Colin Kazim-Richards spent most of his career adapting to new teams, languages and playing styles, but it wasn’t until recently that he started adapting to what constant sun, travel and changing climates were doing to his skin. After years of living and playing in Turkey, Brazil, Mexico and the UK, he realised that keeping his skin healthy needed the same consistency and discipline he’d always applied to football. He was introduced to Skin Pharmacy by a friend and, for the first time, put together a targeted routine for his face, body, lips and hands, with a special focus on protecting his tattooed skin.
How Colin got into skincare
For a long time, skincare meant hotel soap and whatever moisturiser happened to be in a changing room. Different climates – humid heat, dry cold, intense sun – left my skin feeling tight, and feeling dehydrated. It was only when my good friend recommended I check out Skin Pharmacy that I got some actual professional skincare advice. The team talked through my concerns, which are keeping my tattoos looking sharp, managing dryness from constant travel and protecting my skin from sun damage.
The friend who told me about Skin Pharmacy recommended the ZO Skin Health pads and insisted I try them. That recommendation, plus expert guidance at Skin Pharmacy, helped me with a solid routine I can stick to no matter where I am in the world.
ALLSKIN MED GF Replenishing Cream
I suffered from eczema when I was younger so it’s important to me to have a cream that feels comfortable without feeling heavy. ALLSKIN MED GF Replenishing Cream is my everyday hydrator, designed to replenish moisture and support skin recovery. It helps the skin on my face feel calm and nourished.
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
I’ve only recently starting using a night cream, the Skin Pharmacy team recommended Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream. It’s formulated to smooth texture and support more even tone over time. My skin has been neglected fter years of sun exposure in different countries, so this step helps by “working in the background” while I sleep.
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
The ZO pads are the product my friend - Julian Gray (ex-footballer) wouldn’t stop talking about, and they are now my favourite too. Pre-soaked and easy to use - a quick exfoliating and clarifying step.
Heliocare 360° Oil Free Gel SPF 50
Having lived in countries with strong sun, I now see SPF as non-negotiable. Heliocare 360° Oil Free Gel SPF 50 gives me high protection in a lightweight gel texture that doesn’t feel greasy or clogging.
Revision Nectifirm Advanced
I never thought I’d need a separate neck cream but my neck is one of my most important areas, it’s heavily tattooed and constantly exposed. Nectifirm Advanced was recommended as a dedicated product for this area. It’s designed specifically for the neck to support skin texture and overall appearance. I use it daily, treating my neck like prime real estate, not an extension of his face that can be ignored.
HydroPeptide Glow Revive Body Wash
I also have tattoos all over my body, not just my neck, so I can’t use a regular body wash from the supermarket. Glow Revive Body Wash is my go-to for everyday cleansing that doesn’t strip his skin. It supports the look of my tattoos by keeping the skin surface smooth and comfortable.
pHformula SOS Lip Rescue
Being a coach outdoors all day, my lips get so dry and cracked. pHformula SOS Lip Rescue is the product I keep in my pocket. It’s designed to deliver intensive moisture and barrier support, helping repair and protect delicate lip skin.
pHformula Hand Perfection Cream
Constant hand washing, gym work and travel take a toll on my hands. pHformula Hand Perfection Cream really helps with the rough patches. It’s formulated to hydrate, support the skin barrier and improve the look of texture and tone.
Discovering Skin Pharmacy through my friend proved skincare is important and can make a visible, tangible difference. I now have a simple routine that works for me and my specific needs.
If you're looking to build a routine but not sure where to start from:
Colin Kazim-Richards is a former professional footballer and current football coach. He earned 37 senior caps for Turkey, scored 2 goals, and was part of Turkey’s memorable UEFA Euro 2008 squad that reached the semi-finals.
At club level, he had a very well-traveled career, playing for teams including Sheffield United, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Feyenoord, Celtic, and Derby County, as well as spells in Brazil and Mexico. After retiring from playing, he joined Arsenal’s academy coaching staff in 2024, and in March 2026 he became head coach of Crawley Town in EFL League Two.
