I don’t think I’ve talked about skincare specifically on here for years, since I was 34 to be exact. And 2018 feels like multiple lifetimes ago doesn’t it?

Anyway, it’s now 2026 (!), I’m 42 years old, and living in a new town. My skin is pretty decent if I’m rating myself. The pros? I don’t really have breakouts. My skin feels soft. I don’t have a lot of brown spots (besides my moles which I was blessed with many).

The areas I don’t love? My jowl lines getting more pronounced (like if I gently lift my cheek my face gets 10 years younger and I see the appeal). The lines on my forehead that don’t instantly fade after making an expression. The deeper crinkles around my eyes. To put it plainly: lines and wrinkles.

All of this is proof of a life well lived with lots of joy? Absolutely! And I’m so grateful for it.

And a the same time it’s weird when you start looking in the mirror and feeling like the person you see looking back doesn’t fully reflect the person you feel to be on the inside. I have zero opinion on what anyone else should do or not do as they age, but I am happy to share what I’ve tried and what I’ve considered. So this post is just that- a convo with your gal pal and I sure would love if you spilled the tea on your skincare secrets or favs!

Skincare Products

Let’s talk about products, first. I’ve been hooked on Clearstem for years now, ever since I discovered it through Emily Morrow. My core (daily) products are:

• Gentleclean Vitamin Infused Facial Wash (AHEALTHYSLICE for 10% off)
• Bounceback Serum (AHEALTHYSLICE for 10% off)
• Hydraglow Plant Stemcell Moisturizer (AHEALTHYSLICE for 10% off)
• Elta MD Skin Recovery SPF50 (Note, there are multiple Elta MD sunscreens that look similar, but this is the only one that is a 100% mineral block, so don’t be fooled)

I have other products that I dabble with, but for the most part, that’s all I’m using daily. I’ve tried several Vitamin C serums but have yet to find one that I feel makes any kind of difference. If you have one you love, please share, as I’d like to add it to my morning line up.

I’ve been tempted by other products, like a good eye cream and expensive anti-aging serum, but I’ve decided to redirect those funds from products to treatments.

Skincare Treatments & Lasers

After age 40 the more I’ve been told that treatments are where it’s at. I’ve been largely inconsistent with these despite my belief, but hoping to make them a more regular part of my routine this year.

• Microneedling – I’ve had this done twice (the most recent one done yesterday) and feel like it’s worth the cost for my skin. Relatively little downtime (a day of looking slightly sunburnt then some light flaking/feeling a few days later) and a little discomfort (they numb my skin) for improved texture, a minimized look of pores, and reduced fine lines makes this one a winner for me.
• IPL/BBL – Not a Brazilian Butt Lift 😉 , but the laser that can help target brown spots and boost collagen production. I’ve had it done on my whole face, but most recently just as a spot treatment for some busted capillaries on the bridge of my nose. No downtime and almost immediate results for my nose spot in particular.
• Facials – I’d love to alternate micro needling and custom facials every 6 weeks but still trying to justify the cost.

Microneedling before (above) and immediately after (below).

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Injectables

Man, these kind of freak me out but when I see someone looking fab and fresh, so many times they mention some kind of injectable.

• Neurotoxins (like Botox, Dysport, the one with the X) – I’ve had this on several different occasions and have really like the results of smoother skin and a softer expressions. I feel like it just makes me look more well rested. I’ve also decided multiple times to just stay all natural, which is where I am now. No “tox” currently in my face but I’ll be honest, I’m debating it. I really do love the brighter, fresher look it gives me. Maybe I’ll try Frownies.
• Filler – this is the one that scares me the most and even though I’d love my marionette lines to be a bit less defined, I don’t foresee me trying this, at least anytime soon. I’ve learned to never say never but the idea of filler injected into and then staying or migrating around my face freaks me out.
• Sculptra – I don’t know much about this one. I thought it was a filler but apprently it’s a collagen stimulator? I don’t know but I’ve heard more people talking about it.

Microneedling Q&A

Since I just got this done yesterday, I asked IG for any questions on the treatment and also asked for anyone else’s FAV skincare products and/or treatments. Here they are!

• Was this your first time? No, second! And I plan to do it again in about 3 months.
• What do you use for moisturizer? I love this Hydroglow.
• Any other treatments you’ve done? I’ve done Hydrafacials (love the experience but it feels more like a deep clean and for me it’s not worth the high price tag) and microdermabrasion (loved the feel of this and no pain- like a deep exfoliation).
• Does microneedling hurt? Not hurt, but it creates some discomfort. They numb my face but around the edge of my forehead and the under eye still make me squirm a little.
• Submitted Skincare FAVS! – microdermabrasion for dealing with minor breakouts, collagen as a supplement, vitamin C is liquid gold (why can’t I find one I like?!), I do the Cool Peel laser with microneedling (oh… tell me more!), I love gua Sha with chia seed oil daily (I’d love to incorporate more lymphatic draining techniques but I always seem to be rushing through my routine to get to bed- ha)

Please share with me your fav skin care finds, whether or product or treatment. What’s made the biggest difference in your routine/appearance?