What’s a simple, but effective, men’s skin care routine?

For years, I’ve relied on a basic morning, post-shower moisturizer for taking care of my face. Having just celebrated a milestone birthday, I’ve realized that’s probably not the best strategy moving forward. What simple but effective daily skin care routine would you recommend for guy who doesn’t want to rival vanity real estate with his wife?

Vitto, Vaughan

Great question, Vitto. According to my Instagram feed, it looks like the Fountain of Youth was recently found in Brad Pitt’s vineyard. Or was it Travis Barker’s dime bag? Actually, I think it was in Pharrell Williams’ …

Jokes aside, men’s skin care is suddenly a vibe. And given we’ve embraced AG1, Peloton, Thom Browne fits and social media posting wholeheartedly in recent years, why not take care of our money makers? What good is it to have the body of a Greek god and the face of a California raisin?

For some guidance, I reached out to David Gandy, a man whose steely gaze, tanned torso and white Speedo put the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue fragrance on the map, and earned him a regular spot walking the runway for the biggest luxury brands in the world.

Interestingly, his foray into skin care predated his modelling career. “I suffered from eczema and very dry skin as a child, so I was always trying different moisturizers to cure the problem,” Gandy tells me. “In the end, I realized that it was the cheap hair and skin products that were actually causing them.”

This epiphany led Gandy, now 43, to experiment with higher quality products through his late teens and mid-20s. “I was fortunate to be sur- rounded by the best skin care, makeup and grooming experts,” he says. “I started following their ad- vice on the best products and rou- tines. Since then, mine have evolved, even over the past couple of years, with the scientific advan- cements.”

While Gandy’s regimen is multi- faceted and includes some hyperspecialized products, he looks at skin care more holistically. “Drink- ing enough water is massively im- portant, especially when flying 60 to 80 times a year like I have over the last 20 years. And while you should be able to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from your diet, it isn’t always possible, so I’ve always supported my needs with supplements.”

Over and above that, Gandy rec- ommends this easy, three-step daily routine.

Keep it clean

Clearing your skin and pores of dirt, sweat, excess oil and even previously applied products not only helps to prevent acne, it also allows serum and moisturizer to pene- trate the epidermis. Twice a day, upon rising and before bed, will be the most effective, but if you notice your skin drying out, you may be stripping too much moisture and need to scale back to once. Cleansers work with your skin type, so finding a good, gentle, hydrating one that suits your skin is imperative. Gandy also recommends using an enzyme cleanser twice a week to gently exfoliate.

Customize with serum

While there isn’t one-size-fits-all cure in skin care, serums offer an effective way to give your skin exactly what it needs. Looking to minimize fine lines and tighten things up? A retinol serum is for you. Want to rejuvenate dull, tired skin? A vitamin C serum in the morning will work wonders. Apply after cleansing and before moisturizing, when the skin is still dewy, for best absorption.

Moisturize and protect

Contrary to popular belief, moisturizer is less about hydrating than it is about maintaining the skin’s natural moisture levels and protecting it from pollutants. Most experts recommend having two different moisturizers, one for morning and one for night, the former including SPF 30+. It’s non-negotiable.

“I wish that I had taken skin protection more seriously,” Gandy says. “Here in the U.K. we barely see much sun, so as a nation we get a little excited when we do and underestimate the SPF we should be using daily.”

What good is it to have the body of a Greek god and the face of a California raisin?