Behind every great man is an expensive skincare routine: A story of fire and creams

I’m not exactly what you’d call a "beach person." The sun and my skin aren’t the best of friends, so I spend most of the summer indoors. But hey, even metaphorical vampires have feelings, and we too want facial skin that makes us feel like we're 20 (well, maybe 25). Despite not smoking, not drinking, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, as a 31-year-old man, I've noticed the years beginning to leave their mark on my face. The fine lines around my eyes, expression lines on my forehead, and skin that’s no longer as tight as it once was have made me start thinking about death. Sorry, I mean a skincare routine. Everyone needs one.

I went to Dr. Marina Landau, a renowned specialist in dermatology and aesthetics, who is well-known for her expertise in male facial treatments. I felt I was in good hands. Dr. Landau took the time to understand my needs, my skincare habits, and my lifestyle. She examined my facial skin carefully and patiently explained the process I was about to undergo.

During the consultation, Dr. Landau explained that the treatments would be tailored specifically to my skin type and issues. She emphasized the importance of a proper daily skincare routine and recommended several home-care products from a line she developed herself: Supcerat Water, a foaming cleanser to thoroughly remove dirt and keep my skin clean and fresh; Bakuchi Serum, a pro-aging serum that combats skin aging signs, helping me maintain a youthful and vital appearance; and Supcerat MT Day, a light moisturizer to provide the necessary hydration throughout the day.

Being the serious man that I am, every evening, like a religious ritual, I would end my day with the sacred cleansing ritual using the cleansing water. The foamy texture and gentle fragrance were invigorating, leaving my skin feeling fresh and clean. Then, I would apply the serum to my face and neck. The serum absorbed quickly, giving my skin a soft and pleasant feeling—something I wasn't used to. Finally, a thin layer of moisturizer provided hydration and protection.

In the morning, the routine was significantly lighter (no need for facial soap)—I would apply the serum, followed by a layer of cream, and finish with a protective product to shield my skin from further sun damage. Think that's it? No, dear readers, it’s not that simple. Keep reading.

Deep Peeling - A New Beginning for Facial SkinAfter using the home-care products for two weeks, I returned to Dr. Landau’s clinic for a series of deep peeling treatments. These treatments are designed to thoroughly cleanse the skin, remove dead cells, and encourage renewal. During the treatments, the clinic's skincare specialist carefully explained each step of the process and, of course, emphasized the importance of using sunscreen during and after the treatments, and in general, to protect the skin from sun damage, which is almost exclusively responsible for skin aging.

It’s important to note: while at-home peels can refresh the skin and superficially remove dead cells, medical peels penetrate deeper skin layers, providing more significant and dramatic results. After each treatment, my skin was slightly red, but it faded within a few hours. Over time, I started noticing a significant improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. After all, I had never undergone such a treatment series, so it wasn’t very surprising.

Facial treatments are no magic. To maintain these amazing results, you need to keep investing in skincare over time, like a gym membership, only more expensive and for your face. I enjoy the feeling that my skin is getting the best care and knowing that I’m doing something good for myself. I’ve discovered that I enjoy this routine, the engagement with the different products, and the feeling that I’m investing in myself.

The results didn’t take long to appear. After several weeks of combined treatments and the new home-care routine I adopted, my skin looked fresh, healthy, and radiant. Even my friends and family noticed the change and complimented me on the new look—I'm technically all new, as all the skin has been replaced—but here’s the problem: I still have the same addictive personality that now can’t let this go. So, I said goodbye to falling asleep on the couch for the last time and accepted my fate. I’m addicted to facial treatments. And I don’t intend to stop anytime soon.