Senator Abdul El-Sayed Uses Retinol and Sandwich Technique for Skin

Abdul El-Sayed Skincare Routine

Thirty-five seconds on social media turned a newly elected American senator into an unexpected skincare reference point. Wolipop reported that 42-year-old Abdul El-Sayed sparked viral attention with a video breaking down the specific products behind his smooth complexion.

The footage originated from a May recording featuring El-Sayed alongside comedian Suzanne Lambert, which gained fresh traction on the platform X. Initially attributing his clear skin to genetics, the Egyptian-descent politician later detailed a precise daily regimen. Wolipop said that his morning steps rely on CeraVe Facial Cleanser followed by sunscreen application. “I usually reapply it in the afternoon,” El-Sayed said. “We sometimes forget that sunscreen can wear off, so I try to put it back on around 12 or 1 o’clock.”

El-Sayed Uses the Sandwich Technique for Retinol Application

Nighttime care introduces active ingredients on a strict rotation. El-Sayed applies retinoid every two days after washing his face. To mitigate potential irritation, he utilizes a sandwich technique involving moisturizer applied both before and after the active compound. “On the night when I use retinoids, I wash my face first, then apply the sandwich method,” he explained to Wolipop.

That consistent routine earned him the social media moniker ‘Retinol King’. The attention highlights male grooming habits among public figures, though El-Sayed’s recent public profile extends far beyond personal care routines.

Fakta Islamofobia di Barat Berbalik Menjadi Bumerang, Abdul El-Sayed Terpilih sebagai Senator Muslim Pertama
Photo: MUI

Historic Senate Victory

The Michigan Democrat secured a historic seat in the U.S. Senate as the nation’s first Muslim senator, capturing a victory margin exceeding 65 percentage points, according to coverage by mui.or.id citing The Washington Post. Mui.or.id reported that political attacks attempted to link him to terrorism and 9/11 narratives. “You chose hate, while Michigan chose hope,” El-Sayed told Republican rival Mike Rogers in remarks highlighted by mui.or.id.

Ahead of taking office, El-Sayed launched a leadership political action committee named Habibi PAC to fund political allies, CNN Indonesia reported. The committee’s title references the Arabic term of endearment used frequently by his supporters during the campaign. CNN Indonesia said that El-Sayed utilized the term in his victory speech when addressing Vice President JD Vance, who is constitutionally required to swear him into office in January 2027.

El-Sayed Uses Humor to Counter Religious Law Accusations

Campaign trail rhetoric also featured linguistic satire regarding religious law. Nu.or.id reported that El-Sayed countered accusations concerning Sharia law by telling voters in Macomb County that he supported “shawarma law” instead. Linguist Fariz Alnizar described the remark to nu.or.id as an instance of linguistic resistance designed to reclaim narratives through humor. “Abdul mengubah istilah yang distigmatisasi menjadi humor untuk merebut kembali kendali atas narasi,” ujar Fariz kepada nu.or.id.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdul El-Sayed

What specific products does Abdul El-Sayed use for his skin?

El-Sayed cleanses his face with CeraVe Facial Cleanser in the morning and applies sunscreen, which he reapplies around midday. For his evening routine, he uses a retinoid every two days employing a sandwich method with moisturizer before and after application.

Abdul el sayed
Photo: CNN Indonesia

Which political office did Abdul El-Sayed win?

He won election to the United States Senate representing Michigan, becoming the country’s first Muslim senator.

What is Habibi PAC?

Habibi PAC is a leadership political action committee launched by El-Sayed after his Senate victory to raise funds for political allies, as documented in Federal Election Commission filings cited by CNN Indonesia.

When is Abdul El-Sayed scheduled to take office?

He is scheduled to take office in January 2027.