Hi,

I've struggled with my mental health for quite a while, and as a result I was just not taking very good care of myself - including my hygiene.

The past 1-2 years have brought quite a lot of improvement, and one of the many aspects I'm working on is taking better care of my skin. I used to be the kind of guy who put in minimal effort; I would just work up some suds and let it wash down my body. Lately, as I've started to think about taking better care of myself, I've introduced facial cleansers and SPF moisturizer to the routine. It's making a huge difference already, but I know I could be doing more.

A couple questions:

For the shower, I understand that lukewarm is better than scorching hot, so I've turned the temps down. I'm using a locally made bar soap, but honestly maybe it's not as well made as more established brands (although I do love local artisan shit). Is there anything I should be doing differently? See pics of blemishes / discoloration etc.

I've been advised to add retinol / exfoliant to my routine. Any tips on how to work this in, or beard care in general? I use shaving soap when I shave, no special care beyond that. I'd like to know what to fit into my routine, and where. It's scraggly and wiry, and looks disheveled most of the time.

My other question is about frequency of skincare after exercise. One thing that has helped me tremendously is exercising every day. I take a 45-minute walk in the morning and another 45-minute walk in the evening. I want to shower after every walk, because I'm sweaty, but I also want to be sensitive to the idea that showering too often (I've been told) can strip oils from your skin and possibly be counter-productive. I've also been advised that you should use an SPF moisturizer if you're going outside, but to not use SPF if you're staying indoors - which means different products depending on the purpose.

How do people normally handle this? Right now, I'm washing my face and putting on face cream with SPF, as well as sunscreen on my body, before walks. Then when I get home, I shower and wash my face again, and work from home - I don't have a daily moisturizer to put on here, so I'm open to recommendations on that. Then, in the evening, I put on sunscreen again, go for a walk, then shower again, then use the same facial cleanser, followed by PM moisturizing cream. It just seems excessive to be reapplying different creams like 4 times a day, but maybe I'm just not used to it. Is that how y'all are doing it, or is there a better way?

Any recommendations on streamlining the routine, and adding in different products (daily non-SPF moisturizer, beard care products) to the mix? All advice is appreciated, please help this slightly wayward dude take better care of his skin. Thank you!



[Routine Help] 38M, healing from depression and trying to take better care of myself. Help me lock down a basic routine please.