The easy skincare routine middle-aged men should try to look as good Cillian Murphy at 47

Cillian Murphy
Murphy doesn't appear to have fallen prey to the overfilling trend, says Jones - Getty

Fresh from dominating awards season – a run which culminated in him winning Best Actor at the Oscars – Cillian Murphy has now appeared in his first major fashion campaign for Versace, alongside actress Anne Hathaway.

“Strong, direct, iconic. For me, Anne and Cillian are two of the best actors of today. Exceptionally talented and kind people I admire and respect, looking their best. Very Versace,” Donatella Versace said.

The most striking element of the images, which were shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, is the actor’s cherub-fresh face. At 47, Murphy barely appears to have aged since his breakthrough role in 28 Days Later in 2002.

He is certainly giving good skin and doesn’t appear to have fallen prey to the overfilling trend, begging the question: what is the Oppenheimer star doing to keep his cheekbones perky and his skin dewy? And can you get in on the act without committing to a complex regime?

Murphy is starring in his first fashion campaign for Versace
Murphy is starring in his first fashion campaign for Versace

“Cillian is really good at looking after his skin and uses the products I recommend when we’re not on set,” says Gareth Bromell, Murphy’s go-to grooming expert. While shooting the Versace campaign he used 111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Face Mask, which cools and brightens the skin while taking redness away, followed by a mini facial with lymphatic drainage and Lyma’s handheld laser.

“I use a little hyaluronic acid or peptide serum with the laser which gives a boost of moisture and makes Cillian’s skin even more radiant,” Bromell reveals, “then he tops up at home.”

These are simple steps you can take to look Cillian-Murphy-fresh in your late forties:

Adopt a cleansing routine

It doesn’t need to cost much, but cosmetic doctor Dr. Alexis Granite, a leading expert in dermatology and cosmetic procedures, says cleansing is a crucial step that’s often overlooked. “Men tend to prefer cleansing in the shower - CeraVe’s cleansing range is perfect for this and it’s affordably priced (a tenner each) which allows you to get a couple of different formulations depending on your skin’s needs that day.” Granite recommends CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser in the morning and SA Smoothing Cleanser with salicylic acid at night to remove deeper down dirt, which is good for blemishes also. Though one morning and night will suffice. “Cleansing provides a clean canvas that helps your serum or moisturiser absorb,” she adds.

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CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser; CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with salicylic acid

Moisturise

“Men’s skin tends to be tougher and more porous than women’s skin but equally it can be more sensitive after shaving,” says Granite suggesting that a cooling gel is a good consistency of moisturiser to use most days after shaving. She recommends Avene’s Hydrance Aqua-Gel Cream (£17.10), available from Amazon.

Deploy active ingredients for juicy results

For skin as juicy as Murphy’s, a problem-specific serum is an opportunity to treat the skin with active ingredients that help with ageing and should be applied underneath your moisturiser morning and night. In the morning, Gareth Bromell says an antioxidant like Vitamin C is a must for men in their 40s, while at night a retinoid is the best choice – especially for men who experience blemishes or ingrown hairs, adds Alexis Granite. “Retinoids will help with cell turnover and resurfacing as well as fine lines and wrinkles. I tell my male clients to start slowly and apply a mild retinol serum like Medik 8’s Crystal Retinal 1, (£45) twice a week to begin with.”

Medik 8 Crystal Retinal 1; Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel Cream
Medik 8 Crystal Retinal 1; Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel Cream

The ultimate anti-ager

“SPF is the most important anti-ageing product we have at our disposal,” says Bromell who encourages his male clients like Cillian to wear it even when it’s cloudy and raining “which happens in Ireland a lot” he laughs. If there’s a choice to be made between moisturiser and SPF, choose the latter, says Alexis Granite. “There are some great hydrating SPFs like La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid and SuperGoop’s Play Everyday Lotion SPF50 that can take the place of your moisturiser if there’s a choice to be made.” Both come in gender-fluid packaging and cost around £20. Bromell’s favourite sunscreen is one by Medik8: Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+. “It makes the skin more even and glowy,” he says.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid; SuperGoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid; SuperGoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF50

Try a tweakment

Granite is seeing an increase in male patients who usually book in after seeing the improved results their wives have had through subtle tweaks. The issues which can be tackled via tweakments, says Granite, are the same for both sexes: rosacea, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. But the protocol is different. “There are subtle differences to the way we inject, say Botox, in a man and a woman so as not to over-feminise their face for a rejuvenated look.”

The luxury laser

Murphy’s beloved Lyma Laser utilises NASA technology to zap wrinkles and acne but costs a whopping £1999. The Omnilux Clear LED Mask is a more reasonable £290, though Granite warns: “when it comes to at-home devices consistency is key to retain results.”

Omnilux Clear LED Mask; Lyma Laser Starter Kit
Omnilux Clear LED Mask; Lyma Laser Starter Kit