I am a 46-year-old female and have had some kind of skincare regimen since I was 12 years old. I currently have a moderate budget and choose to focus on an aging well regimen. My skin is normal to dry and becoming more sensitive over the years. I say chapter 1 because your skincare will change over time and I will update the blog to reflect changes I make.
Morning Routine
Cleanser | I rotate between a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil, and a glycolic cleanser when I want a bit extra glow. |
Toner | Some people eschew toner, but I am a fan, even in the morning. I rotate between witch hazel and a glycolic toner. Witch hazel contains tannins, which are natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Glycolic acid toner is an AHA exfoliant to boost cell turnover and even skin tone. |
Serum | Vitamin C serum is a super part of any aging well regime. Vitamin C neutralizes skin-damaging free radicals. |
Moisturizer
| Pick one with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and/or peptides. Antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature aging. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to retain moisture. It plumps the skin. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal to the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin looking young and firm. |
Eye cream
| I like ones with caffeine and peptides. |
Broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
| You know this by now. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Especially in the summer, but necessary all year round. It is crucial for preventing UV damage that accelerates aging. |
Evening Routine
Makeup remover | Right now, I am using my DIY Micellar water with witch hazel and almond oil, but as winter closes in I will change to a cleansing balm made with coconut oil to remove makeup. |
Cleanser | A gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil. |
Toner | Same as above |
Serum | Retinol for increasing collagen, improving texture, and reducing wrinkles |
Moisturizer | Containing ingredients like peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
Eye cream | Look for peptides, caffeine, or retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles |
Eyelash serum | I use a DIY castor oil serum |
Optional | Sleeping mask (once a week) – Extra hydration while skin repairs overnight. Face oil: if I am doing gua shua or feel like I need more moisture. |
The focus is on gentle cleansing, proven anti-aging ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, sun protection, exfoliation and deep hydration. Consistency is key to see the best results over time.
Retinol and vitamin C are two of the most important ingredients for fighting signs of aging for a few key reasons:
Retinol:
- Increases collagen production – As we age, collagen breaks down leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol boosts collagen synthesis to plump and smooth the skin.
- Encourages cell turnover – Retinol speeds up the cell turnover process. This helps shed old, dead skin cells to reveal fresher skin and minimize appearance of pores and wrinkles.
- Reduces hyperpigmentation – Dark spots can make skin look older. Retinol inhibits melanin production to fade age spots and discoloration.
Vitamin C:
- Powerful antioxidant – Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure and pollution that damage skin. This protects against premature aging.
- Brightens skin – It inhibits melanin production to brighten and even out skin tone for a more youthful glow.
- Builds collagen – Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. More collagen means firmer, more supple skin.
- Reduces under eye circles – Vitamin C improves circulation and strengthens capillaries, minimizing dark under eye circles.
