For most of my life, skincare was not something I thought much about. When I finally decided to take it more seriously, I was not looking for a new hobby or a complicated ten-step routine.
I wanted something I could repeat without thinking too much about it.
My priorities were fairly simple: wash my face, keep it moisturized, protect it from the sun and gradually introduce a few active products without irritating my skin. I also wanted a small amount of colour without deliberately tanning in the sun.
The routine below is what I currently follow. It has changed over time and will probably change again. I am not a dermatologist, and I do not assume that the same products or schedule will work for everyone.
What matters most to me is having a routine simple enough to follow consistently.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through one of these links, Built with Intention may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not determine what I use or recommend.
My Morning Routine
I do most of my morning skincare while getting ready for the day. Connecting it to a routine I already follow makes it much easier to remember.
Cleanse
I wash my face in the shower with CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser.
View the CeraVe cleanser on Amazon (affiliate link)
I usually apply it with a VWMYQ Silicone Face Scrubber.
View the facial scrubber on Amazon (affiliate link)
The scrubber helps distribute the cleanser evenly. I try to use it gently to avoid irritation. More pressure does not automatically mean a better wash.
Dry
After washing, I dab my face dry rather than rubbing it.
I keep a separate towel for my face.
Moisturize and protect
I follow the cleanser with CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer SPF 50.
View CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer SPF 50 on Amazon (affiliate link)
I like having moisturizer and sunscreen in one product because it removes a step from the morning routine. The easier the routine is, the more likely I am to follow it.
That does not mean one application necessarily provides protection for the entire day. If I am going to spend meaningful time outside, I use a dedicated sunscreen.
Additional sunscreen
The sunscreen I keep on hand is Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, in the 90 mL travel size.
View Banana Boat Ultra Sport SPF 30 on Amazon (affiliate link)
I like to keep the travel-size bottle in the bathroom. That small decision makes a difference because I see it before going outside instead of remembering it after I have already left.
Sun protection really matters in this routine because I use both retinol and an alpha hydroxy acid. These products can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Along with sunscreen, I usually wear a hat that works with what I am doing and wearing.
My Evening Rotation
The evening routine looks more complicated on paper than it feels in practice.
Instead of deciding what to use every night, I follow a basic seven-night rotation:
| Day | Product |
|---|---|
| Monday | Self-tanner |
| Tuesday | Retinol |
| Wednesday | Self-tanner |
| Thursday | Retinol |
| Friday | Self-tanner |
| Saturday | Retinol |
| Sunday | Lactic acid |
The days sometimes move around, but the general pattern stays the same. Most importantly, I keep retinol and lactic acid on separate nights.
Retinol Nights
Three nights per week, I:
- Wash with the CeraVe cleanser and facial scrubber.
- Dab my face dry.
- Apply The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane.
- Apply The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
The Ordinary links are official product links, not affiliate links.
The 0.5% retinol is what I use now. That does not mean it is the concentration every beginner should buy. The manufacturer recommends starting with its lower-strength 0.2% product and working up gradually.
Retinol can cause redness, dryness, peeling or irritation, especially when someone first starts using it. The manufacturer advises using this product in the evening, patch testing it, applying it only to unbroken skin and avoiding other retinoids in the same routine.
Self-Tanner Nights
On the other three nights, I:
- Wash with the CeraVe cleanser.
- Use the scrubber gently if my skin feels comfortable.
- Dab my face dry.
- Apply a small amount of Jergens Natural Glow +Nourish Daily Moisturizer, Fair to Medium.
View Jergens Natural Glow +Nourish on Amazon (affiliate link)
I use a small amount on my face to maintain some colour without deliberately tanning in the sun. I have fairly pale skin with darker circles around my eyes. When I am consistent with sunscreen, which I should be because I use retinol, I find that the dark circles become more pronounced. The self-tanner adds a bit of colour without making me look obviously tanned.
There is an important limitation here. The linked Jergens product is marketed as a body lotion, not a face-specific self-tanner. Using it on my face is something I personally do. It is not the manufacturer’s stated use, and I am not suggesting that everyone copy it.
Someone looking for a facial self-tanner should check the label and may prefer a product specifically intended for the face.
Self-tanner also does not replace sunscreen.
Lactic Acid Night
Once per week, I:
- Wash with the CeraVe cleanser.
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Dab my face dry.
- Apply The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA.
I do not currently apply moisturizer over the lactic acid.
This is my occasional exfoliation night. I keep it separate from retinol because the manufacturer advises against using the two in the same routine.
Where I Would Start
I would not suggest that a man who currently does nothing for his skin begin with my entire routine.
I would start with four basic steps:
Morning
- Moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Evening
- Gentle cleanser
- Moisturizer
That is enough to establish the habit. For a more structured approach to establishing your basic routines, visit the Foundation Program in the Guides section.
Retinol, acids and other active products can be added individually after the basic routine is working. Introducing one product at a time also makes it easier to identify what caused a reaction if the skin becomes irritated.
What Has Made This Easier
The products matter, but the way I organize the routine matters just as much.
A few things have helped:
- I keep each product where I use it.
- I follow the same order every morning.
- I rotate evening products instead of choosing one each night.
- I leave the travel-size sunscreen somewhere visible.
- I keep a separate face towel nearby.
- I introduce active products one at a time.
- I scale back when my skin becomes irritated.
These are not medical rules. They are practical decisions that remove friction from the routine.
What I Currently Use
| Product | When I use it | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser | Morning and evening | Regular cleanser | Amazon affiliate link |
| VWMYQ Silicone Face Scrubber | With cleanser when comfortable | Optional cleansing tool | Amazon affiliate link |
| CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer SPF 50 | Morning | Moisturizer and daily sun protection | Amazon affiliate link |
| Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 | Longer outdoor exposure | Additional portable sunscreen | Amazon affiliate link |
| The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | Three evenings per week | My current retinol product | Official product link |
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | After retinol | Evening moisturizer | Official product link |
| Jergens Natural Glow +Nourish Daily Moisturizer | Three evenings per week | Adds a subtle amount of colour | Amazon affiliate link |
| The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA | One evening per week | Occasional exfoliation | Official product link |
It Is Still a Work in Progress
I do not consider this a permanently finished routine.
My preferences may change. My skin’s tolerance may change. A product that works well during one season may not work as well during another.
The point is not to defend every product forever. It is to have a clear routine, pay attention to how my skin responds and make changes deliberately.
This article describes my personal skincare routine and general educational information. It is not medical advice and may not be suitable for your skin. Introduce new products carefully, follow the manufacturer’s directions, and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have persistent irritation, a diagnosed skin condition, or concerns about a product or ingredient.
Start with One Practical Improvement
Improving your appearance does not require rebuilding everything at once. Start with an honest baseline, choose one practical improvement and make it consistent.
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