The key is to make it effortless, enjoyable, and something they actually look forward to. Whether they’re a total beginner or someone who’s just never put much thought into skincare, these tips will help turn their routine into a small moment of self-care rather than a dreaded task.

• Choose products they’ll actually use - Not all skincare feels the same, and picking the right textures and formulas can make or break their willingness to stick with a routine. The easier a product is to apply and the better it feels on the skin, the more likely they are to use it every day.

• Make it a shared experience - Everything is more fun when you do it together! Instead of just handing them products and hoping they remember to use them, consider making skincare a couples’ activity.

• Tie it to their existing habits - If they’re forgetful or just not used to having a routine, help them attach skincare to habits they already do every day. Keep their cleanser in the shower so they wash their face while they’re already there, or place their moisturizer next to their toothbrush as a visual reminder to apply it after brushing.

• Be supportive, not pushy - If they skip a step one day, don’t scold them like a skincare drill sergeant. Instead, offer gentle reminders and celebrate small wins.

Skincare isn’t just about products—it’s a small but meaningful act of self-care and love. By taking the time to create a routine tailored to your partner’s needs, you’re showing them that their well-being matters to you. Whether it’s as simple as a cleanser and moisturizer or a more personalized regimen, the goal is to help them feel good in their own skin. And if it becomes a ritual you share together? Even better.