Here's a quick glance at the infamous Patrick Bateman skincare routine:

1. Gel Ice Pack
2. Deep Pore Cleanser Lotion
3. Water-Activated Gel Cleanser
4. Honey Almond Body Scrub
5. Exfoliating Gel Scrub
6. Herb-Mint Facial Mask
7. Aftershave Lotion (with Little or No Alcohol)
8. Moisturizer
9. Anti-Aging Eye Balm
10. Moisturizing Protective Lotion

 

Everyone's looking for a killer skincare routine to turn back the clock, but it might be best not to follow a serial killer's. From a movie that came out in the year 2000, American Psycho has some good takeaways from Patrick Bateman’s 10-step morning skincare routine. But some steps are pointless (and ridiculously expensive).

In this article, we'll take a look at each step of the iconic skincare scene and share our thoughts on if each step is worth it. 

Patrick Bateman’s Skincare Routine

Let’s break down all ten steps of Patrick Bateman’s skincare routine and whether you should incorporate them into your regimen.

1. Gel Ice Pack 

The goal of a face ice pack is to provide a cooling effect on the skin, which can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, redness, and pain. Ice packs can also help to constrict blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce puffiness and promote healing.

The cold temperature of the ice pack can help to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Ice packs are often used as a natural remedy for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, sunburn, and post-surgical swelling. However, it's important to use ice packs safely and avoid prolonged exposure to avoid skin damage or frostbite. Ice packs are typically a short term solution that does not need to be a part of your skincare routine.

If you didn’t take a Mike Tyson uppercut to the face, then there are more effective topicals/ supplements to address these concerns around your face then trying to freeze it away. 

The Verdict: Not Necessary 

2. Deep Pore Cleanser Lotion

The goal of a deep pore cleanser lotion is to remove impurities and debris from the pores of the skin, including excess oil, dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells. The lotion is designed to penetrate deep into the pores, helping to unclog them and prevent the formation of blackheads and other types of acne.

Deep pore cleanser lotion typically contains ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, which are known to help dissolve excess oil and exfoliate the skin. These ingredients can also help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne and other skin conditions.

Using a deep pore cleanser lotion can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin by reducing the size of pores, promoting a more even skin tone, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it's important to use deep pore cleanser lotion properly and avoid overuse, as this can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and other issues. It's also important to choose a deep pore cleanser lotion that is appropriate for your skin type and concerns.

In Patrick Bateman’s morning routine he uses this Deep pore cleanser every morning. You should only be exfoliating a few times a week If you are using a Pore cleanser with high percentage of acids. If you were to use everyday you would have a high chance of damaging your skin. We always recommend to see your dermatologist to get the best treatment specific for your skin.

The Verdict: We approve

3. Water-Activated Gel Cleanser

The goal of a water-activated gel cleanser for the face is to gently and effectively remove impurities, dirt, and makeup from the skin, without stripping away its natural oils or causing irritation. Gel cleansers are typically formulated with a water-soluble base, which is activated when it comes into contact with water.

The gel texture of the cleanser allows it to glide easily over the skin, providing a gentle massaging action that helps to loosen and lift away dirt and impurities. Water-activated gel cleansers typically contain ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help to hydrate the skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth.

Water-activated gel cleansers are suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive, dry, and combination skin. They are especially beneficial for those who prefer a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won't strip the skin of its natural oils.

The goal of using a water-activated gel cleanser is to promote healthy, clean skin, while also supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier. Regular use of a water-activated gel cleanser can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it feeling fresh, hydrated, and revitalized. This is a key part of a skincare routine and something you should do at least once a day.

The Verdict: Not necessary

4. Honey Almond Body Scrub

The goal of a honey almond body scrub is to exfoliate and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. The scrub is typically made with natural ingredients like honey, almond oil, and sugar, which work together to gently remove dead skin cells and other impurities from the surface of the skin.

Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps to draw moisture to the skin and keep it hydrated. Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to nourish and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Sugar crystals in the scrub provide gentle exfoliation, helping to slough away dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin.

Regular use of a honey almond body scrub can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. The moisturizing properties of the scrub can also help to soothe dry, rough skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Overall, a scrub is good to use to help remove those dead skin cells on your body, but you do need to be careful about over exfoliating and drying out or irritating your skin. This is something that is not a necessity to have in your routine let alone use everyday.

The Verdict: We approve

5. Exfoliating Gel Scrub

The goal of an exfoliating gel scrub for the face is to gently remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin's surface, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. The physical scrubs contains gentle exfoliating particles, such as microbeads or natural exfoliants like sugar or rice bran, that work to loosen and remove dead skin cells.

Exfoliating gel scrubs can also contain chemical exfoliators such as AHAs or BHAs like Salicylic acid or glycolic acid which help to break down dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. These acids can also help to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Using an exfoliating gel scrub can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Regular exfoliation can also help to prevent clogged pores and the formation of blackheads and other types of acne.

However, it's important to use exfoliating gel scrubs with care, as over-exfoliation can damage the skin causing irritation, dryness, and redness. It's recommended to use exfoliating gel scrubs no more than twice a week, and to choose a product that is appropriate for your skin type and concerns. This is a great step to include in your routine but not use everyday like Bateman. 

Also make sure you consult with your dermatologist on the products you are using and make sure you have chosen ingredients at the right levels to help with specific concerns. A good exfoliate can often time eliminate the need of a “deep pore cleanser” as they often target the same concerns.

The Verdict: Not necessary

6. Herb-Mint Facial Mask

The goal of a herb-mint facial mask for the face is to provide a deep cleansing and refreshing experience for the skin, helping to unclog pores, remove impurities, and leave the skin feeling revitalized and refreshed.

Herb-mint facial masks typically contain a blend of natural ingredients, such as kaolin clay, mint extract, and herbal extracts, that work together to draw out impurities, absorb excess oil, and soothe the skin. The mint extract provides a cooling and refreshing sensation, helping to calm and invigorate the skin.

Facial masks are a great way to give your skin a deeper treatment than regular daily cleansing can provide. They can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and promoting a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Herb-mint facial masks are often recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as the ingredients in the mask can help to regulate oil production and prevent the formation of blackheads and other types of acne. However, it's important to choose a mask that is appropriate for your skin type and concerns, as some masks may be too harsh for sensitive or dry skin.

Overall, the goal of using a herb-mint facial mask is to provide a deep cleansing and refreshing experience for the skin, helping to promote a healthier, more radiant complexion.

It's important to note that, as with any skincare product, it's important to choose a herb-mint facial mask that is appropriate for your skin type and needs. Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain herbs, so it's important to do a patch test before using any new product. Masks are good to incorporate into your routine every once in a while but not something needed every day.

The Verdict: Not necessary

7. Aftershave Lotion (with Little or No Alcohol)

The goal of an aftershave lotion is to soothe and hydrate the skin after shaving, while also helping to prevent irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Shaving can be rough on the skin, causing micro-cuts, dryness, and inflammation, so using an aftershave lotion is an important step in a good shaving routine.

Aftershave products typically contain ingredients that help to soothe and calm the skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients can help to reduce inflammation and redness, while also providing hydration to the skin.

In addition to soothing and hydrating the skin, many aftershave lotions also contain ingredients that help to prevent bacterial growth and infection, such as tea tree oil or salicylic acid. This can be especially important for those who are prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs.

Overall, the goal of using an aftershave lotion is to provide immediate relief and comfort to the skin after shaving, while also helping to prevent irritation, redness, and other common shaving-related issues. Aftershave lotion can be an important part of a daily skincare routine for those who shave regularly, but it’s not needed. Aftershave is just a moisturizer wrapped up as another product brands want you to spend your money on.

The Verdict: Not necessary

8. Moisturizer

The goal of moisturizing is to hydrate and nourish the skin, helping to improve its texture, appearance, and overall health. Moisturizing helps to prevent dryness, flakiness, and irritation, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as cold weather, hot showers, harsh soaps, and aging.

Moisturizing helps to restore the skin's natural moisture balance by providing a protective barrier against moisture loss. Moisturizers typically contain a combination of ingredients that work to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture, such as humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Moisturizing is important for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps to maintain the skin's natural balance and prevent excess oil production. Using a moisturizer regularly can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, making it look smoother, softer, and more radiant.

In addition to hydrating and nourishing the skin, some moisturizers may also contain additional benefits, such as anti-aging ingredients, redness reduction, or soothing ingredients for sensitive skin such as Revival by PrettyBoy. It's important to choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type and concerns, and to use it regularly to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.

The Verdict: 100% necessary

9. Anti-Aging Eye Balm

The goal of an anti-aging eye balm is to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes, and to promote a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. Eye creams, balms, and sticks were created due to the sensitivity of the skin around the eyes. 

This product can be useful but again not necessary. Finding a great moisturizer that was formulated for sensitive skin will allow you to kill two birds with one stone and simplify your routine. 

The Verdict: Not necessary

10. Moisturizing Protective Lotion

The goal of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen is to protect the skin from harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. Sunscreen with a higher SPF rating provides more protection from UVB rays, which are the rays responsible for sunburn and skin cancer.

SPF is a measure of how long the sunscreen will protect the skin from burning caused by UVB rays. For example, if it takes 10 minutes for your skin to start turning red in the sun without any sunscreen, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would theoretically allow you to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (10 minutes x SPF 15) before burning. However, it's important to note that this calculation is based on ideal conditions and may not be accurate for everyone. 

The goal of using SPF sunscreen is to prevent sun damage to the skin, such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. It's important to choose a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF rating for your skin type and to reapply it regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. 

Protecting your skin from the sun is the #1 way to keep youthful healthy skin. We recommend SPF 30 or higher apply multiple times a day. SPF is a necessity in a proper skincare routine.

The Verdict: Not necessary (use sunscreen instead)

You Don’t Need a Psycho Skincare Routine 

Though Patrick Batman “killed it” on Wall Street, his long morning routine isn’t practical nor wanted by most men. There is truth to looking good, feeling good, and playing good but staying in shape and keeping your from never aging take consistency. 

The best way to be consistent is to keep things simple! That’s why PrettyBoy’s 6-in-1 product Revival is the only moisturizer you need to keep your face in shape. This 6-in-1 product was built specifically for people like you who want to take care of themselves but don’t want a million products. It’s a refreshing lightweight non-greasy gel moisturizer that blends in immediately. 

PrettyBoy’s Revival targets dry skin, wrinkles, dark circles, beard itch, redness/ shaving irritation, and oil control. Don’t be a Psycho like Bateman and stop wasting money on a long skincare routine.