Skincare is an investment and a journey. A long, sometimes frustrating, and often expensive journey trying to find the right routine. After plenty of trial and error, I finally nailed down a skincare routine that works for my 40s and beyond.

If you’re like me, you’re busy juggling many roles. You’re a wife, a mom, and you have more tasks than there are hours in the day. So, you already know that finding the right skincare routine can feel overwhelming. It’s not as effortless as social media makes it seem.

And trust me, I’ve tried everything.

When I was younger, skincare wasn’t on my radar. I’d splash some water on my face. Maybe I’d wipe it down with a towel and keep it moving. No cleanser, no moisturizer, no sunscreen. Just soap, water, and vaseline vibes.

But as I’ve gotten older, my skin has changed. And listen…I don’t have wrinkles, and I don’t want any! My goal — to be 60 and still look 40. All things considered, using the right products and staying consistent is so important.

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Consistency has been my biggest challenge.

The Skincare Wake-Up Call

Occasionally, there have been nights when I was exhausted. I went to bed with a face full of the day’s oil, dirt, and stress. And my face punished me.

Recently, I had a breakout so bad, it scared me. Bumps everywhere on my right cheek. Bumps on my chin. The itching? Unbearable. It looked like I had measles! And the worst part? It was my fault!

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Occasionally, I sleep on my face. Let’s just say my silk pillowcase had been long overdue for a wash. A dirty pillowcase + a neglected skincare routine? A recipe for disaster.

That’s when I knew I needed to get it together. I was over here investing in all these RANDOM, hodgepodge skincare products. If I wasn’t using them correctly or consistently, what was the point?

The Game Plan

So, I did what I always do when life gets overwhelming, I got organized.

I created a schedule. This helped me know exactly what products to use. I knew what days to use them and whether it was a morning or night treatment. When you have multiple serums, cleansers, toners, and masks, it’s easy to forget what to use and when. Some things you can use daily, others only 2-3 times a week. And if you mix the wrong products? That’s a whole new problem.

The Right Tools

Investing in the right tools made a huge difference. This was especially true when it came to cleaning my skin. I knew I needed a solid face scrubber.

FACE SCRUBBER

I was eyeing the PMD Clean Pro RQ — Rose Quartz. But let’s be real, I wasn’t about to drop that kind of money. Instead, I got the PMD Clean Pro (standard, no Rose Quartz). It has the same deep cleansing power and the same sonic vibrations. The price is better. It’s rechargeable (no annoying batteries), and my skin actually feels clean after using it.

FACE STEAMER

And if you’ve never used a face steamer, I highly recommend adding one to your routine. I use the Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer twice a week. It opens up my pores. This helps my skincare products sink in better. And honestly? It feels like I’m giving myself a little spa moment at home.

I steam every Sunday and Wednesday. This helps open up my pores, clear out congestion, and enhances the effectiveness of my serums and treatments.

I needed simplicity. I wanted a routine that provided what my skin actually needed. It wasn’t about 20 different steps but the right steps.

• Cleanser to remove dirt without stripping my skin
• Toner to balance and prep my skin
• Essence to hydrate and boost elasticity
• Serum for anti-aging and collagen production
• Moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated
• Sunscreen because sun damage is real
• Mask (or two) to exfoliate, brighten, and keep my pores clear

Skincare Is an Investment

And one thing I refuse to neglect? My lips. If I’m doing all this for my skin, why would I let my lips get dry or cracked? That’s why I swear by the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I put it on every night before bed, and by morning? Soft, smooth lips. No chapstick struggle.

Finding what works isn’t cheap. But looking back is a lesson. If I had started earlier, I probably would have saved myself a lot of frustration (and money). Now that I know better, I’m doing better.

Here’s the truth: Your skin will change. Your routine should, too. It’s about nourishing your skin. This way, it looks and feels its best, no matter what season of life you’re in.

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What About You?

If you’re like me—juggling work, family, and everything in between—it’s easy to push skincare to the side. But trust me, your skin will remind you when it’s been neglected (see picture of my meals cheek above)!

To create consistency, I developed a weekly schedule that tells me exactly what to use and when. This schedule has made ALL the difference. There is no more guessing. I no longer forget steps or randomly use products at the wrong time.

Personal skincare calendar

Every morning, I follow the same routine:

• Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil (ONLY at night)
• Tatcha Rice Wash
• Paula’s Choie Advanced Replenishing Toner
• COSRX Advanced Snail Power Essence
• Paula’s Choice Multi-Peptide Booster
• Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream
• Black Girl Sunscreen (ONLY in the morning)

The switch up comes during my nighttime routine. The steps I follow to clean my face remain the same. However, each night, I add something different based on what my skin needs.

Skincare is an investment, but consistency is everything. If you want healthy, smooth, youthful skin, start small. Be consistent. Nourish your skin just like you nourish everything else in your life.

So, what’s your biggest skincare struggle? Let’s talk about it! Drop a comment below and let’s figure it out together.

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