My husband has always relied on my 15+ years of skincare knowledge—whether it’s figuring out his alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or telling his beta hydroxy acids apart from his peptides. Who am I kidding?
He just grabs the fanciest-looking jar in my stash, shoves his dirty fingers right in, and aggressively smears whatever overpriced cream he’s found all over his face like he’s polishing his motor.
Welcome to my new wellbeing & grooming column!
I’m Lauren, here to cut through the confusion and break down grooming products for the dudes who want a simple, no-nonsense approach. I’ll be offering easy tips and product suggestions to make grooming effortless—but still effective. I’m always here with any answers or suggestions…
First up: Serum. If you’re new to skincare, this is an easy place to start. Serums are lightweight, absorb fast, and tackle a whole range of skin issues—from dryness to acne to fine lines. Think of it as the foundation of your skincare routine: the thinnest consistency layers always go on first, before anything else.
For guys who want results without the hassle, a serum is a game-changer. Just a small amount of product and you’re on your way to healthier-looking skin…
The affordable one:
Barber Pro Anti-Ageing Face Serum with Vitamin C, £7.95, counterculturestore.co.uk
This serum with potent antioxidant Vit C helps in protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. Vitamin C is known to boost collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look firmer and more youthful.
The organic one:
NINI Organics' award winning hyaluronic acid face serum, £69, theremedystore.co
This water-based serum to help boost your moisture levels, balance your skin's flora, and flood it with a burst of vitamins from Hibiscus extract. Ingredient Quora Noni is an intelligent Microbiome balancing ingredient that can act as a treatment for oily acne prone skin helping to regulate oil production, smooth imperfections and offer protection to your epidermal barrier keeping it strong and healthy so it's more resilient environmental stressors including pollution.
The targeted anti-ageing one:
SOMD Filler Booster, £159 (Vip Price £119), Simonourianmd.com
This targeted serum is designed to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, this powerful formula has a fourfold hyaluronic acid complex that instantly brings hydration and plumpness to the skin. With its Hyaluronic Acid Complex which is a combination of 4 different types of hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights – it works to hydrate all layers of the skin. Tripeptide helps to boosts skin’s natural hyaluronic acid synthesis while Sichuan Pepper Extract is known for its soothing and anti-ageing properties and helps to calm the skin whilst simultaneously working in tandem with the other anti-ageing ingredients to leave skin strenghtened, plumped and hydrated.
The hydrating one:
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum, £35, available at Sephora UK
Improve the skin’s elasticity and suppleness with this serum that works to deeply hydrate the complexion. Working to visibly firm and smooth the complexion, this serum delivers both instant and long-lasting hydration. It also contains peptides to help improve the skin’s firmness and green tea enzyme, which works to gently exfoliate the skin.
The Botox in a bottle:
Marie Reynolds London Peptide Complex Supercharger, £33.80, www.mariereynoldslondon.com
Created by renowned holistic health and skin expert Marie Reynolds, this formula contains Argireline combined with peptides: Tripeptide-5, Matrixyl 3000 and Copper Tripeptide-1. Tripeptide-5 - Supports TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) and aids skin structure. Matrixyl 3000 - Promotes collagen & elastin production. Copper Tripeptide-1 - Super antioxidant and boosts collagen & elastin formation.
This combination works together to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve skin firmness and support healthy ageing.
Lauren x
