CONNOR LOGAN
Reacting to Dr. Mike's Skincare Routine as an Esthetician (evidence based or no?)
I break down Dr. Mike’s nighttime skincare routine, analyzing what works and where improvements could be made—especially for dry skin, irritation, and anti-aging concerns. As a doctor, Dr. Mike has a solid foundation, but even evidence-based skincare can have gaps!
My Reaction to Dr. Mike’s Skincare Routine (As an Esthetician)
Dr. Mike—beloved physician, content creator, and all-around charismatic figure—shared his evening skincare routine with Harper’s Bazaar. As an esthetician, I thought it would be fu to break down. While his approach is refreshingly simple, there are a few missed opportunities to optimize his routine. Here’s my take.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Mike’s Routine
1. Cleansing & Drying: The Towel Dilemma
Problem: He aggressively towel-dries his face after cleansing, which can strip hydration and irritate the skin—especially since he mentioned struggling with dryness.
Fix: Pat dry gently or skip the towel altogether. Leaving skin slightly damp before moisturizing helps lock in hydration.
2. Missing Active Ingredients
Opportunity: His routine lacks evidence-backed actives (like antioxidants or retinoids) to address his concerns (dryness, fine lines).
A vitamin C serum (like Naturium Vitamin C Complex) could boost hydration and protect against environmental damage.
A gentle retinoid (like adapalene or Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream) would improve texture and collagen production.
3. Order of Operations
Mistake: He applies eye cream after moisturizer, which can dilute its effectiveness.
Rule of Thumb: Lightest to thickest—eye cream first, then moisturizer (unless buffering an active like tretinoin).
4. Shower Timing & Hair Product Residue
Issue: He showers in the morning, missing the chance to rinse off daily pollutants before bed.
Bonus Tip: Hair products (like styling gels) can transfer to pillowcases and contribute to breakouts and other inflammatory skin conditions—change pillowcases frequently if acne-prone.
5. Toothpaste & Skincare Don’t Mix
Red Flag: Brushing teeth after skincare risks leaving toothpaste residue (sodium lauryl sulfate) on the skin, which can be comedogenic or irritating.
Fix: Do oral care before cleansing to rinse away any residue.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Mike’s routine is straightforward and works for him, but as a skincare pro, I’d suggest:
Add an antioxidant serum (vitamin C) for hydration + protection.
Incorporate a retinoid (like adapalene) for anti-aging and texture.
Adjust the order (eye cream first, moisturizer second).
Consider evening showers to remove daily buildup.