The 2-Minute Skincare Routine for Men Who Hate Skincare

The 2-Minute Skincare Routine for Men Who Hate Skincare

My “Brush Your Teeth” Approach to a Better Face

I always thought skincare was a complicated, 30-minute ordeal. I just wanted something as quick as brushing my teeth. My new routine takes less than two minutes. In the morning, I wash my face in the shower, then apply a simple moisturizer that has SPF 30 in it. Done. At night, I wash my face at the sink and put on a basic moisturizer without sunscreen. That’s it. It’s two steps, twice a day. My skin no longer feels tight and dry, and it took basically zero effort to get here.

How I Got My Boyfriend to Stop Using 3-in-1 Body Wash on His Face

The Day He Met a Real Cleanser

My boyfriend, Mark, used the same minty, 3-in-1 body wash for his hair, body, and face. He always complained his face felt tight and dry. I told him it was his soap. He rolled his eyes. One night, I dared him to use my gentle, creamy cleanser instead. He reluctantly agreed. After he rinsed it off, he stood there staring in the mirror. “My face… doesn’t feel tight,” he said, genuinely shocked. He’s been using a dedicated face wash ever since. He learned the “squeaky clean” feeling was just his skin crying for help.

I Used My Girlfriend’s “10-Step” Skincare Routine for a Week. It Was… an Experience.

Drowning in Serums and Essences

My girlfriend has a whole arsenal of skincare products. As a joke, I agreed to follow her full 10-step routine for a week. It was exhausting. There was an “essence,” an “ampoule,” and three different serums. It took forever and my face felt sticky. I have no idea what most of it did. While I’ll never do it again, the experiment taught me two things. One, my face felt surprisingly hydrated. Two, a simple moisturizer is actually pretty great. I went from using nothing to adopting a cleanser and moisturizer. It was a worthwhile, if sticky, experience.

The Ultimate Guide to Shaving Without Razor Bumps and Ingrown Hairs

How I Finally Won the War on My Neck

For years, my neck was a minefield of red, painful razor bumps. I thought it was just my curse. I finally cracked the code. The secret wasn’t some fancy razor; it was the prep and aftercare. I started using a real shave cream, not just soap. I made sure to use a sharp, fresh blade every week. The biggest game-changer? On days I didn’t shave, I used a simple salicylic acid toner on my neck to exfoliate and keep the hair follicles from getting clogged. It’s a little extra work, but it completely eliminated the bumps.

“Skincare for Men” vs. Regular Skincare: Is It Just a Marketing Gimmick?

The Blue Tax Is Real

I used to exclusively buy skincare from the “For Men” section. The packaging was dark, the scents were “manly,” and it seemed straightforward. One day, I ran out of my $30 “men’s” face lotion and used my wife’s $25 CeraVe moisturizer. It felt… exactly the same, maybe even better. I compared the ingredients. They were nearly identical, but mine had added blue dye and a strong cologne scent. I realized I was paying more for branding and fragrance. Now I just buy whatever works, regardless of which aisle it’s in.

How to Deal with Oily Skin and Big Pores (A Simple Guide for Guys)

My Forehead Was a Greasy Mirror

I have oily skin, and my forehead would look like a freshly waxed car by midday. I hated it in photos. I thought the solution was to wash my face more, which only made it worse. The simple fix was a two-pronged attack. I started using a face wash with salicylic acid, which helps to get inside the pores and clear out the gunk. Then, instead of skipping moisturizer, I used a super lightweight, oil-free gel cream. It gave my skin the hydration it needed without feeling heavy or greasy.

The Best Skincare Products for a Healthy, Non-Itchy Beard

The Skin Under My Beard Was a Flaky Mess

I love my beard, but I hated the constant itchiness and the “beardruff”—the dry, white flakes that would fall onto my dark shirts. I was only focusing on the hair, not the skin underneath. The solution was simple. I started making sure my face wash actually got massaged into the skin under my beard. Then, after drying, I’d apply a few drops of a simple beard oil. The oil moisturized the hidden skin and softened the hair. The itching and flaking stopped completely in about a week.

I Finally Found a Moisturizer That Doesn’t Feel Greasy or Smell “Girly”

My Quest for a Non-Lotion Lotion

I hated the feeling of traditional moisturizers. They always felt thick, greasy, and usually had some kind of floral or perfumey scent. I just wanted my dry skin to feel comfortable without feeling like I’d dipped my face in a vat of lotion. My search ended when I found gel-creams. I bought a Neutrogena Hydro Boost, and it was a revelation. It’s a lightweight, water-based gel that absorbs instantly, leaves no greasy residue, and has a fresh, clean scent that disappears in seconds. It hydrates my skin without any of the stuff I hate.

The Real Reason You’re Getting “Bacne” (And a Simple Shower Fix)

My Hair Conditioner Was Attacking My Back

I was getting persistent, annoying acne on my back and shoulders and couldn’t figure out why. I was a clean guy! A friend told me to check my shower routine. I was washing my body first, then shampooing and conditioning my hair, letting the conditioner rinse down my back. The heavy, oily ingredients in my conditioner were clogging my pores. I made one simple change: I wash and condition my hair first, clip it up, and then wash my body last. This ensures I wash off any residue. My “bacne” cleared up in a month.

Anti-Aging for Men: How to Fight Wrinkles Without a Complicated Routine

My Two-Step Plan to Not Look Like My Dad Yet

I started noticing the same crow’s feet around my eyes that my dad has. I wanted to do something about it, but I wasn’t about to start a 10-step routine. My anti-aging plan is as simple as it gets. Every morning, I use a moisturizer. Every single morning, I also use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. That’s it. Sunscreen is the single best anti-aging product on the market because most wrinkles are caused by sun damage. Keeping my skin moisturized and protected is the easiest, most effective way to keep those lines at bay.

How to Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles and Look Less Tired

They’re Mostly Genetic, But You Can Fight Back

I have permanent dark circles under my eyes that make me look tired even after eight hours of sleep. I learned that for the most part, they’re genetic. But I found a few things that help. First, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated makes a difference. Second, I started using an eye cream with caffeine in it every morning. It doesn’t magically erase the circles, but the caffeine constricts the blood vessels, which temporarily reduces puffiness and makes the darkness less noticeable. It’s a small cosmetic trick that helps me look more awake.

The One Skincare Step Most Men Skip That Makes the Biggest Difference

The Secret Weapon I Ignored for Years

For a long time, my skincare routine was just washing my face. If I felt fancy, I’d use a moisturizer. The one step I thought was completely pointless was sunscreen. I thought it was just sticky, greasy stuff for the beach. A dermatologist finally convinced me to try a daily facial sunscreen. The difference after a few months was huge. My skin tone looked more even, some old red marks faded, and my face just looked healthier. Protecting your skin from daily, low-grade sun damage is the single biggest upgrade you can make.

What Is Toner, and Do I Actually Need It? A Guy’s Guide

The Confusing Liquid My Girlfriend Swears By

My girlfriend has a bottle of “toner” she uses every day. For the longest time, I had no idea what it was for. I thought it was like the old-school, alcohol-based stuff that stung your face. I learned that modern toners are different. Some are for hydrating, some are for exfoliating. Do I need one? No. But I found that using an exfoliating toner with salicylic acid a few times a week really helps keep my blackheads in check. It’s not an essential step, but it can be a useful “booster” for targeting specific problems.

How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin, Especially After Shaving

My Face Felt Like Sandpaper

My skin, especially on my cheeks and around my mouth, would get incredibly dry and flaky, particularly after shaving. I realized my shave cream was stripping my skin, and I wasn’t putting any moisture back in. My solution is a two-part fix. I switched to a more nourishing, cream-based shave gel. The most important part, however, is what I do after. Immediately after rinsing, while my skin is still slightly damp, I apply a thick, no-frills moisturizer. This locks in the water and stops the dry, flaky cycle before it can start.

The Best Sunscreens for Men That Won’t Burn Your Eyes When You Sweat

The Agony of the Sunscreen Eye Sting

The worst part about sunscreen used to be the inevitable moment when I’d start sweating and a river of fire would run into my eyes, causing intense stinging and burning. I learned this is almost always caused by chemical UV filters. The solution was to switch to a mineral-based sunscreen, specifically one that uses only zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and are far less likely to cause irritation or eye-sting. I found a few lightweight options that don’t leave a white cast, and now I can sweat without fear.

My Journey to Fixing a Patchy, Red Beard Area (Beard Dandruff)

My Beard Was Itchy and My Shirts Were Flaky

I was so proud of my beard, but the skin underneath was a disaster. It was constantly itchy, red, and shedding white flakes. It was a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. My fix required a two-step approach. I started washing the area with an anti-dandruff shampoo (yes, the kind for your head) with ketoconazole a few times a week, letting it sit for a few minutes. On the other days, I used a gentle face wash. This combination killed the fungus causing the flakes and soothed the irritation, finally making my beard comfortable.

Skincare After 40: A Practical Guide for Men

My Face Started to Look Like a Well-Worn Baseball Glove

When I hit 40, my skin changed. The lines around my eyes became permanent, and I started seeing sun spots. My old routine of just soap and water wasn’t cutting it. My practical, after-40 routine is still simple. I use a gentle, hydrating cleanser instead of a stripping one. My moisturizer is a bit thicker and has ceramides. The two biggest additions were a nightly retinoid to help with the fine lines and boost collagen, and an absolute, no-excuses commitment to daily sunscreen to prevent any more damage.

How a Simple Face Mask Once a Week Transformed My Skin

The 10-Minute Ritual I Initially Mocked

I used to think face masks were a silly, frivolous thing my wife did. She convinced me to try a simple clay mask one Sunday night to help with my oily, congested skin. I felt ridiculous sitting there covered in gray goop. But after I washed it off, my face felt incredibly clean and my pores looked tighter. I started doing it once a week. That simple, 10-minute ritual has made a noticeable difference in managing my oiliness and preventing blackheads. It’s a small time investment with a big payoff.

The Financial Benefits of Taking Care of Your Skin (Fewer Problems Later)

An Ounce of Prevention Is Cheaper Than a Laser

My friend, who never wore sunscreen, just paid $1,500 for a series of laser treatments to remove the sun spots from his face. I did some math. My daily sunscreen habit costs me about $150 a year. My simple CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer add another $50. For $200 a year, I’m actively preventing the very damage he’s now paying a fortune to correct. Taking care of your skin isn’t just about vanity; it’s a financial investment. It’s far cheaper to prevent problems now than it is to try and fix them later.

I Stole My Dad’s Old-School Aftershave. Was It a Mistake?

That “Home Alone” Scream Was Real

I ran out of my usual post-shave balm and saw my dad’s bottle of classic, alcohol-based aftershave in the cabinet. I splashed some on. The stinging sensation was immediate and intense. It felt like my face was on fire, and the strong scent was overwhelming. I learned that those old-school aftershaves are mostly just alcohol and fragrance, which are incredibly irritating and drying for the skin. It was a painful mistake. I now stick to a soothing, alcohol-free balm that calms my skin, rather than attacking it.

“My Face Feels Tight After Washing”: What You’re Doing Wrong

That Squeaky-Clean Feeling Is a Lie

For years, I thought my face wasn’t truly clean unless it felt tight and “squeaky” after washing. I was using a harsh, foaming face wash that was stripping away all of my skin’s natural, protective oils. That tight feeling was actually a sign of a damaged, dehydrated skin barrier. I switched to a gentle, non-foaming, creamy cleanser. The difference was night and day. My face felt clean, but also calm and comfortable, not tight and desperate for moisture.

The Beginner’s Guide to Using a Retinol (Without a Meltdown)

The “Pea-Sized Amount” Rule Is Not a Suggestion

I wanted to try a retinoid to help with some fine lines and overall texture. I bought a tube of Differin gel and, thinking more was better, slathered it on like a moisturizer. The next two days, my face was a red, peeling, painful disaster. I learned my lesson. When I restarted, I did it right. I used only a pea-sized amount for my entire face. I started by using it only twice a week. And I used the “sandwich method”: moisturizer, then the retinoid, then more moisturizer. Slow and steady wins the race.

How to Exfoliate Your Face to Prevent Blackheads

Getting the Gunk Out, Gently

My nose was a minefield of blackheads. I tried to scrub them away with a gritty face wash, which just made my skin red and irritated. I learned that you can’t scrub away blackheads. A better approach is chemical exfoliation. I started using a face wash with salicylic acid, which is an oil-soluble acid that can get down inside the pores and dissolve the hardened oil and dead skin that causes the clog. Using it a few times a week has done more to clear my blackheads than any harsh scrub ever did.

The Best Lip Balms for Men (That Aren’t Glossy)

Protecting My Lips Without the Shine

I needed a lip balm for my dry, chapped lips, but every one I tried was either waxy, tasted weird, or left a high-gloss shine like I was wearing lipstick. My search for a no-fuss, effective lip balm ended with two options. First, Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm. It has SPF 25, a matte finish, and a subtle mint flavor. Second, for a no-frills option, a simple tube of Aquaphor. It’s not glossy, has no flavor, and is incredible at healing chapped lips overnight.

My Minimalist Travel Skincare Kit for Men

Everything I Need, Nothing I Don’t

I travel a lot for work and hated lugging around a bunch of bottles. I’ve perfected my minimalist, TSA-friendly travel kit. It consists of three items. First, a solid cleanser bar in a little plastic case—no liquids to worry about. Second, a sunscreen stick—again, no liquids, and it’s great for quick application. Third, I decant my favorite simple moisturizer into a tiny, reusable pot that I can refill. That’s it. Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. It all fits in the palm of my hand and covers all my bases.

How to Address a Receding Hairline and Your Facial Skin at the Same Time

My Forehead Was Getting Bigger, and I Had to Adapt

As my hairline started to recede, I realized my forehead was becoming a much more prominent feature. Suddenly, the sun spots and fine lines there were much more noticeable. I had to adapt my skincare routine to my new, larger “face.” I became much more diligent about applying my retinoid and sunscreen all the way up to my new hairline. I also started using minoxidil (Rogaine) foam at night, making sure to apply my facial skincare first and let it dry completely to avoid spreading the minoxidil to other parts of my face.

The Link Between Your Workout, Sweat, and Breakouts

My Post-Gym Pimples

I would always get new breakouts the day after a good, sweaty gym session. I learned that letting sweat sit on your skin is the problem. Sweat mixes with the oil and bacteria on your face, creating a perfect breeding ground for pimples. The fix was simple and non-negotiable: I have to wash my face immediately after my workout. I keep a gentle face wash in my gym bag. That one simple habit of not letting the sweat dry on my skin has almost completely eliminated my post-gym breakouts.

A Man’s Guide to Getting Your First Facial (And What to Expect)

It’s Like a Deep Clean for Your Face

My wife bought me a gift certificate for a facial. I was skeptical, but I went. I was expecting a fluffy, spa-like experience. It was actually more like a professional tune-up for my face. The esthetician cleansed and steamed my skin, then performed “extractions”—which is a professional way of getting rid of blackheads. It wasn’t exactly pleasant, but it was effective. She finished with a calming mask and moisturizer. My skin felt incredibly clean and smooth afterwards. It’s a great way to hit the reset button on your skin once or twice a year.

How to Treat Sunspots and Uneven Skin Tone

Erasing the Evidence of My Youthful Stupidity

Years of not wearing sunscreen left me with a blotchy, uneven skin tone and a few distinct brown sun spots on my cheeks. My two-pronged attack to fix it has been simple. At night, I use a retinoid (like Differin or prescription tretinoin) to speed up skin cell turnover, which helps to shed the pigmented cells. In the morning, I use a Vitamin C serum to help brighten the skin, followed by a non-negotiable SPF 50 sunscreen. The sunscreen is the most important part—it prevents the spots from getting darker and stops new ones from forming.

The Surprising Thing in Your Shampoo That Might Be Causing Forehead Pimples

My Haircare Was Harming My Skincare

I was getting a persistent line of small pimples along my hairline and on my forehead, but nowhere else on my face. I couldn’t figure it out. Then I read about “pomade acne.” I realized my new shampoo and conditioner contained heavy silicones and oils. As I rinsed my hair, the residue would drip down onto my forehead and clog my pores. The fix was easy. I started washing my face after washing and rinsing my hair. This ensured I was washing away any leftover hair product from my forehead. The pimples disappeared.

What Are Serums? The “Booster” Your Skin Might Need

The Step Between Washing and Moisturizing

I always thought serums were just fancy, overpriced waters. My basic routine was just wash and moisturize. But I had specific issues—namely, redness and occasional pimples—that my basic routine wasn’t fixing. I learned that serums are concentrated treatments designed to target specific problems. I added a simple niacinamide serum to my routine. I apply a few drops after washing my face and before my moisturizer. It has helped reduce my redness and control oil. It’s like a specialized “booster” shot for your skin. You don’t always need it, but it’s great when you do.

A Guide to Understanding Your Skin Type (Oily, Dry, Combination)

How to Know What You’re Working With

For years, I just assumed my skin was “normal.” To figure out my actual skin type, I did a simple test. I washed my face with a gentle cleanser, patted it dry, and then waited for an hour without putting any products on. After an hour, I checked in. My forehead and nose were shiny (oily), but my cheeks felt tight and a little rough (dry). That meant I had “combination” skin. Knowing this helped me choose the right products—a lightweight moisturizer for my T-zone and a slightly heavier one for my cheeks.

How to Cover a Pimple with a Pimple Patch (and not look ridiculous)

The Invisible Sticker That Heals

I woke up with a massive, red pimple on my cheek before a big meeting. Squeezing it would only make it worse. My wife gave me a hydrocolloid pimple patch. It’s a tiny, clear, matte sticker. I put it on the pimple. Not only did it immediately conceal the redness and make the spot look flat, but it also absorbs all the gunk from the pimple and stops you from picking at it. I wore it all day, and no one even noticed it. They’re a game-changer for dealing with an unexpected breakout discreetly.

The Best Hand Creams for Men Who Work With Their Hands

My Sandpaper Hands Needed Help

My hands are always dry, cracked, and rough from working on my car and doing projects around the house. Regular lotion just didn’t cut it. I needed something heavy-duty. My two favorites are O’Keeffe’s Working Hands, which comes in a green tub. It creates a protective barrier and heals cracks without feeling greasy. My other go-to is Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. It’s incredibly thick and concentrated, so you only need a tiny dab. Both are fragrance-free and absorb quickly, so I can get back to work without leaving greasy fingerprints everywhere.

Does “Caffeine” in Eye Creams Actually Work?

A Shot of Espresso for Your Face

I’m skeptical of most skincare claims, so I investigated the caffeine in my eye cream. Does it get rid of my genetic dark circles or wrinkles? No. But what it does do is act as a “vasoconstrictor,” meaning it temporarily narrows the blood vessels. This is great for mornings when I wake up with puffy, swollen under-eyes. Applying the cold eye cream with caffeine helps to quickly reduce the puffiness and make me look more awake. It’s a temporary cosmetic fix, not a permanent cure, but for a tired morning, it works.

My Review of a Men’s Skincare Subscription Box

Convenience at a Cost

I tried a popular men’s skincare subscription box for six months. The pros were obvious: it was incredibly convenient to have a full routine delivered to my door, and the products were decent quality with sleek packaging. The cons became clear over time. It was expensive—about $45 every two months. I also ended up with products I didn’t need or like, but I was paying for them anyway. I eventually cancelled it and found I could buy better, more targeted products from the drugstore for less than half the price.

The Truth About “Charcoal” in Men’s Skincare Products

Is It a Miracle Magnet or Just Marketing Mud?

Charcoal is in everything for men—face washes, masks, even toothbrushes. It’s marketed as a magnet for “toxins” and impurities. The truth is a bit less magical. Charcoal is very absorbent, so it’s good at soaking up surface oil. A charcoal mask can leave your skin feeling very clean and temporarily looking less shiny. But it can’t pull “toxins” from deep within your pores, and it can be very drying if you use it too often. It’s a decent ingredient for oily skin, but it’s not the miracle cure it’s made out to be.

Why You Should Care About Your Neck Skincare, Too

Your Face Ends at Your Chest

For years, my skincare routine stopped at my chin. Then one day I noticed the skin on my neck was starting to look different from the skin on my face—a little redder, a little more weathered. It gets just as much sun exposure, especially the back of the neck. I realized my face ends at my collarbone. Now, every morning, my moisturizer and sunscreen go all the way down my neck. Every night, my moisturizer does the same. It’s a simple change that ensures everything looks even and stays protected.

The Ultimate Post-Shave Routine to Calm Redness and Irritation

Putting Out the Fire

My skin used to be a red, irritated mess after every shave. My post-shave routine was the problem. I now follow a simple, three-step calming process. Step 1: Rinse my face with cool water, not hot, to help soothe the skin and close up the pores. Step 2: Gently pat my face dry with a clean towel—no rubbing. Step 3: Immediately apply a soothing, alcohol-free post-shave balm or a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer. This instantly rehydrates the skin and calms the inflammation before it can turn into lasting redness and bumps.

A Guide to Manscaping and Preventing Body Irritation

Keeping Things Tidy Without the Itch

Whether you’re trimming or shaving your chest or other body areas, the goal is to avoid the dreaded post-grooming itch and red bumps. I learned a few key rules. First, always trim with clippers before you shave. Second, exfoliate the area the day before. Third, use a sharp, clean razor and plenty of shaving gel. Most importantly, shave with the grain of the hair growth, not against it. Afterwards, apply a gentle, fragrance-free lotion. It takes a bit more time, but it completely prevents the irritation.

How to Deal With Rosacea as a Man

My Face Was Always Red, and It Wasn’t a Sunburn

I just thought I was a guy who flushed easily and had a “ruddy” complexion. When a dermatologist diagnosed me with rosacea, it all made sense. My management plan is straightforward. I use a super gentle, creamy cleanser, not a harsh, soapy one. I identified my triggers—for me, it’s spicy food and getting overheated during a workout. I use a prescription cream (Soolantra) at night. And I wear a mineral-based sunscreen every single day, as the sun is a huge trigger. It’s about managing the condition, not just treating pimples.

The Mental Health Benefits of a Consistent Skincare Ritual

A Few Minutes of Mindfulness

I started a skincare routine to deal with my oily skin, but I was surprised by the mental health benefits. In the morning, taking those two minutes to wash my face and apply moisturizer is a calm, quiet way to start my day before the chaos of work begins. At night, it’s a signal to my brain that the day is over. The act of washing away the dirt and grime feels like I’m washing away the stress of the day, too. It’s a simple, grounding ritual that helps bookend my day.

What to Do About Those Annoying Bumps on the Back of Your Arms

My “Chicken Skin” Solution

I’ve had those small, rough, sandpaper-like bumps on the back of my arms my whole life. It’s a harmless condition called Keratosis Pilaris, or “chicken skin.” I learned it’s caused by a buildup of keratin that plugs the hair follicles. My fix is a two-step process in the shower. A few times a week, I gently exfoliate the area with a washcloth. After every shower, while my skin is still damp, I apply a body lotion that contains a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or salicylic acid. This combination smooths the bumps out significantly.

A No-Fuss Guide to Reading Ingredient Labels

The First Five Are All That Matter

I used to be intimidated by the long list of chemical names on the back of a skincare bottle. A chemist friend gave me a simple hack: the first five ingredients are the most important. Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, so those first five make up the vast majority of the product. If a product advertises a fancy “botanical extract” but it’s listed at the very bottom of the list, after the preservatives, you know there’s barely any of it in there. This trick helps me cut through the marketing hype.

The Best Products for Hiding a Hangover (From Your Face)

Looking Human After a Long Night

Sometimes a long night out is unavoidable. My face, however, shows the evidence. My hangover recovery kit for my face is this: First, I chug a huge glass of water. Dehydration is the main enemy. Second, I use a caffeine-infused eye cream that I keep in the fridge. The cold and the caffeine help to quickly de-puff my tired eyes. Third, I use a moisturizer with a bit of a “glow” to it to combat the dull, grey look of my skin. It doesn’t fix the headache, but it helps me look presentable for my morning Zoom calls.

How to Talk to a Dermatologist and Get the Answers You Need

Making the Most of a 15-Minute Appointment

My first visit to a dermatologist was a waste. I just went in and said, “My skin is bad.” I didn’t get much help. For my second visit, I was prepared. I made a list of my specific concerns (e.g., “razor bumps on my neck,” “oily forehead”). I wrote down the names of the products I was currently using. I even took a few pictures on my phone when my skin was having a particularly bad day. Going in with specific questions and information helped the doctor give me a specific, actionable plan.

My Before-and-After: 3 Months on a Consistent Skincare Routine

The Photographic Evidence Doesn’t Lie

I always thought skincare was a scam. My girlfriend convinced me to try a simple, consistent routine for three months and take pictures. My routine was: gentle cleanser, a niacinamide serum, and a moisturizer with SPF. I took a “before” picture. I felt no difference day-to-day. After three months, I took an “after” picture. The change was undeniable. The constant redness on my cheeks was reduced, my skin tone was more even, and my forehead was less oily. Seeing the side-by-side comparison was the proof I needed that this stuff actually works.

The One Product That Finally Controlled My Shiny Forehead

My Secret Weapon Against Grease

My oily forehead has been the bane of my existence. By noon, it would be so shiny you could see your reflection in it. I tried everything from blotting papers to harsh, stripping toners. The single best product I found to control it was a simple, mattifying sunscreen. I found one from a Korean brand that has a light, powdery finish. It absorbs oil throughout the day and leaves my forehead looking matte, not greasy. It protects me from the sun and solves my biggest cosmetic complaint in one step.