What’s That on your Face?
Vanity is a slippery bitch. Ladies, you know this. Guys, I’m talking to you too, the industry for male grooming products has fucking exploded in the past few years.
This article from Forbes celebrates women who have made fortunes from launching skin care and beauty products. They saw opportunity, took risks, and it paid off. (Good job ladies!)
But if you think about the other side of the equation, the obvious takeaway is that the public is willing to trade tons of money in exchange for consumable product. Money that could be better used elsewhere, like, oh I don’t know, maybe indexing..?
Because let’s face it. Time marches on, and eventually it is going to march right across your face. Best to spend your time fortifying naturally instead of globbing expensive chemicals all over yourself, right?
Don’t get me wrong. You absolutely need to take good care of your skin. You just don’t have to exchange obscene amounts of money to do it.
So what to do? Most people* can slim down their skin care routine to a super efficient ritual: Witch hazel. Basic moisturizing lotion-sunscreen. And drink lots of water. Period.
Wait, witch hazel? Isn’t that like an old wives tale, or some archaic home remedy? YES. Why? Because it fucking works. Now go get some, and we’ll check it out.
In a nutshell, witch hazel is derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub, which is common to North America. It is most well known for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, as well as for soothing sensitive skin. Witch hazel also contains antioxidants, which help to prevent widespread inflammation and neutralize free radicals.
You heard me. Widespread. No, not your ass. I mean your whole body, not just your face. All your skin can use this. Witch hazel doesn’t judge. No more of this “specially formulated” bullshit. Which is marketing language for “expensive.”
So go ahead, give it a shot. Load up a cotton ball and try this classic remedy. Acne, eczema, psoriasis, bug bites, dry skin, oily skin, whatever. Bring it on. See if you have positive results within a week.
Hey, you know what else will give you a healthy glow? The relentless joy you will be radiating from all the money you’re no longer pouring into the gaping maw of the beauty industry. Smiling is the best defense against frown lines. You’re welcome.
*I am not a fucking dermatologist. If you have unmanagable or severe skin issues, FFS see a professional doctor.
**contains affilliate links