If I could travel back in time, I would tell my 14 year old self that when we become an adult, people will randomly compliment us on how good our skin looks.
The fact is, back then, in the late 90’s, I couldn’t fathom this reality because I thought my skin, especially the skin on my face, was the worst! This wasn’t because I had severe acne issues (although I would get a breakout here and there) however back then, ‘cool’ looking skin was in and I had a perpetual shine/sheen.
By cool, I mean inhumanly dry skin, which typically would be caused by genetics or frigid winters. Either way that was the goal of the boys and girls in high school, a determination to constantly look ‘cool’ with matte skin, sans makeup, of course.
They typically achieved this using one of two products: Noxzema or blue cake soap.
But with age and time I have grown to love my semi-oily skin with its constant sheen. Now instead of referring to it as just shiny, people comment on my glow.
Before I could finally get a handle on my skin, I had to appreciate it for what it was and understand what it actually needed.
The Secret
Several older folks have shared that the ‘secret’ to supple and youthful looking skin, way into old age is “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” I’ve also found that protecting your skin from the sun is an important habit for long term health, not just to stave off premature aging but sunburn and skin cancer.
So while only a handful of people have ever asked, I am sharing some of the ingredients of my skin and body care regimen. And while genetics probably plays a role in my ‘good looking’ skin, it only goes so far without care.
My Regimen
Before I get down to the individual items, I want to share a bit of insight into my basic skin care routine. Additionally, I want to make it clear that I am not giving advice about your skincare. I’m sharing details about the products that I’ve used with the hope that you may discover something that can also help you.
I follow the tried and true formula: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, sun protection + extras and exfoliation thrown in every now and again. This is largely what works for me as it is basic enough to follow and covers all the important must-dos.
There are also some other products I include for maintenance, especially as I sit on the precipice of age 40.
Just so you know, some of the product links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Cleanse
The first step in the routine is cleansing and for that I’m currently keeping it very simple. My main go-to cleansing product is the Neutrogena Deep Clean Daily Facial Cleanser. I’ve also been known to use Ari Sulphur acne treatment soap, which is a Jamaican made product. Both are available in local pharmacies at quite reasonable prices. Both have anti-acne ingredients that help to treat or prevent those random adult breakouts.
Regardless of what cleanser you choose, key to that process are the items you use to apply them to your skin and the Buf-Puf facial sponge does it better than most!! The sponges come in extra-gentle, gentle and regular texture and really help to distribute the cleanser across my skin, while gently removing dead skin.
Toner
When it comes to using toners I have to admit that I have been a bit less consistent than I would want to be. However I have used either a glycolic acid based toner or my new fave the CeraVe Hydrating Toner which is loaded with the good stuff: 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Most importantly it’s alcohol and fragrance free and helps maintain moisture in my skin, which becomes more important as you age. Paula’s Choice also makes a pretty good product but it’s a bit pricey for me.
Moisturizer
I typically use a vitamin c infused facial moisturizer but it has been discontinued so I am transitioning to the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating lotion for face with hyaluronic acid.
In the meantime, a staple in my routine over the past 4 years has been the Nivea Men Sensitive Face Lotion with SPF 15 broad spectrum sunscreen. This serves two purposes: it moisturizes and provides sunscreen protection.
And while I love the convenience of using a moisturizer that has SPF protection, I like the flexibility of having a standalone moisturizer for those days I don’t actually get sun exposure.
Sun Protection
As I said previously, I have been using an SPF infused face lotion for a while, so I only ever used a standalone sunscreen when I go to the beach. That said I recently got the Banana Boat light as air facial sunscreen at 50+ SPF. It goes on easy and there is no annoying white cast when you use it so it’s simple to apply over my facial moisturizer.
I am also testing out the Cerave Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 for face which has the typical infusion of skin friendly ingredients the brand is known for and is suitable for sensitive skin.
The Extras
This is my favourite part because these products are the ‘in-betweeners’ of my routine and have proven to be life changing.
Eye Cream
I fell in love with eye creams ever since I got a free sample from a Kiehl’s store in the US. Since then I have been using different types, specifically creams with caffeine that add a little zing. Recently I discovered a new product that specifically targets dark circles under my eyes – Cardon Dark Circle Eye Rescue.
I decided to seek out a product like this after doing a photo shoot last year and realizing that whenever I had makeup applied under my eyes, it evened out my entire face. The dark areas under my eyes, created a shadow on my face that basically adds a completely different dimension to my appearance. This eye rescue worked exactly as promised and overtime it has reduced the dark areas under my eyes and removed any puffiness. For what you get, it’s a little pricey but it is completely worth it and will also last a while. Finally, I typically use this before applying moisturizer.
Masks
I use masks occasionally, especially when I have been undergoing a bit more stress than usual and need to give myself some added care. The two masks I currently use are made by a local brand Earth Elements and I use both at different times, depending on my mood and what I am trying to adjust in my skin.
On days when I just need some nourishment, I use the Matcha Green Tea Clay Face Mask that goes on smooth and leave my skin feeling refreshed.
When I want to calm my skin down I choose the Glacial Clay Facial Mask which has a pleasant cooling and tightening effect. It also goes on smooth and leaves my skin feeling not only tighter but soft and supple.
Lip Care
In all things skin, our lips are often overlooked, at our own peril. I have learned from experience that lips need all the love and licking them a million times a day just won’t cut it, so I am always trying out new lip balms. Among the best I’ve ever used is the Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1.
Using this kept my lips plump and healthy, no stripping in sight and I never had to worry about dryness. And while the price is not the most affordable, my only other drawback was the sheen of the balm itself when applied to my lips – it will give your lip a healthy but distracting shine, which may be triggering to some people who feel that men’s lips should only be a muted matte, not shiny (I have the reactions and comments to prove it).
On the other side is another fave, Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm which also comes loaded with SPF 25 skin protection! Love the way these smell and how long they last, plus they don’t leave any pesky white residue on your lips.
My most affordable and accessible go-to lip balm is Burt’s Bees specifically the rescue balm series with turmeric. I always keep a few of these around because they do the job and prevent my lips from cracking.
After Shave Serum
I shave my head and facial hair myself, so I seldom visit an actual barber. In fact in the past 3 years I’ve only gone to a barber once. The Cantu Shea Butter post-shave soothing serum is my go to whenever I shave. It soothes all that shaved skin and has an understated fragrance.
A little goes a long way and it usually lasts a while and it is widely available so you can pick it up at any well-stocked pharmacy or beauty supply store.
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Another serum which I swear by is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum which does exactly what its name suggests – helps to reveal smooth layers of your skin while reducing the appearance of pores and left over acne marks.
African Bath Sponge
Finally, couldn’t do a skin upkeep post without mentioning this gem that I discovered last year, on tik tok no less. The African bath sponge is one of the best things I have ever showered with. It’s so good I have pretty much ditched loofah sponges. It exfoliates while keeping you clean and works well with both bar and liquid soaps.
That’s the extent of my current routine and while some of the products may be switched out over time, I keep it simple and sustainable. Regular exercise and water consumption also plays a key role in my skin’s health.
I would love to know what products and routines you all use to make your skin great. Sharing is caring so let me know in the comments!
Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!
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Kevin
