Do I even need a skincare routine?

[MrsBunTheBakersMum]

I’m just over 40 and my current skincare routine is basically nothing, I’m going to horrify some people but I only wash my face in the shower every other day and I don’t use face wash I use shampoo and a couple of times a week I have a good scrub with an exfoliating glove. I don’t use face creams at all, I got some for last Christmas but I didn’t like the smell and my face didn’t feel clean. I get a bit greasy round my nose but that’s the only problem I have with my skin, I never get spots, never have even as a teenager, not got many wrinkles or even grey hairs for that matter. I’m not bothered about aging and looking like my age (I do) because I believe that we are lucky to have the privilege of seeing our bodies age, millions of people don’t get that luxury.
I never wear makeup because it feels weird and no one ever taught me how so I just look like a clown if I try! I did once get a full face of makeup done to have photos taken of me because my husband wanted to treat me to a pampering session but when the photos came they looked like someone else! I tolerated a bit of mascara and eyeliner for my wedding but that got washed off in the sink at the reception because my eyes felt weird.

should I be following the little 12 year olds and Starting a 22 step routine of peptides and other things I don’t know what they are? Or go with the adage “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” and continue my scrub downs with head and shoulders?
or is there something easier I should be doing?

I would suggest using sun cream every morning. Spf 50 that's intended to be used on the face.

I will help cosmetically as you age in reducing any wrinkles/dark spots that you might get due to sun damage going forward. But more importantly than that it will protect you from developing skin cancers. Think of it more like health care than skin care.

For the rest of the products, it doesn't sound like you need them or are interested in them so don't bother

I would get a face wash and not use the glove as it's a bit harsh and you could end up with broken veins or redness
Then spf - but if you're using spf you need to wash your face to take it off

You don't need a complicated routine at all.
Cerave products are dermatologists recommended.
I'd use a face wash daily and a moisturiser with spf, that's really all you need if you want minimal effort.

62 and never really had the time or money for a skincare routine. Skin is pretty good really. Have just invested £6 in hyalaronic acid as trying to get to stop marionette lines buy generally I think it's genetic!

I don’t think you have to spend a lot of money on it - a basic cleanser and maybe a serum and a bit of spf and that’s probably it! I have been enjoying the boots vitamin c range and it’s not a lot of money.

Every evening I do - cleanser, toner
Morning - tiny bit of serum and a tiny dot of moisturiser with spf (I get oily skin so don’t do any more than this)

You don't but I would wash my face more!

If this were a bloke saying it, nobody would bat an eyelid.

I'm nearer 50 and my routine consists of face gets wet in the shower.

I did get very in to skincare a few years back, did the whole hog including tretinoin and yes my skin did look glowy and amazing.

But honestly I found it a faff and gave up.

My skin looks pretty good as minimal sun damage and being a bit fat helps fill out the wrinkles.

No but I don't think men are as fussed about their appearance and also wearing makeup - makeup sits better if your skin isn't dry or flaky or oily
I see men that could do with moisturiser! And everyone should use SPF, my friends dad does after having a chunk cut out his scalp for cancer, my dad does now after they met
Men are probably more at risk if they're bald too

My DH also has a skincare regime - cleanses in shower and a moisturiser…

You don’t NEED to do anything to your skin but I do find it makes it feel softer and look a bit fresher.

I’m the same as you except I wash my face every morning in the shower. If your skin’s not dry, not oily and prone to spots, and you take care to use SPF / sun cream when needed* I reckon you’re good. Not using makeup helps as you don’t need to faff around cleaning it off.

*which is admittedly disputed, some people on here wear SPF all day, every day, even if they’re only getting half an hour of winter sunlight.

i use spf if I’m going to be outside but I’m almost housebound and rarely go out anywhere so I think I’m pretty safe from the sun! It’s an ongoing battle to persuade my husband that he should use sunscreen when we’re not on holiday as well and that he needs to put it on his head too because he’s bald! I think if he got a sunburn on the bald patch he would think twice but he’s one of those annoying people who never burns, he just gets more freckles and they join up lol

Of course you don't if you don't want one. I don't either. Just wash it with soap. Never wear make-up. I'm not bothered about it. There's no rule that says you have to be

If you don’t want one then definitely don’t but definitely start using an spf, just for health risks.

It doesn't sound like you want to, and there's no rule that says you have to have a skincare routine. I agree that SPF is sensible if you're going to be outside and if you use SPF your face needs washing that evening. But that's it really and is more of a health thing than a beauty routine.

I have a very basic routine and wash my face with a cleanser and a warm flannel morning and night. Slap on some moisturiser and then I add a SPF spray (the Garnier over make-up one) if I'm going to be outside. That's it.