Skin is the body’s largest organ. The skin’s primary task is protection. It shields the body from outside factors such as pathogens, chemicals, and temperature.
Let me tell you; it’s not rocket science to figure out how to have a perfect skincare routine. It’s pretty simple than you think.
I started my 30+ days of challenges this year to build healthy, productive, and sustainable habits. I proudly say that I have completed 15+ challenges. Here is the complete list if you would like to explore it.
I grew up in a harsh environment where summer temp varied between 31.5C (88.7F) and 42C (108F).
Growing up in the village, I had no idea that skincare is a routine, like teeth, hair, nail, etc. All I did just to wash my face with basic soap.
I’m in my early 30s, and nature is hitting to show a couple of wrinkles around the eyes, which is totally natural. The skincare routine can slow down the aging process.
This article is based on the most up-to-date skincare research. I am just going to share what worked for me. But I still say, please do your due diligence and ask your dermatologist for more complicated skin issues.
Why is skincare critical?
The main purpose of skin care is to keep your skin in good condition. We all know that you are shedding skin cells throughout the day.
Dermatologists say that an effective skincare routine can help you prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and keep your skin at the best looking in almost all stages of life.
Skincare cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Here are a couple of facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation
-1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
-Every hour more than two people die of skin cancer; that’s roughly 17000+ people each year.
-If detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%
What is melanoma?
According to Melanoma Foundation (AIM), melanoma is the worst kind of skin cancer and the 5th most common cancer; it originates in the cells that make melanin, the pigment (it gives your skin color).
Melanoma can also develop in the eyes and, in rare cases, within the body, such as the nose or throat.
Melanoma (skin cancer facts)
- In men, melanoma will most likely affect the back, head, and neck areas.
- In women, melanoma will most likely affect the legs, neck, and face.
- In 2021, 207390 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed.
What causes melanoma?
According to Melanoma Foundation, sunburn is the most common and clear cause of developing melanoma.
- According to this research paper, having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
- Research shows that one severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles your odds of developing melanoma later in life.
I follow these four basic rules of skincare.
- Cleanser
- Regeneration of your skin cells
- Moisturize
- Sunscreen
I will go into much more detail here and share the products at each step.
I use dermatologist-recommended products. I am proud to say that I have completed 15+ 30-day challenges this year. Here is a thing, all the challenges are healthy and productive, but not all of them resonated with me.
Therefore, I chose to stick with the most productive ones and occasionally do the rest of them, which I did not enjoy much.
For example, I could not complete the no-sugar challenge in 30-days; I get it; it’s hard but also super challenging to complete, especially when you have a sweet tooth.
Enough about bragging about my 30-day challenges; now, let’s jump on this most recent skincare routine challenge.
1- Cleanser
A good cleanser is a skin care product used to remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and other types of pollutants. It helps to keep the pores clear and prevent skin conditions such as acne.
I primarily used this Cleanser by CeraVe — Hydrating Facial Cleanser. (amazon affiliate link)
2- Regeneration of your skin cells (retinol/retinoid)
Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol. Ellen Marmur, M.D.
I’m a guy, and I do use retinoids. My female friends were surprised that I understood anything about retinol.
I simply like taking care of my body. I think your body is your temple, and it is your responsibility to take care of it.
Retinol promotes the production of skin cells. It aids in pore unclogging. Retinol also exfoliates the skin and stimulates collagen formation, which can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and give your skin a more youthful, plump appearance.
I used this Cerave Retinol Serum. It has more than 30000 reviews on amazon.
3- Moisturize
I’m a better person when I’m moisturized. — Unknown
It doesn’t matter if your skin is dry or oily; you should use a good moisturizer.
What is the purpose of moisturizer?
The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to prevent dryness due to cold/hot weather, AC, hot shower, etc. It also helps to slow the signs of aging, fight acne, and soothe your skin.
I primarily used these two products every day.
1- CeraVE AM Facial Mositurizer Lotion SPF 30
2- Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion — Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide
- Niacinamide has many skin care benefits: it reduces inflammation, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
4- Sunscreen
The best beauty secret is sunblock. Christie Brinley
Sunscreen is a must and is one of the best ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health. I highly recommend using sunscreen regularly; it will help to prevent sunburn, skin cancer (melanoma), and premature aging.
I use this CeraVe product (it’s a moisturizer+SPF 30).
My theory on skin care products
I don’t go cheap on skin care products, and I’m also not going to buy a super expensive anti-aging mysterious serum.
I do believe that any good brand has the resources to hire top experts to do research before launching a product.
I believe they are here for long enough and have all the resources to give you the best product in the market. I still encourage you to do your due diligence. There could be millions of factors to improve your skin.
If you don’t like CeraVe or it’s not available in your neighborhood, you can use La Roch-Posay or Eucerin products. You can buy these products without a prescription; if you have skin conditions, please consult your dermatologist.
Dermatologists recommended routine
Here is the basic skincare routine I followed every day for +40 days and will continue for the rest of my life. It’s too simple.
Step 1: Wash my face twice a day with this basic CeraVe Hydrating Facial cleanser (amazon affiliate link). BTW, Cleanser has more than 97000 reviews on Amazon.
Step 2: After washing my face with the Cleanser, it’s time to dry the face and apply this CeraVE Retinol Serum.
Step 3: After applying the retinol, I wait 2–3 minutes to apply the moisturizer. In those 2–3 minutes, I brush my teeth.
Again I use CeraVe moisturizer.
Here is the AM with SPF 30 and the PM with Niacinamide.
Step 4: This step is not essential; your skincare routine is done in the first three steps. Clean, retinol/retinoid, and moisturizer.
Option products:
I use these products occasionally, too; they give you a glowing and a bit bright skin tone.
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing
Note:
I highly recommend using the product’s non-perfumed (check this one) version. All the products I mentioned do not have any scent.
Week 1 & 2:
Week one was pretty basic; I bought all the products and started to build a routine. I also read that if your skin is too sensitive, you might feel a burning sensation because of the retinoid.
I did not feel anything in the first week but observed that my skin looked cleaner and shinier.
Week-3:
On day 16 or 17, I felt a bit of burning on my skin after applying the retinol serum, but it was just there for a minute or two. I definitely saw a difference in my skin tone more clearly.
By the way, I also heard that a basic serum (retinol) might not work for all skin types. You may need to visit your dermatologist if it is not working out.
Week 4 & 5:
In week +4, I saw almost all the dark spots on my nose and around the nose just disappear. I want to add that I also started running (drinking more water for +9 months) before the winter started, and there is a possibility my skin pores are cleaner than before.
Here are skin routine results after 40+ days.
I did not see a massive difference but a couple of people commented that my skin looked really clean. The fun part was I was having a chat with my brother over Facetime, and he asked if there was something I was using; my skin was glowing. I said, no, man, just had a shower. lol
Here are the obvious results I observed.
- Don’t go hard on buying the most expensive products if anything is more than $30; it’s probably not worth it.
- I used retinol/retinoid first time in my life and definitely saw some spots disappear from my skin.
- Throw away all expired cosmetic products, move your body regularly, and use the skincare routine as an add-on.
- Sunscreen is a must, buy at least SPF 30; after reading all the facts about melanoma, I made sure to apply the sunscreen before exposure to the sun.
- I also use vitamin C, and that can help too. It has many benefits: slow the signs of aging, boost your natural flow, etc.
- I did a lot of research on SPF brands, and please don’t buy any. Cheap, especially a new one that you don’t know, stick to top brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Eucerin, etc
- After week 4, your skin will look more youthful.
- The high-quality products I mentioned will help you remove dead skin cells. Therefore, your body will replace them with new cells.
- Your self-confidence will boost by just looking in the mirror and if a couple of people compliment your skin, make sure you stay on the ground. lol
- Many people ask. Do I stick to my +30-day challenges? I don’t stick to all of them, but if I do something like this, I will.
Pro Tip: Get at least 8-hour sleep, drink at least 2–3 liters of water, and avoid poor-quality skin care products.
The bottom line
Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness. Dr. Howard Murad
Millions of skin care products are available in the market. For example, charcoal cleansers, pretty face masks, gold serums, super expensive ingredients, LED therapy, etc. By trade, I’m an engineer, definitely not a skin care specialist.
According to dermatologists, all we need to follow a couple of simple rules to keep skin healthy and pretty.
- Clean your face with a good cleanser
- Apply Retinol/retinoid
- Moisturizer (SPF30+ in the morning and without SPF in the evening)
If you think it’s too much and want to focus on ONE THING, I highly recommend using good sunscreen before you go out in the sun — anything 30 SPF or above is excellent.
No matter where you live or what color your skin — Use sunscreen every single day!
Thank you for reading; follow me and clap a couple of times.
