Do you have a skincare regimen that you swear by?
For some, turning 40 is a scary thing. For me, it was another birthday that came and went without fear. I credit that mostly to the fact that while many days I feel 40, (thanks, back pain and aching joints), I don’t feel that I look 40. Half of that can be attributed to genetics (my mother also looks younger than her age), but the other half, I believe, is due to my obsession with skincare that started in high school.
Over the last two and a half decades, I have tried a ton of products that have led me to my tried-and-true favorites, along with some recent finds that I have added in now that my skin is at a more mature stage. Today I will share those products and processes with you so that you can add to your own skin care regimen no matter what your age. I will also share my favorite local spots for facials.
Day
Hydration
As part of my skincare routine, I start every day with a glass of warm lemon water. A glass of water is heated in the microwave for around a minute and 30 seconds, and I squeeze in the juice of half a regular to large size lemon or juice of a whole small lemon. If you need to cut down on the tartness, you can add a bit of raw Manuka Honey. Lemon is a detoxifier that helps to brighten your skin, and the warm water helps release all the good nutrients from the lemon; just make sure it’s not hot water which will kill some of those nutrients. Also, to save your tooth enamel, drink it with a metal straw (plastic in warm or hot beverages is a no-no as the toxins from the plastic can leach into your water when it’s heated).
Throughout the morning will also drink green or herbal tea and then water for the rest of the day. I don’t drink coffee because I have ulcerative colitis, and caffeine can cause flare-ups. I also hate the taste, though, so it’s not so bad to give it up, and my skin thanks me for it.
Routine
I usually don’t wash my face in the morning unless I have been lazy and just used micellar water to cleanse at night ( my favorite is Caudalie Vinoclean). But most of the time, I do my whole nighttime routine because it’s sometimes the only me time I get. When I do cleanse in the morning, I use Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser. Otherwise, I start straight in with the routine of the following products in order:
Thayer’s Lavender Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream or for summer, I also like Glow Recipe Watermelon Juice Moisturizer
Supergoop Play Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50
Lark Custom Face Oil — Local Fave
I make sure to use all of the products above (as well as my night routine products) on my face, neck, décolletage, and hands as they all show age equally. Your face can look great, but if you don’t take care of your hands and neck too, they will be a dead giveaway.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream
Lark Skin Co Coffee + Avocado Awakening Under Eye Oil — Local Fave
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer
Tula Skincare Rose Glow and Get it Eye Balm
Night Routine
Products in order:
Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil
Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser
Thayer’s Lavender Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Urban Skin RX Clear and Even Tone Glycolic Pads
Boots No7 Vitamin C &E Facial Capsules
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Youth to the People Adaptogen Spray
Shea Moisture Overnight Facial Oil
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream
Lark Skin Co Coffee + Avocado Awakening Under Eye Oil — Local Fave
Once a week or so, I will use Ole Henriksen Lemonade Scrub and then use a mask. My favorites are Andalou 1000 Roses Mask, Lark Skincare Custom Clay Mask (local fave), and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask.
I also sleep on a satin pillowcase which helps to prevent wrinkles.
Lastly, when the going gets tough, or you just need some pampering, it’s time to head to the professionals. My three favorite places to go for facials are:
Instaglow Spa- with Lauren in Edwardsville, IL
Lark Skincare in Webster Groves, MO
Studio Branca in Creve Coeur, MO
And even though I haven’t been there myself, I have also heard amazing reviews for the Spa at the Four Seasons. It’s on my wish list! Maybe I’ll treat myself to that for my 50th birthday!
What are your favorite go-to products and places?
