My Personal Routine as a Dad in My 40s (Simple but Powerful)
As a dad of five, I don’t have time for complicated routines. What I need is something that keeps my skin healthy, clear and energised — without taking over my morning.
Over the years, through a lot of trial and error, I’ve found a routine that genuinely works for me. It’s quick, it’s simple and the results have been worth it.
Here’s exactly what I do:
Morning Routine (3–4 minutes)
- Cleanser — Korres Deep Detox Foaming Cleanser
I use this every morning in the shower. It’s one of those products you use once and immediately feel the difference. It leaves my face feeling properly clean — not tight, not dry, just refreshed.
It’s not overly foamy like soap, and although it’s on the pricier side, you only need a small amount for your face and neck, so a bottle lasts a long time. Worth every dollar.
My two teenage sons also use the Korres Deep Detox Cleanser and love it.
If a product works for both a dad in his 40s and teenage boys dealing with oily skin, you know it’s doing something right.
- Vitamin C Serum (The Ordinary)
This is the product that gives my skin an even tone. If you’re new to serums, start with the lowest strength — they can be strong if your skin isn’t used to them.
Vitamin C has made the biggest difference to brightness and overall skin texture for me.
- Hyaluronic Acid (The Ordinary)
After Vitamin C, I layer a few drops of hyaluronic acid.
It pulls moisture into the skin and gives that smooth, hydrated feel.
Between the two, if I had to choose only one, I’d pick Vitamin C for the results it gives.
- Sunscreen Moisturiser
This is non-negotiable — especially if you’re using serums.
Sunscreen protects against early ageing, dark spots and everything else life throws at your skin.
Night Routine (5 minutes max)
- Cleanser
Same Korres cleanser as the morning — keeps things simple.
- Retinol (The Ordinary or similar)
Just a few drops. Retinol is powerful, so start at the lowest strength possible and slowly increase as your skin adjusts.
It helps with fine lines, texture and overall skin renewal — especially in your 30s and 40s.
- Moisturising Oils — Argan Oil or Castor Oil
Retinol can be drying, so it’s important to lock in moisture afterwards.
I rotate between argan oil and castor oil depending on how my skin feels.
A few drops go a long way.
4. A Few Things I’ve Learned Along the Way
If you’re using retinol, sunscreen during the day is a must. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Less is more. With serums, you only use a couple of drops, so a 30ml bottle lasts ages.
Don’t rush into strong products. Start slow, especially with retinol and vitamin C.
This isn’t as much work as it sounds.
The whole routine takes 5–10 minutes a day. Once you get used to it, it becomes effortless.
And honestly — the results creep up on you.
Smoother skin, fewer lines, fewer breakouts… you just look more refreshed.
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