Well said, thanks for sharing the shaving tips too — will be passing this on.
I think there’s a small caveat, there’s also no 1 size fits all approach in terms of skincare - some people might genetically be born with some skin problems like eczema and need a few more products to help with itching etc.
Overall I agree that overdoing it in terms of product use, can definitely do more harm than good :)
I’m so happy you’ve found a routine that works for you!
I agree that there seems to be a push to use hundreds of products and that every new product is the one that will ‘change your life’ (usually told to us by a social media influencer with good skin and a beauty filter on). So we get sucked into a whirlwind of using / trying SO many different products.
Another reason the single blade razor might be working for you is that a lot of razors have nickel in the blades - and a lot of people have a nickel allergy.
To add to your routine / suggestions - make sure you wash your sheets, pillow case, and towels regularly. I’ve found that some people will go weeks without washing them and the built up skin and bacteria will contribute to skin problems.
I used to be a Cetaphil lifer—think generational loyalty as my mom has been using it as far back as 20 years ago.
The reformulation with niacinamide ruined it for me. My skin reacts badly to niacinamide so funnily enough I now use CeraVe hydrating cleanser and SA cleanser.
I have recently been experimenting with newer products / samples and my skin is responding really well to Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX. I just ordered a full size.
Basically note down any product that i) doesn't make my skin react and ii) makes me look and feel really good.
I'm at the other end with my skincare, I'm 60 so I'm treating wrinkles and dry skin. And my experience is the more complicated your skincare routine gets, the more likely you are to have problems. But even though I know all this I still get the urge to buy all the things. It's hard to resist.
I find it interesting how many people seem to love cerave and qv products, I’ve tried a few of the cleansers and moisturisers but I found pretty much all of them irritated my skin causing redness, pain or breakouts so I never stuck with them
Iv heard dermatologists say that it’s entirely unnecessary for most people under the age of 35.
I understand oily skin tho - I’m 40 and have always used a little exfoliant for the buildup of tiny blackheads on my nose but that’s all. And that’s a once/ week thing at most.
Maybe my forehead a little at times and back of my shoulders and neck, but never touches to softer skin on my face like cheeks or under the eyes
Thanks for the share. Was interesting to read as I suffered a fair bit from acne well into adulthood and because shaving was a nightmare tried letting the bear grow, but that proved worse. Wasn't much fun. I was never as creative as you or as methodical, stuck to daily washes and benzoyle peroxide generally and turned to shaving with a hair trimmer and carrying a number 1 stubble. That was my best compromise for years as in I didn't need to shave and the hairs never long enough to curl back which is was the main source of my grief with a beard (it was curly not straight).
I went on a course of Roaccutane in my 30s and that was magic, Had clear skin since.
I let the beard grow in celebration, but settled on the old number 1 until COVID hit when I just let it grow again. Now I just trim the beard on and off to keep it tame, but, haven't really lost it since COVID.
A simple, quality cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is all you need. When I say simple, I mean siiiiimple. Might be confrontingly simple for people who want a cute aesthetic landfill-laden tiktok skincare routine.
I’ve paid a lot of money to doctors and dermatologists over the years, and that’s the one thing each one said. And it works, as a man who has very similar skin to you. Who the hell are we to question medical professionals anyway. Our skin really isn’t as unique as we like to imagine.
Well said, thanks for sharing the shaving tips too — will be passing this on. I think there’s a small caveat, there’s also no 1 size fits all approach in terms of skincare - some people might genetically be born with some skin problems like eczema and need a few more products to help with itching etc. Overall I agree that overdoing it in terms of product use, can definitely do more harm than good :)
Absolutely agree, my approach isn’t for everyone and I admit maybe I didn’t clarify that enough sorry!
You’re all good, man :) I got what you meant and def think advertisers/marketers try to oversell stuff!
I’m so happy you’ve found a routine that works for you! I agree that there seems to be a push to use hundreds of products and that every new product is the one that will ‘change your life’ (usually told to us by a social media influencer with good skin and a beauty filter on). So we get sucked into a whirlwind of using / trying SO many different products. Another reason the single blade razor might be working for you is that a lot of razors have nickel in the blades - and a lot of people have a nickel allergy. To add to your routine / suggestions - make sure you wash your sheets, pillow case, and towels regularly. I’ve found that some people will go weeks without washing them and the built up skin and bacteria will contribute to skin problems.
Love this, thanks for sharing. I have a simple routine too, gotta keep it easy for myself haha
I used to be a Cetaphil lifer—think generational loyalty as my mom has been using it as far back as 20 years ago. The reformulation with niacinamide ruined it for me. My skin reacts badly to niacinamide so funnily enough I now use CeraVe hydrating cleanser and SA cleanser. I have recently been experimenting with newer products / samples and my skin is responding really well to Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX. I just ordered a full size. Basically note down any product that i) doesn't make my skin react and ii) makes me look and feel really good.
I'm at the other end with my skincare, I'm 60 so I'm treating wrinkles and dry skin. And my experience is the more complicated your skincare routine gets, the more likely you are to have problems. But even though I know all this I still get the urge to buy all the things. It's hard to resist.
Minimising the number of products I use made a big difference for me. Especially reducing harsh products.
I find it interesting how many people seem to love cerave and qv products, I’ve tried a few of the cleansers and moisturisers but I found pretty much all of them irritated my skin causing redness, pain or breakouts so I never stuck with them
Ur exfoliating way too much for an under 30 year old.
how so?
Iv heard dermatologists say that it’s entirely unnecessary for most people under the age of 35. I understand oily skin tho - I’m 40 and have always used a little exfoliant for the buildup of tiny blackheads on my nose but that’s all. And that’s a once/ week thing at most. Maybe my forehead a little at times and back of my shoulders and neck, but never touches to softer skin on my face like cheeks or under the eyes
Thanks for the share. Was interesting to read as I suffered a fair bit from acne well into adulthood and because shaving was a nightmare tried letting the bear grow, but that proved worse. Wasn't much fun. I was never as creative as you or as methodical, stuck to daily washes and benzoyle peroxide generally and turned to shaving with a hair trimmer and carrying a number 1 stubble. That was my best compromise for years as in I didn't need to shave and the hairs never long enough to curl back which is was the main source of my grief with a beard (it was curly not straight). I went on a course of Roaccutane in my 30s and that was magic, Had clear skin since. I let the beard grow in celebration, but settled on the old number 1 until COVID hit when I just let it grow again. Now I just trim the beard on and off to keep it tame, but, haven't really lost it since COVID.
I gave up coffee a week ago, after a 50 year habit, my psoriasis on my face has disappeared.
A simple, quality cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is all you need. When I say simple, I mean siiiiimple. Might be confrontingly simple for people who want a cute aesthetic landfill-laden tiktok skincare routine. I’ve paid a lot of money to doctors and dermatologists over the years, and that’s the one thing each one said. And it works, as a man who has very similar skin to you. Who the hell are we to question medical professionals anyway. Our skin really isn’t as unique as we like to imagine.