Men’s skincare has become an essential part of the grooming routine for many men, and Hollywood star Ryan Gosling is no exception. Known for his timeless looks, effortless cool demeanor, and roles that range from dramatic to comedic, Gosling’s skincare habits have become just as admired as his acting career. The heartthrob of The Notebook, La La Land, and more recently Barbie is a prime example of a man whose skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated to achieve optimal results. And when it comes to skincare, Gosling is clear about one thing: it’s all about simplicity.
With a rapidly growing focus on men’s grooming products, Ryan Gosling’s skincare philosophy is both accessible and highly effective. By keeping his routine simple yet deliberate, Gosling demonstrates how men, too, can look and feel their best with minimal fuss. So what are the secrets behind his enviable glow and age-defying appearance? Let’s break down Gosling’s skincare tips, and see how you can incorporate them into your own routine.
1. The Importance of Simplicity in Skincare
When it comes to skincare, Ryan Gosling isn’t one for complicated rituals or an extensive product lineup. In fact, his approach is refreshingly simple. Gosling is a firm believer in a skincare routine that doesn’t require an overload of products or steps. In his view, achieving healthy skin isn’t about using an array of expensive or trendy products. Rather, it’s about choosing the right, high-quality products that deliver results without overwhelming the skin or the individual.
Key Takeaway: A basic skincare routine with just a few essential products—such as a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen—can have a profound impact on the health and appearance of your skin.
In an interview, Gosling was quoted as saying, “The simpler, the better. I think you can get lost in the world of skincare, but at the end of the day, you just need to keep your routine consistent and avoid overcomplicating it.”
This philosophy aligns with the growing trend in skincare, particularly among men, who often prefer straightforward, no-nonsense routines that don’t take up too much time or require too many products. Gosling’s skincare philosophy is both practical and effective, making it easy for men to follow in his footsteps.
2. Cleanse Regularly
The foundation of any good skincare routine is a solid cleansing regimen. For Gosling, cleansing is a crucial first step. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down at night, it’s essential to cleanse your face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Cleansing twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—is a simple yet powerful way to keep your skin clear and refreshed.
Why it’s important: Cleansing removes buildup from the skin’s surface, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. In addition to helping maintain clear skin, cleansing also allows other skincare products to be more effective by prepping the skin to absorb them better.
Ryan Gosling’s tip: Gosling recommends using a gentle, hydrating cleanser that suits your skin type. “It’s all about finding a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils,” he says. “You want something that cleans but also keeps your skin feeling hydrated.”
By using a mild, non-drying cleanser, Gosling avoids irritation or tightness, which can occur when using harsh soaps or cleansers. Gentle, hydrating cleansers are particularly important for men with dry or sensitive skin, but even those with oily or combination skin can benefit from avoiding overly strong products.
When looking for the right cleanser, it’s crucial to select one that caters to your specific skin type. Whether it’s foaming, gel-based, or cream-based, the key is to find something that helps clear impurities without compromising the skin’s natural balance.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Ryan Gosling’s secret weapon for glowing skin? Hydration. While many might assume that keeping the skin clear of oil is the top priority, Gosling knows that hydration is essential for maintaining a youthful, healthy complexion. Regular moisturizing helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which in turn keeps skin looking fresh, soft, and plump.
Why it works: Moisturizing not only replenishes the skin’s hydration levels but also improves its elasticity, which can help prevent premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrated skin simply looks better: it appears smoother, softer, and more youthful.
Ryan’s advice: “The more you hydrate, the better your skin will look,” Gosling says. He believes that moisture is one of the most important aspects of his skincare routine, and he emphasizes using a moisturizer that can keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
The secret to Gosling’s skincare regimen is choosing a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for his skin type. For men with oily skin, a gel-based or oil-free moisturizer might be the best option, while men with drier skin might benefit from a richer, cream-based product. Regardless of your skin type, the goal is to find a moisturizer that won’t leave the skin feeling weighed down or overly oily but will provide lasting hydration.
Tip: If you’re looking for an extra boost, you can opt for a moisturizer that includes added ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, or antioxidants, which can protect against environmental damage.
4. Sun Protection is Key
Ryan Gosling’s love for sunscreen is well-known, and for good reason. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors—whether it’s on set filming or enjoying personal time outdoors—he understands that protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is a crucial aspect of any skincare regimen. Even though the sun’s rays are most intense during the summer, Gosling emphasizes that sunscreen should be worn every day, regardless of the season or the weather.
Why it’s important: The sun’s harmful UV rays are one of the primary causes of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. In addition, consistent sun exposure without protection can lead to skin cancer, making sunscreen one of the most vital steps in any skincare routine.
Gosling’s favorite product: A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential in Gosling’s daily routine. According to Gosling, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors, he makes it a point to apply sunscreen to protect his skin. He’s also a fan of sunscreens that are lightweight and easily absorbed, ensuring that they don’t feel greasy or clog pores.
Gosling has long advocated for the importance of using sunscreen as a preventative measure. By incorporating this step into his skincare routine every day, he ensures his skin remains protected from damage and remains youthful for years to come.
Tip: Make sure to apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours if you’re spending extended time outdoors, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
5. Consistency is Everything
The final piece of Gosling’s skincare puzzle is consistency. No matter how simple or straightforward the routine is, Gosling stresses that the key to seeing results is sticking to it. There’s no magic trick or shortcut when it comes to skincare; it’s about making healthy habits a part of your daily routine.
Why it matters: It takes time for skincare products to show results, and those who jump from product to product without giving each one a fair chance will likely find themselves frustrated. The power of skincare lies in its cumulative effect, and consistency is what brings out the best in your skin.
Gosling himself admits that he doesn’t always have the time or energy to follow a perfect routine, but he always makes an effort to keep it simple and stick to it as much as possible. “You have to be patient,” Gosling says. “It’s not about instant results—it’s about the long-term benefits.”
By following a consistent routine, you’ll gradually see improvements in your skin’s texture, tone, and overall health. Even a basic regimen, done daily, can bring noticeable results with time.
Conclusion
Ryan Gosling’s skincare tips are all about simplicity, hydration, and consistency. By sticking to a routine that’s straightforward yet effective, Gosling has managed to maintain clear, youthful-looking skin, despite the rigors of his high-profile career. His advice is easy to follow and doesn’t require a drawer full of products—just the basics: cleanse, hydrate, protect, and stay consistent.
Incorporating these practices into your daily routine won’t just give you clear and healthy skin; it will also help you look and feel your best, just like one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. So, take a page from Ryan Gosling’s book: keep it simple, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and remember—consistency is key. By following his no-fuss skincare routine, you too can enjoy skin that looks and feels as good as Gosling’s.