Over the last year, my relationship with skincare has shifted in a way I didn’t fully expect. It’s become less about chasing perfection or trying to look younger and more about supporting my body in a way that feels gentle, sustainable, and grounded in real health. Because of my autoimmune issues and inflammation, injectables and cosmetic procedures aren’t part of my routine right now, so I’ve leaned deeply into the things I can control. Small daily rituals, thoughtful products, and consistency have become my version of self-care, and honestly, my skin feels better now than it has in years. This post is simply a sharing of the skincare essentials for women 40+ that have made the biggest difference for me personally over the last season.
The foundation of everything I do starts with cleansing, and for me, double cleansing has been a non-negotiable for years. I always begin with a Korean skincare oil cleanser to gently melt away makeup and sunscreen, followed by a foaming cleanser that truly cleans the skin without stripping it. When I look back at what changed my skin the most, this was probably the turning point. Clean skin just responds better to everything that comes after it, and it’s one of those simple habits that feels almost too obvious until you realize how transformative it can be.
For daily hydration and overall balance, I’ve been consistently reaching for The Outset for over a year now, and it’s become my steady trio. I don’t usually gravitate toward celebrity brands, but Scarlett Johansson truly created something thoughtful here. I rotate between the collagen serum, the daily moisturizer, and the nighttime cream, and they’ve given my skin a calm, supported feeling rather than an overly “treated” look. There’s something reassuring about a routine that feels uncomplicated but effective, especially when your skin is sensitive or reactive.
My nighttime routine shifts depending on whether I’m in a treatment phase or a recovery phase, which has helped me stay consistent without overwhelming my skin. I reintroduced a low-strength retinol from The Ordinary and slowly built up my tolerance, and I can honestly say adding retinol back into my routine has made one of the most noticeable differences in overall texture and tone. I even mix a tiny amount into my hand cream, and the improvement on my hands and chest has surprised me. It’s one of those quiet changes that accumulates over time rather than giving an overnight transformation. I also use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%, which I apply AM and PM on damp skin for a boost of fullness and hydration.
Another product that genuinely exceeded my expectations is the Barefaced Toning Pads. I wasn’t sure they would live up to the hype, but after using them consistently, my skin feels incredibly soft the next morning in a way that’s hard to describe until you experience it. I’d say these are such a gamechanger. They gently lift away lingering buildup and help reset my skin without feeling harsh. I’ve even started considering transitioning into more of their full routine because this one product alone has been so impressive.
Lymphatic support has also become a surprisingly important part of my mornings. Because I deal with puffiness, especially around my jawline and under eyes, being consistent with my gua sha and a new facial sculpting brush has made a noticeable difference in how my face feels when I wake up. It’s less about sculpting for appearance and more about encouraging circulation and supporting the body’s natural processes. Funny enough, my tween daughter passed down her skincare fridge to me, which made me laugh at first, but chilled moisturizers, cold gua sha tools, and eye patches have become a small luxury I now look forward to each morning.
On days when I need a little extra help, I rotate between Terez & Honor under-eye patches, which include caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for a quick depuff, and the YSE Overachiever patches that a friend gifted me before an event. They stay in place beautifully and feel like an instant reset when I haven’t slept enough or my inflammation is flaring. And with retinol and exfoliating treatments back in my routine, I’ve become incredibly disciplined about sunscreen. I still love being in the sun, but protecting my skin now feels like an act of care rather than restriction, and a big, classic hat has become just as essential as any product on my shelf. This Supergoop Unseen Mineral Sunscreen is truly the best. It’s clear so doesn’t leave a white cast and literally just dissolves into your skin – the holy grail.
And, I love a basic & simple go-to and La Roche Posey has been that for me for forever. This Cicaplast Balm B5 is as good as they say for deep moisturizing, and my go-to body lotion is their Triple Repair Moisturizer with a pump so I use it all the time.
While topical skincare has helped tremendously, I truly believe the biggest changes have come from what’s happening internally. Clean eating, more water, and thoughtful supplementation have done more for my glow than any single serum ever could. I’ve always loved Vital Proteins collagen, but recently started experimenting with Codage Marine Collagen, which is said to be especially supportive for skin and nail health. I rotate between LMNT and Thorne electrolyte packets, keep a water bottle nearby at all times, and stay consistent with a probiotic for gut health, along with fish oil, w/ DHEA, and zinc chewables that support my overall system (Not medical advice and I don’t recommend adding w/o bloodwork & labs). There’s no miracle product here, just steady habits that work together.
I’m not opposed to aesthetic treatments in the future, and I believe there’s a beautiful balance between natural aging and modern support when it’s right for your body. For now, though, working with my health rather than against it has felt deeply grounding. These skincare essentials for women 40+ aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about feeling supported, glowing in a way that reflects wellness rather than effort, and building a routine that honors where we are in this season of life. One thing I’d love to add is Red Light Therapy, probably more of a panel than a mask for more overall wellness than just my face. Love to know what products, tools & routines you’re loving?
