My tried and true skincare routine

When it comes to my skincare regimen, I must confess—I am rather meticulous. I honestly cannot recall the last time I neglected to cleanse my face before bed; it must have been years ago. Even when I’m down bad, as Taylor Swift might put it, I remain unwavering in my nightly routine. Given that my skincare routine is the most frequently asked topic among both acquaintances and strangers, it seems only fitting to inaugurate this blog by sharing it.

My journey through skincare has been extensive, akin to curating a Sephora-sized collection of products. I have explored everything from drugstore staples to luxury brands, Korean and French innovations, and even pharmaceutical treatments. Despite undergoing a course of Accutane in the past, I must admit its effects were fleeting—my skin cleared for a brief period of 3 to 4 months before reverting to its previous state.

In recent years, I have discovered what truly benefits my skin. It is crucial to acknowledge that each person's skin is unique—though this may sound repetitive, it is an essential truth. I have found that a simplified approach is most effective for me, a lesson I wish I had embraced earlier when so many advised, "Christian, just keep it simple."

Shaving 

To begin with, my shaving routine is a non-negotiable part of my regimen. I must admit, I shave daily—an integral element of my daily routine. I quickly realized that the conventional five-blade razor, commonly favored by men, was not suitable for me. It was not until I discovered the Bevel Double Edge Safety Razor that I experienced a transformative shift. From the very first use, the Bevel razor proved to be a revelation. It effectively resolved my issues with ingrown hairs and irritation, restoring my skin to a remarkably smooth condition.

Furthermore, I have never been particularly fond of traditional men’s shaving creams, which often either have an overpowering scent or cause a stinging sensation. Instead, I have relied on Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel for years, and it has become indispensable to my routine. Its efficacy is such that I would rather forgo shaving than use anything else.

Cleanser 

Following my shave, I proceed with cleansing. For a long time, I believed that a cleanser needed to be highly foamy to be effective. However, after encountering a review of Dr. Sam Buntings Flawless Cleanser , I decided to give it a try. Initially, I was skeptical; the texture of this cleanser felt like applying a gel to my face, and it produced no lather whatsoever. My first impression was that it might be a mere gimmick.

To my surprise, this cleanser quickly proved its worth. My skin became decidedly enamored with it—so much so that it may well be my skin’s preferred product. Despite its gentle and fragrance-free formulation, it efficiently removes all traces of makeup, leaving no residue behind.

Acne 

Given my history with acne, maintaining an effective skincare routine is imperative for me. The slightest lapse in care inevitably manifests as breakouts, underscoring my dedication to my regimen. Over the years, I have experimented with numerous acne cleansers, but recently I have developed a deep appreciation for Differin 5% Benzoyl Peroxide wash, particularly after relying on Panoxyl 4% wash for over a year.

The Differin cleanser offers a distinctive experience among benzoyl peroxide products. Its remarkably lightweight and fluid texture allows it to glide seamlessly over the skin, making it an indispensable component of my routine. Used both morning and night, this product has proven to be the hero of my skincare regimen.

Actives 

In the past, I relied on a multitude of products, but I have come to realize that simplicity often yields superior results. Using an array of products simultaneously can lead to interactions that diminish their effectiveness or even exacerbate irritation. Consequently, apart from the Differin wash, my only other active treatment is Dr. Sam Bunting’s Neutralizing Gel.

This past winter, I endured a severe episode of perioral dermatitis, a condition that can feel like a personal nightmare. For those unfamiliar, perioral dermatitis is often triggered by an overly complex skincare routine. Despite consultations with dermatologists and numerous home remedies, I struggled to manage the outbreak. However, when I purchased Dr. Sam’s cleanser, I also decided to try the entire range, including the Neutralizing Gel. Within just two weeks of incorporating it into my routine, the transformation was astounding—my skin appeared as though it had been entirely rejuvenated.

I was so impressed by the results that I felt compelled to personally thank Dr. Sam for her remarkable products. Now, I use the Neutralizing Gel twice daily and have it on subscription to ensure I never run out.

Moisturizer 

Personally, my skin tends toward extreme dryness, to the extent that I use two distinct moisturizers to address its needs: Dr. Sam’s Intense Flawless Moisturizer and Dieux Instant Angel.

Dr. Sam’s Intense Flawless Moisturizer embodies the essence of refined luxury. Imagine it as your sophisticated, impeccably composed aunt—elegant and effortlessly poised. This moisturizer imparts a sense of elevated sophistication, transforming your skincare routine into something truly indulgent.

Conversely, Dieux Instant Angel is my go-to for its unparalleled transparency in ingredient quality and pricing. Dieux's founders are deeply knowledgeable in their field, providing a level of trust that allows you to apply their products with confidence. The experience with Dieux Instant Angel is akin to feeling like an IRL angel—radiant and flawless.

For those with oily skin, I highly recommend Dieux Air Angel Cream. I used it during my summer stay in Puerto Rico and was thoroughly impressed by its performance. Dieux is a brand I hold in the highest regard, and I trust their products implicitly, never hesitating to incorporate them into my routine.

Sunscreen 

If you’ve just read this and aren’t using sunscreen, I’ll go ahead and be the one to tell you to get your shit together so you don’t have to hear it from your dermatologist. Skin cancer is a real and pressing concern. While a sun-kissed glow can be alluring, I’ve resigned myself to my naturally pale complexion unless I make the effort to self-tan, which, quite frankly, I rarely do.

Personally, I align with the general sentiment that sunscreen isn't exactly thrilling. It's akin to taking your vitamins: you do it for its benefits, though it's not always enjoyable. My journey through various sunscreens—mineral, chemical, UV++++, and sun shields—has led me to discover that mineral sunscreens suit me best. While mineral sunscreens are often associated with a white cast, Tatcha has ingeniously addressed this issue with their Silk Sunscreen SPF 50.

This SPF 50 formula features a subtle tint that mitigates the typical white cast associated with mineral sunscreens. My research revealed that creators of all skin tones endorse this product, solidifying its place in my routine. Sunscreen should be straightforward, effective, and suitable for everyone—and Tatcha has achieved precisely that.

Beyond what I've shared, I generally avoid introducing new products into my routine. I used to frequently experiment with different items, only to find that my skin would often react poorly. My advice is to start with these foundational products and observe how your skin responds.

I’m also keen to understand whether this routine is beneficial for others. If you decide to try it, please reach out and share your experiences. I’d love to hear your feedback and learn about how it works for you.

I’m always wishing you the very best in achieving that coveted glass skin. But remember, breakouts are normal and you're beautiful no matter what.

Xoxo, the Blush Boy