Welcome to Abad Conversation

Hello! I’m Carl Abad—welcome to Abad Conversation, a blog for Gen X and older millennials (40+) who want clear, effective anti‑aging skincare advice for mature, sensitive, or menopausal skin. If you’re noticing fine lines, dark spots, crepey under‑eye skin, or dryness, and you’re wondering which serums, creams, and non‑surgical treatments actually work. In that case, you’re in the right place.

Over the decades, my sister Arlene and I developed a healthy obsession with skincare. Growing up in a dry climate, we battled dry skin. We learned the power of a consistent routine—gentle cleansers, balanced toners, and moisturizers that support the skin barrier. Thanks to those habits, we’ve entered our early 50s with a solid foundation. But once I hit my 40s, changes—especially around the eyes—nudged me toward targeted anti‑aging products: retinol/retinal serums for wrinkles, peptide serums for firming, vitamin C for hyperpigmentation, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and daily sunscreen that doesn’t pill or settle into lines.

Like many of you, I felt overwhelmed by the noise: “best anti‑aging serum,” “all‑natural miracle,” “before and after in two weeks.” Some products delivered minimal results; many were disappointments. I wanted science‑backed guidance tailored to mature skin over 45—sensitive when it wants to be, combination when it’s not, and always in need of barrier repair.

During my 25+ years as a fashion stylist, I met creatives who shaped my eye for quality. One of them is Annie—my skincare mentor. I styled and creative-directed for her Canadian skincare brand, which Annie formulated in her own lab, and learned how non-surgical facial treatments and well-designed formulas (think retinaldehyde for fine lines, niacinamide for pores and tone, and multi-weight hyaluronic acid for dehydrated, crepey skin) can transform a routine. Nearly a decade later, I’m launching my own brand: Abad Face—skin care developed in Canada in partnership with her lab, Atomic Pom Labs, focused on gentle yet effective formulas for mature skin.

Conversations you’ll find here

• Anti‑aging routines for 40+ and 50+: Simple AM/PM steps that layer correctly—vitamin C + niacinamide + broad‑spectrum SPF in the morning; gentle cleanse + barrier repair + retinal/retinol or peptides at night.

• Ingredient‑backed conversations: Retinol vs retinal vs tretinoin, peptides (including copper peptides) for firming, vitamin C types (L‑ascorbic vs THD), ceramides and squalane for barrier repair, azelaic acid and tranexamic acid for dark spots and melasma.

• Sensitive and menopausal skin tips: How to prevent irritation, how often to exfoliate mature skin (AHA/PHA vs BHA), and how to fix over‑exfoliated, tight, flaky skin.

• Sun‑damage repair: Evidence‑based protocols for hyperpigmentation, SPF 30 vs SPF 50 and UVA (PA) ratings, and mineral/tinted sunscreens for mature skin with no white cast.

• Devices and treatments—what’s worth it: Red light therapy, microcurrent, microneedling, and how in‑office options (IPL, peels) compare to at‑home routines.

Our ingredient focus (and why) 

Ingredients will be central to our conversations, especially algae. Found along the Canadian Pacific coastline, brown algae and big kelp with components like Macrocystis pyrifera, are a promising area of research for skin resilience and antioxidant support. With sustainable sourcing and thoughtful formulation, we’ll explore how algae extracts can complement proven staples—retinaldehyde, peptides, niacinamide, multi-weight hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol—so that mature skin achieves results without unnecessary irritation.

Made in Canada with a science‑first approach taken by Annie and the team at Atomic Pom Labs, Abad Face stays at the forefront of next‑gen peptides, barrier‑supporting hydrators, and gentle actives suitable for sensitive, over‑40 skin. My promise: practical, realistic timelines (think 4–12 weeks), paired with routines you can actually stick to.

Learning together—with real experts, I’m not a dermatologist, and this blog is not medical advice—but I’m dedicated to interviewing dermatologists, estheticians, and cosmetic chemists to clarify what truly works for 40+ skin. Expect myth‑busting guides like:

• How to start retinol at 45 without peeling

• Retinal vs retinol: which gives faster results with less irritation?

• Best sunscreen for mature skin that doesn’t pill or settle into lines

• Fading dark spots after 40: vitamin C, azelaic acid, and sunscreen

• Perimenopause skin care: dryness, sensitivity, and barrier repair

Join the conversation—and shape the line. Abad Conversation is more than a launchpad for Abad Face; it’s a place to compare routines, share before‑and‑afters, and get practical answers. Your feedback helps me create a dermatologist-informed, gentle yet effective anti-aging routine for our community. Subscribe for early access, exclusive offers, and Canadian-made drops. Let’s age on our terms—glow included.

*Important reminder and community note: I’m not a scientist, dermatologist, or medical expert—I’m a curious skincare lover just like you. This blog is an exploration of the truth about skincare and an attempt to debunk some of the myths surrounding it. We would love to hear about your experiences and the solutions that have worked for your skin. This is a conversation for all of us to find the best habits for aging skin. Please keep it respectful—rude or derogatory comments will not be responded to and will be deleted.