Godfrey Gao's mother inspired him to take care of his skin

SINGAPORE - Taiwanese supermodel and actor Godfrey Gao may be known for his charming smile and handsome looks, but the 30-year-old has his mother to thank for keeping his skin radiant.

The 1.93m-tall heartthrob, who was in Singapore on Jan 8 for a product launch at SK-II, spoke about how he used to apply facial masks with his mum whenever she brought home skincare products from the office to sample.

Out of curiosity, Gao would try other products as well, thus developing a skincare regimen at a young age.

AsiaOne spoke with the SK-II ambassador to find out how he keeps his skin in check and how other men can benefit from a proper grooming routine:

What beauty regimes do you follow to look good as an actor?

Gao: You always got to look good and have a good routine. When I wake up, I clean my face with a facial cleanser, I would then use a toner, a facial essence toner and finally a moisturiser. I do two or three cleanser washes throughout the day; it's just my habit. Sometimes, I throw in a brightening serum for use throughout the day.

Do you feel pressured to look good all the time?

Gao: No matter what you do, look your best. Present yourself in a way that shows how you take care of yourself. As an actor, I have to look my best which means no wrinkles. Being older means taking more care of your face.

How did your mother bring you up in the Peranakan culture since she herself is a Peranakan?

Gao: My mum was very Western in a way. She spoke English as her first language and she grew up in Georgetown, Penang. I've been graciously brought up by my mother and I have two older brothers as well (comma) so with three boys in the house, it gets noisy and hectic sometimes. When I was little, I remember my mum having all these skincare products coming from the office and she would try them at home.

I would be curious when I was little and try them with my mum. I would put on the facial masks, like the mud masks, with my mum just to have fun. I would also try on her other stuff too. I think I developed a skincare regimen from young and it has definitely helped me in ageing (Comma) so I think I have to thank my mum for that.

What do you hope to establish in the future?

Gao: To continue my skin regimens. It's tough when you get older as your skin ages. Having the right product and skin regimen is important. I suggest a lot of guys start early and have a positive energy about your grooming routine.

Any New Year resolutions?

Gao: I hope to have great skin. I also hope to have more projects and step into the Hollywood market.

stephluo@sph.com.sg