Men are still a bit of a mystery to me, but what I do know is that they love it when things are simple, quick and easy - so that's what this routine is all about.
I also realise that skincare marketing is dominated towards the ladies, which can make product choice somewhat confusing and intimidating if it is new to you. This post should break it down into bite-sized pieces of information for the total beginner.
I have split it into AM and PM, with step 2 being optional for both routines but highly recommended if you want to look extra handsome. All product recommendations are listed at the bottom.
MORNING
I know most people tend to be very rushed in the mornings and if you are anything like me you are often running around like a headless chicken trying to organise yourself before work. I implore you to wake up a 5-10 minutes earlier to allow some time to follow a skincare routine, this allows you to have some TLC for yourself and to relax before you dive into your hectic day.
STEP 1 - Cleanse. This is mandatory as it removes any dead skin cells and excess sebum, leaving your skin looking bright and also providing a clean slate for your other ingredients to be applied to. With your cleanser of choice, gently massage a 2p coin-sized amount of product into damp skin, covering the face and neck for 1-2 minutes.
STEP 2 - Use an active, depending on your skin concerns - start this step 2-3 times a week on non-consecutive days and see how your skin reacts, then gradually build it up.
o General skin health and brightening= vitamin C antioxidant serum
o Blackheads: salicylic acid
o Redness: niacinamide
o Inflammatory acne (and blackheads): benzoyl peroxide
STEP 3 & 4 (combined) - Moisturiser and SPF (sun protection factor). SPF is key here and should be worn every day (even if you live in the UK, I know our weather is *crap* but believe me though pesky UV rays do still get through and they’re a major cause of DNA damage in our skin cells leading to skin cancer and wrinkle formation).
I combined the SPF step with moisturiser as it allows you to kill two birds with one stone and there are some great moisturising SPFs on the market, which I have listed under products.
EVENING
STEP 1 - Cleanse - same as morning routine.
STEP 2 - Use an active - again depending on your skin concerns.
Ageing and/or acne: Retinoid – honestly the holy grail of skincare but can only be used in the evening as it is light sensitive.
STEP 3 - Moisturise. Very important to support skin barrier function and retain moisture levels (obviously) throughout the night, particularly if you have air conditioning or heating turned on.
PRODUCTS
CLEANSERS
o CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser LINK
o La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser LINK
SPF
o CeraVe (any to suit your skin type) LINK
o Heliocare gel or cream (used by Rafael Nadal) LINK
o La Roche Posay (any) LINK
o Eucerin
MOISTURISERS (without SPF)
o Dr Sam’s - Classic or Light
o CeraVe (any) LINK
o La Roche Posay (any) LINK
VITAMIN C
o La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 serum
o SkinCeuticals C E ferulic & Phloretin CF LINK
SALICYLIC ACID
o CosRx blackhead BHA
o The Ordinary salicylic acid 2%
NIACINAMIDE
o The Ordinary niacinamde 10% zinc 2%
o Inkey List Niacinamide
o Porebright Serum N10 with 10% Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid
RETINOIDS
o Differin
o Dr Sam’s Nightly
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
o Benzoyl peroxide by Galderma
And that is it! I hope you enjoy - do let me know how you get on and please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Lots of love,
Madeleine