An Effective & Simple Skincare Routine

Read time: 4 minutes

Welcome to The Ascend Archives Saturday Edition where I share insights from the brightest minds in business and life and how I'm applying them to my life.

Sunscreen has always been an important part of my life.

I learned the importance of protecting my skin at an early age because one of my best friends growing up lost his grandfather to skin cancer. His mom and aunt started a foundation in his honor and I would volunteer at their golf tournament every year. It’s a very preventable cancer, but takes discipline to put sunscreen on before going out in the sun and reapplying as necessary.

These days I’m guilty of going out for a “quick” 30-40 minutes run in the Texas heat without sunscreen. But with the UV being so high here in the summer, I should really be wearing sunscreen every time I leave the house.

Skincare is not a topic that ever comes up with my guy friends. I know it’s more common among women because of makeup and they tend to be more conscious about anti-aging. But this week I was inspired by a video from Ali Abdaal on his skincare routine. He interviewed a dermatologist about the importance of using some simple products daily.

I learned from Ali that a skincare routine doesn’t have to be that time intensive or expensive. Here’s a quick summary of his routine and why it’s important.

1. Moisturize Twice a Day

Our skin is our barrier to the outside world.

It keeps irritants out and locks moisture in. The skin is a brick and mortar system made up of cells. Moisturizers replenish the fats and proteins to keep our barrier intact and prevent irritated skin.

Ali uses a simple moisturizer like CeraVee that can be purchased on Amazon for less than $30.

2. Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Sunscreen is not just for when we are at the beach or out on the golf course.

Ali shared an example of a truck driver who drove a truck for 28 straight years. Check out the photo below. It’s easy to tell which side of his face was exposed to the sun.

This is called photoaging. Our skin cells get mutated and lead to dark spots, wrinkles, and potentially skin cancer.

Sunscreen gives us an extra layer of physical protection that stops genetic mutations. Here are 3 things to consider when selecting a sunscreen:

• Find a sunscreen that is broad spectrum and protects against all rays

• Don’t stress about the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen

• SPF refers to how long it would take for the sun to make your skin red. The higher number the better. Ali’s dermatologist advises not to go below 30 SPF

Keep in mind comfortability. A 30 SPF that you enjoy is better than a 50 SPF that you never wear.

3. Use a Retinoid

Retinoids started as a treatment for acne, but researchers found its active ingredient had anti-aging benefits as well.

Retinoids result in great benefits when you apply a strong enough amount for a long enough time. These include:

1. Reduced wrinkles by promoting the growth of collagens

2. Reduced uneven pigmentation (dark spots)

3. Increased skin cells regeneration (making them look smoother and healthier)

However, it takes a long time to see results. Young people should consider this as more of a preventative tool than a curative one. It’s important to note there are some downsides such as sensitive skin, peeling, or dry skin. Speak to a dermatologist for the best retinoid plan for you.

4. Use a Cleanser

For most people, washing our faces with water each night removes the majority of debris.

However, for those who wear makeup or have lots of dirt, adding a cleanser to the routine can be beneficial. Cleansers are designed to remove oils that stay on your skin. The key is finding a hydrating cleaner that doesn’t strip all oils from your face.

Final Thoughts

Just like most things in life, skin care is about small, daily action.

Since we don’t see the results immediately, it’s tough to stick with it for extended periods of time. Like going to the gym or brushing our teeth. If we skip a few days here and there, nothing will happen. But over the long term, if we don’t brush and floss, our teeth with rot. If we don’t exercise and eat healthy, we will have health complications.

Skincare has been one of those things that I’ve heard is important but there has never been a trigger that made me want to stick to a routine.

This video might have done it for me. It can be simple, quick, and inexpensive. It doesn’t need to be fancy with cool fragrances or special ingredients. It takes less than 5 minutes a day and I can get everything I need for under $50 to get started.

Just like putting a little money away in index funds each month, my future self will thank me for applying some cream on my face each night.

Thank you for reading! As always please reply and let me know what resonated, what didn’t, or what you question. I love chatting about this stuff!

Cheers,

Andrew