Skincare Trends That Had Their Moment in 2024, But It’s Time to Move On!

Alright, gentlemen, it’s time for a skincare reality check. Every year, new trends flood social media, promising flawless skin, instant glow-ups, and miracle fixes. But let’s be honest—not all trends are worth keeping. Some were overhyped, some were straight-up useless, and a few might have done more harm than good. 

As we step into a fresh year, it’s time to ditch the gimmicks and focus on what actually works. Here’s a list of skincare trends from 2024 that need to stay in the past, plus what you should be doing instead. 

1. Overcomplicated 10-Step Skincare Routines 

Let’s face it—most men barely have time (or patience) for a long skincare routine. Yet, 2024 convinced some of us that layering serums, essences, toners, and mists was the key to great skin. The truth? Less is more. 

✅ What to do instead: Stick to three essential steps—cleanse, moisturize, and protect (SPF). Want to go the extra mile? Add a serum that targets your specific skin concern. 

💡 Try This: A 2-in-1 cleanser + exfoliator can help simplify your routine while keeping your skin fresh. 

2. DIY Skincare Hacks That Should’ve Never Happened 

From toothpaste on pimples to rubbing lemon on your face—some trends should’ve never left TikTok. Sure, DIY hacks sound cool, but they often do more harm than good. Harsh ingredients can damage your skin barrier, causing irritation, dryness, or worse—breakouts. 

✅ What to do instead: Stick to dermatologist-approved products with safe, effective ingredients. 

💡 Try This: If you’re dealing with acne, use a pimple patch or a salicylic acid spot treatment instead of experimenting with kitchen ingredients. 

3. Going Overboard with Actives (Yes, Your Face Needs a Break) 

2024 was the year of chemical exfoliation overload. If you found yourself using retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C all at once, chances are, your skin felt red, irritated, or overly sensitive. Overusing active ingredients does the opposite of what you want—it weakens your skin barrier instead of improving it. 

✅ What to do instead: Use actives in moderation. Introduce one active ingredient at a time and give your skin time to adjust. 

💡 Try This: Start with a mild exfoliating toner (2-3 times a week) and a hydrating night cream to keep your skin balanced. 

4. Neglecting Sunscreen Because “I’m Indoors” 

One of the worst trends men followed in 2024 was skipping sunscreen just because they weren’t stepping out much. The truth? UV rays don’t care if you’re indoors—they penetrate windows, damage your skin, and speed up aging. 

✅ What to do instead: Wear SPF 30 or higher every single day, whether you’re working from home, hitting the gym, or driving around. 

💡 Try This: A matte-finish sunscreen that won’t make your face look greasy. 

5. Using Body Soap on Your Face (Still? Really?) 

If you’re still using your regular bar soap or body wash on your face, we need to have a serious talk. Body soaps strip away natural oils, leaving your face dry, tight, and irritated. Plus, they don’t target specific skin concerns like acne, dullness, or uneven texture. 

✅ What to do instead: Get a face wash that suits your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, or combination. 

💡 Try This: A charcoal face wash for deep cleansing or a hydrating gel cleanser if your skin feels dry. 

 6. Skipping Moisturizer Because “My Skin Is Oily” 

Here’s the thing—oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer tricks your skin into producing even more oil, making it look greasy. If you’ve been skipping moisturizer thinking it’ll keep your face matte, it’s time to rethink your strategy. 

✅ What to do instead: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. 

💡 Try This: A gel-based moisturizer with hyaluronic acid—it absorbs quickly and keeps your skin balanced. 

7. Not Upgrading Your Routine with Age 

2024 was the year of men sticking to the same skincare routine they had in college. But guess what? Your skin changes with time. What worked in your early 20s might not be enough as you hit your late 20s or 30s. If you’re still using random drugstore face wash and skipping proper skincare, it’s time to upgrade. 

✅ What to do instead: Add products that help with hydration, fine lines, and overall skin health as you age. 

💡 Try This: A night repair cream or anti-aging serum to keep your skin looking fresh. 

Time to Level Up Your Grooming Game 

2025 is all about smart skincare choices—ditching unnecessary trends and focusing on what actually works. If you’re looking to upgrade your grooming kit, check out ManCrafters, where you can find the best men’s skincare products from different brands, all in one place. 

Leave the 2024 trends behind and start taking your skincare seriously—without the BS. Your future self will thank you!