This month, we caught up with Dan Brophy, a Creative Consultant who has worked closely with dermaviduals on multiple campaigns. With a deep-rooted passion for skincare and years of experience in the industry, Dan shares his personal skincare routine, insights on dermaviduals, and valuable advice for men looking to elevate their skincare game.
Q. How did you first discover dermaviduals, and what drew you to the brand?
I first discovered the brand while working with them. I’m a Creative Consultant, and my agency, BROPHY, was brought on to work on a campaign (and I think we’ve done four or five since). After being on set and hearing about the benefits, I thought: I have to try it. I have always taken good care of my skin – I think my mum gave me my first cleanser, toner, and moisturiser when I was 11 (ha ha). Thirty years later, I am still prioritising it twice a day – but I think it’s one of the most important acts of self-care.
Q. Could you describe your daily skincare routine?
I do the same thing morning and night:
1. Total Cleansing Cream – for me, the massaging of my face is as important as the product itself, and this is a really gentle cream cleanser.
2. Serum, I am currently using EGCG Liposomes
3. Moisturiser – I’m using the DMS Base Cream High Classic that works with my combination skin. I keep a smaller container of the Base Cream in my gym bag.
4. Eye Gel Plus.
5. The Süüsmoon Lotion N – I actually started using this after directing the dermaviduals Natalie Barr campaign. She was a big fan, so I thought: ‘I have to try it’ – and now I am too! It feels really fresh as a final stage after moisturising.
Q. Having been a Creative Consultant for dermaviduals, what aspects of the brand do you find most compelling?
Skincare is huge in my family, and I have honestly tried it ALL – from supermarket products all the way through to the most expensive on the market. I was really interested in what a dermatologist would recommend for my skin at this stage in my life – I started using dermaviduals just before I turned 40. Not only could I tell that it was well formulated, but the specific curation of my own routine by my dermatologist allowed me to feel like I was getting the very best recommendation for what my skin needs now. The results were so notable almost immediately. I have had an opportunity to tell so many people about the brand when they ask me what I use.
Q. What advice would you give to men who are new to skincare and considering using dermaviduals products?
I would recommend that anyone just starting out find a good ‘entry-level’ base routine – like a great quality cleanser and moisturiser could make a huge difference.
Q. Do you have a favourite dermaviduals product?
The Total Cleansing Cream. For the longest time I have been looking to find a cleanser that doesn’t leave my skin feeling ‘stripped’ and this cream feels really gentle. I love to take the time to massage my face when washing it. Never for usually more than a minute, but I am really connecting to the act of ‘self-care’ when doing it – which I feel does as much good as the product itself.
Q. In your opinion, what are some common misconceptions about skincare among men, and how does dermaviduals address these?
I think a lot of women onboard skincare processes along with a makeup routine, so men, by comparison, can come to the party much later. So many of my friends only start taking care of their skin once they start to notice the signs of ageing, so I think a common misconception is investing time and energy in fixing something as opposed to preventative care. Men, in particular, can feel overwhelmed by where to begin with skincare. I love that dermaviduals takes the guess-work out of it by having a Skin Treatment Therapist prescribe what is right for you. …And in the grand scheme of how much we invest in things that are bad for us, investing in good skincare – to try to tip the scales in the other direction – is the least we can do!
More about Dan: @danbrophy | www.brophy.world