What Are Your Holy-Grail Skincare Products?
Our editors, clockwise: Christine Pride, Claudette Hrapski, Kaitlyn Teer, Joanna Goddard, Jannelle Sanchez, and Kelsey Miller
Are you a skincare fan? I absolutely love it — and I love hearing the little details of people’s routines. It’s such a fun peek into someone’s daily life. Our team of editors has a varied mix of skin types and challenges. Today, we figured we’d share our daily skincare rituals (and we’d love to hear yours)…
How would you describe your skin type?
Claudette: Acne-prone. From age 12 to 34, I dealt with painful breakouts and tried almost every treatment. I felt so insecure when it flared up, especially because it was hard to hide. I had a few clear stretches over the years (like during pregnancy or after Accutane), but it was only a few years ago that I finally figured out my acne triggers and a routine that works for me. (Basically, cut out dairy; more on that below.)
Christine: In magazine parlance, “normal-to-dry.” In the parlance of my girlfriends and me: “Black don’t crack.” Melanin does as much work as any expensive serum to keep my skin fairly wrinkle-free.
Jannelle: Combination. I always have some shine on my forehead and nose by the afternoon. I don’t really mind, but if I’m going out for a special occasion, I’ll bring setting powder in my purse.
Joanna: Very fair and ruddy. I’m always blotchy when I wake up in the morning. Also, with perimenopause, my skin is shifting a lot right now, so my skincare routine has been shifting, too.
Kaitlyn: Dry, especially in the colder months.
Kelsey: Reactive. She reddens, she clogs, she scars if you even look at her funny. Frankly, my skin is a total diva.
What’s your morning skincare routine?
Claudette: I have a special skincare plan that my esthetician from Acne Clinic NYC created for me six years ago! In the morning, it’s simple: exfoliating serum and hydrating gel.
Christine: Nothing, really — it’s a miracle if I remember to wash my face. That’s a hazard of working from home; there’s so little motivation.
Jannelle: I have three kids under five, so personal time is limited. On busy mornings, all I do is rinse my face with cold water and dab on CeraVe cream — it’s my go-to moisturizer because it’s hydrating, fragrance-free, and cheap!
Joanna: This winter, my skin got dry and blotchy, so much so that I’d wake up with little red bumps, almost like a rash. My dermatologist’s theory was that my cleanser was stripping my face, so she suggested switching to the very simple Vanicream. It cleared up my skin right away, and my boys now use it, too. After cleansing, I use INNBeauty Extreme Cream, which is super creamy and hydrating. I started using it a few months ago, and it’s working really well for me. My skin finally feels glowy again!
Kaitlyn: I typically cleanse during my morning shower. A couple times a week, I also apply a clay mask to my T-zone and let it do its thing while I get dressed and make coffee. After rinsing it off, my skin feels extra fresh and clean.
Kelsey: Every night, I rinse my face and dry with a clean towel. If my skin feels cranky, I’ll soothe it with Summer Friday’s Jet Lag mask/moisturizer. That stuff zaps redness like nobody’s business. I finish with a thin layer of polyglutamic acid serum. It’s incredible and has an instant smoothing effect on skin texture (see: scars). It’s a million times better than any primer I’ve tried, and I use it even on no-makeup days because it also keeps me hydrated, with zero stickiness or shine.
What do you use for sun protection?
Claudette: On my face, I use this tinted mineral sunscreen. For my body, I like this sport one. Both are acne-safe! I’m really careful about the ingredients in my beauty products and run everything through a pore-clogging checker before buying.
Christine: I’m very bad at sunscreen. Very bad. As in…I never use it, ever. (The shame!)
Jannelle: I used to be a SuperGoop gal, but it made my skin feel oily. I switched to Beauty Pie two years ago, and I really like its matte finish. Also: hats!
Joanna: I like lots of different sunscreens, but one I always go back to is Vacation because I LOVE the scent. Another favorite is EltaMD, which never irritates my sensitive skin.
Kaitlyn: I spend a ton of time outdoors and reach for Trader Joe’s daily facial sunscreen every day. It’s clear, unbelievably lightweight, absorbs easily, and has a subtle-but-nice scent. Skin cancer runs in my family, and I’ve had a few scares myself, so I keep this sunscreen in our bathroom, in my purse, and in the car.
Kelsey: Most sunscreens make me break out horribly. In the winter, I use Ilia’s Skin Tint with SPF 40. But summer is coming, and I need the hardcore stuff that’ll stay put through sweaty commutes and beach days. Any recs?
What’s your personal hero product?
Claudette: I don’t really believe in hero products! I’ve seen the best results from sticking to a consistent, boring routine. I’m not very fun to talk beauty with; if someone recommends something new, I’m like, ‘No, I already know what works for me.’ I’ve got my system.
Christine: I’ve recommended these exfoliating pads so many times, I deserve a spokeswoman gig: M-61 PowerGlow Peel. Years ago, when I first tried them, my skin got a noticeable glow. Instant results? Sold!
Jannelle: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I get blemishes during my period, but I can’t use most acne products because I’m allergic to some of the common ingredients. This stuff always takes care of stubborn pimples without causing a reaction.
Joanna: I know I’m a broken record, but Vacation sunscreen doubles as a fragrance, and I get so many compliments on it. My whole family is obsessed with the scent. We even bought the Vacation air freshener for our car because we love it so much.
Kaitlyn: My friend gave me a jar of calendula salve after my daughter was born, saying it was good for diaper rash. My kids are now (thankfully) out of diapers, but that salve is so great that I still keep it on hand for kitchen burns, dry skin, etc. My whole family has a cold right now, and it’s healing all our red, tissue-chapped noses.
Kelsey: Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser. It’s an excellent exfoliator, and the longer you leave it on, the more it works (in the shower, I’ll let it sit on my face for a couple minutes while washing the rest of my body). I use it a couple times a week, because as with most “brightening” products (and it is genuinely brightening), it can make me a little pink if I overdo it.
What does your evening routine look like?
Claudette: I usually shower before bed and use this body wash. Then I’ll wash my face with an oil-free cleanser, do a quick second cleanse with micellar water, use a hydrating gel, and finish with Vaseline on my lips. I also wash my pillowcases every two or three days so I’m not sleeping on anything dirty (especially since I only wash my hair once or twice a week!).
Christine: I try not to overthink skincare, so I stick to a three-step routine: wash (Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser), tone (Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion), and moisturize (Sunday Riley Vitamin C Cream). This combo (plus the PowerGlow pads a couple times a week) keeps my skin in balance — and I like that it’s a mix of high and low. Aveeno is a solid drugstore brand, while Sunday Riley is a splurge for me — but that’s kind of the point. It’s a treat for my skin, and I love the luxurious texture and scent.
Jannelle: If I’m wearing makeup, I’ll remove it with micellar water. (I started using it after reading Chloe Hall’s beauty uniform, and I now I can’t NOT use it.) I feel a difference when I skip this step, and the difference is not good! Then I use my ride-or-die Cetaphil cleanser, which I’ve been devoted to since I was a teenager. It makes my skin feel squeaky clean but never dried out. After that, I’ll put on a nice layer of CeraVe moisturizer, drink a glass of water, and call it a night.
Joanna: I wash with Vanicream cleanser again (I keep one bottle in the shower and one by the sink). Once a week I’ll use a Korean exfoliator, which I love because I can actually feel the dead skin sloughing off. My skin is SO smooth after. Then I finish with the same INNBeauty moisturizer, and that’s that.
Kaitlyn: Every night, I like to press a warm, wet washcloth to my face for a few seconds. Holding the heat over my closed eyes is such a comfort, especially if I’ve had a long day. If I’m feeling responsible, I’ll follow it up with a night cream, which is formulated for mature skin, as they say.
Kelsey: I wash my face in the shower, alternating my beloved Indie Lee with La Roche-Posay’s Foaming Cleansing Oil (I know foaming ≠ cleansing, but I need the foam). I use a glycolic acid toner a few times a week. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum is my favorite treatment product (it does everything — fades sun damage, evens tone, makes me look more awake), but it’s pricey, so I don’t always have it. Moisturizers are my splurge. I love Caudalie’s Premier Cru Cream and Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream, which are both super hydrating but never clog or irritate my skin.
What’s the biggest skincare lesson you’ve learned?
Claudette: What I eat really affects my skin. Years ago, I spent four months working with an esthetician to figure out my personal acne triggers. For me, dairy products cause breakouts, and I can almost always tell within a few days if I’ve accidentally eaten some.
Christine: I hate facials! It took two of them before I realized that, for me, they aren’t relaxing at all, and I don’t enjoy people touching my face. I’ve also learned to accept that I’m just not a product fiend. I like the stuff I like, and I’ll probably be using it until I die — the same way my mom’s been using her Noxema for 65+ years.
Jannelle: Sleep makes a HUGE difference. If I haven’t had a good night’s rest, my skin feels so dry and flaky. Of course, we can’t always control how much sleep we get (I’m currently waking up to breastfeed three times a night), but if I have an event where I want to feel my best, I try to go to bed early for a few nights leading up to it. I swear, getting those extra hours makes my skin brighter.
Joanna: As a teenager, I’d sunbathe on my dad’s back deck in Michigan (it was the ’90s!), and I’d sometimes get sunburned. My twin sister was the opposite: she’d douse herself in sunscreen and wear long sleeves to the beach! Decades later, you can see the difference. Her skin is like cream. Now I tell every teenager I know to wear sunscreen.
Kaitlyn: Not to sound like a habit-stacking bro, but what works for me is keeping my cleanser and face scrub in the shower. Seeing the scrub in the shower helps me remember to use it once a week.
Kelsey: Dehydrated is not the same as dry. You can pile on the moisturizer, but if you don’t exfoliate and get the dead skin and makeup residue off your face, it’s not going to do anything but sit there and build up. That is the recipe for upset skin. Oh, and everything they told us about drinking water is true.
What does your own routine look like these days? Any hero-products we should check out?
P.S. 8 readers share photos of when they felt beautiful, and one beauty product we always finish.
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Comments
146 commentsGarnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Invisible Face Serum, I wear it every day mixed with a few drops of glossier skin tint (another holy grail, which I discovered via Cup of Jo) and my skin feels great, looks brighter and is being protected! I get really dry skin on my torso and picked up First Aid Kit Beauty’s Bump Eraser on a whim and it has done an amazing job – my skin hasn’t been this smooth and itch free for more than a decade!
Second what Alison said- a very simple routine, done consistently, made the biggest difference for me. I do a calming toner, snail mucin essence, then a gel moisturizer morning and night, and sunscreen when I’m going outside. My skin has never looked better and it take me 1 minute. I used to try all the things and my skin was always aggravated. I also have two little guasha brushes I use for a couple of minutes and it really depuffs and wakes me up.
Currently obsessed with the ROC firming serum stick in the gray bottle. My 53 year old hands and neck have never looked better. Seriously! Started using it in January, and my other half cannot believe my old lady hands look SO good. My other product is the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm with SPF and B5 I believe. I use this at night. makes my skin feel so soft.
Trader Joes Daily Facial Sunscreen. It’s a gel sunscreen that is a dupe for Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, and only $8.99. I wear it every day!
Putting this out there for anyone with my incredibly difficult skin type (quite oily, extremely clog prone, hormonal cystic acne, melasma, acne scarring): Clinique cleanser (level 2 or 3) and toner (level 3 – the pink one) morning and night, followed by Naturium niacinamide + zinc serum. At night, I add a thin layer of La Roche Posay Effaclar BPO on my problem areas, where I tend to get cystic acne. This product is applied before the Naturium serum. My daily foundation, the only one that does not break me out, is Jane Iredale pressed powder SPF 20. It’s mineral and talc free. I also drink spearmint tea. Hope this helps someone out there! P.S. I started the Clinique after I realized this is what my mom used my whole childhood, and she has my skin type but is always clear. Sometimes mom really does know best!
The Daily Essential (@thedailyessentialco on IG) is my holy grail skincare line! It’s oil-based, gentle, and so good for your skin. Plus, it’s the only thing that has transformed my rosacea to the point that I actually don’t wear foundation anymore. 1,000% recommend!
After over a decade of misdiagnosed acne and everyone telling me to cut out sugar or try a miracle face wash, my holy grail skin care product is an 80ml Humeria injection every fortnight. Sometimes it’s not about our self care but actual real medical needs.
Psoriatic arthritis? I was just diagnosed a couple months ago. I’ve heard great things about Humeria!
The Ursa Major Golden Hour cream is incredible!
+1! I look forward to putting this on my face every day. (I’m also a fan of their vitamin C serum and lip balm.)
I was never a skin care girly but since Perry menopause, I find my face is so dry! So I have started more of a routine just so my skin can feel good. I love Trader Joe’s, Marula Oil Cream Cleanser and the Marula Oil which, according to the Internet are dupes for drunk elephant. Both are super moisturizing and are such a steal. I also love Ursa Majors Golden hour but only at night because I find it can pill a little during the day it’s a little more of a splurge, but it makes my face happy I also love super goop super tint for tinted sunscreen every day.
I’m 44 have sensitive skin but have found my perfect routine and my skin looks amazing , Medik8 Crystal Retinal every evening followed with Cerave pm moisturizer , mornings Medik8 Vitamin C every few days and korean Beauty of Joseon fresh sunscreen every day . Thats pretty much it .Wash face in the evenings with hidrating cerave cleanser . Its simple and not too expensive but works for me.
The Medik8 Retinal is sooooo good
Man, am I losing my mind or did Christine not swear by beauty stat vitamin c in a recent post??
She did, in February (of this year).
Alison: I want you to know that you helped me clear up my acne for good, and it is *SUCH* a gift, honestly a bit life-changing. I too had suffered from acne throughout my adult years, never terrible, but usually a few pimples, which was so frustrating, especially into my 30’s. I saw you post somewhere about going to a specific place and getting specific products, and I found one near me and it has made a HUGE difference. I now rarely, if ever, break out, which is a total game changer after breaking out most of my adult life. Truly one of my most impactful discoveries ever thanks to the internet. Thank you!!
Omg, this made my day. So happy to hear this! It’s one of those things that’s impossible to explain unless you’ve been through it.
I’m a big Drunk Elephant fan. I love their T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (use every night) and their T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial (once a week). Tula products are my other favorite to use daily!
I have rosacea, so my recent skin care has been all about protecting my skin and trying to reduce the rosacea, trying to prevent breakouts. I use Cetaphil gentle cleanser and Rocky Mountain soap co eye cream morning and night, I alternate between two prescription face creams at night (one whole tube of one, one tube of another), and in the am I use La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane sensitive SPF cream. I had been using an amazing gel for rosacea and it was discontinued, I drove around the city and bought as much as I can and that’s all gone now (sob!) but that SPF cream is working well. I wear very little makeup and my coverup does okay over that cream and the eye cream. I did see a dermatologist once for the rosacea, but she didn’t have anything to recommend beyond what I’m already using. Also: hats! Hats to prevent sun damage and that will also help reduce flair ups.
I mentioned this to another commenter and will repeat as often as possible, laser for rosacea. It’s life changing. It’s expensive but it’s worth it. It saved me from office copays trialing more prescription options makeup etc. also it gave me comfort. When it flares up it feels like a flame. I do one session and then don’t need another for years.
I would love to know which laser treatment works for you – is it IPL?
I try to spread the word as much as possible to my fellow acne-prone girlies: the ordinary azelaic acid cleared up my skin FOR GOOD. I started using it while pregnant, and it cleared up my hormonal acne. I have gotten like, three pimples in the past three years since I started using it? And I dab some on, and it dries it up in two days max. I know skin is so personal, but I really recommend it to anyone struggling with acne. I even use it on body acne; works like a charm! I also put straight bio oil on my face as a moisturizer, and my skin loves it. La Roche Posay “dry touch” 60 SPF face and body sunscreen is the GOAT for daily sunscreen.
Yes to azelaic acid – the only thing that has cleared up my combination sensitive skin/middle age acne! I feel like this stuff is under-promoted and such a gentle perfect fix for certain skin types
Is the azelaic acid something you use every day ? Is it a spot treatment other than an all over lotion?
I like Ora’s Amazing Herbal products, formulated by a mom for her daughter’s eczema, but all around wonderful for anybody. Quality products at good prices, excellent customer support.
My face savior is The Ordinary azelaic acid! It fixed my weird hormonal perimenopause chin acne, faded my old acne scars and sun spots, and eliminated the perioral dermatitis I (unfortunately) got from the tretinoin. My skin is softer and more clear than ever since I started using azelaic acid. I’ve tried a ton of products (albeit lower budget and somewhat lazy), but my daily routine now consists of Burt’s bees chamomile face wash, azelaic acid, and cerave cream twice a day – and sunscreen in the morning. I’d love to try the tret again because I have more leftover and I’ve heard such great things, but my skin totally freaked out. I also have tried and liked the InnBeauty extreme cream, but it’s a bit pricey for me and I find the cerave works just as well for a moisturizer :)
everyday oil for cleansing, vitamin c for brightness, and the champion of all champs before bed: A313. nothing works like it, nada.
How do you stop your skin from itching with the A313 on? My face gets soooo itchy!
Re: the A313, I find it less itchy when I wait for my face to dry completely after cleansing (I’ve been told the water makes it easier for the A313 to penetrate the skin, causing unnecessary sensitivity and itching). You could also try applying it over a buffer layer of moisturiser to reduce redness and sensitivity.
Perimenopausal, acne-prone, sensitive, freckle face here. Hi, hi, hello. While I live for a good skincare recommendation (this post is a freakin’ bonanza), my most beloved and effective methods and rituals for keeping my face as fresh and clear as possible are not product-based; they’re practice-based. Gua sha (learn from Lanshin on Instagram), and fascia massage (Anastasia Beauty Fascia on YouTube) are my oracles. Nothing hydrates from within, relaxes tight muscles, eliminates stagnation, and perks everything up like methodically moving all your tissues around. And it feels sooooo goooood! Investing time, not money, has been a massive game-changer for me.
I’ve tried to get into skincare a few times over the past few decades, but my skin is so sensitive that most everything I tried flared it up. I’ve had acne rosacea since I was a teen — I’m in my mid-30s now — and after more than a handful of derm visits and LOTS of time on Reddit, I finally have a very simple routine that keeps my skin happy 95% of the time. If I abandon my routine, my rosacea flares… AM: Rinse with water Mist with HOCL spray 2 drops of rosehip seed oil *No sunscreen for me unless I’m planning to spend the day outdoors. I was diagnosed with a type of scarring alopecia a few years ago that’s been loosely linked to chemicals in chemical sunscreen. So I try to stay away from that. My eyebrows are patchy because of it — they come and go — and mineral sunscreen messes up my eyebrow pen, so I just wear hats or stay out of the sun if possible. PM: Micellar water to remove eyebrow makeup Dr. Bronners Baby Castile Soap as my cleanser Warm water Mist of HOCL spray 3 drops of rosehip oil HOCL spray is my holy grail of product. Stops my rosacea in a it’s tracks. My backup holy grail product is a sulfur mask. Also helps but doesn’t smell great. 10 mins every night kept my rosacea managed, but never really made it disappear.
Okay Complete since I was a teenager
Jojoba oil is my miracle product. I remove make up with it, I cleanse with Trader Joe’s cleanser, and then I moisturize with jojoba oil. It has transformed my VERY sensitive skin. At night I slather a thick layer of vaseline under my eyes, and on my lips. My skin feels so hydrated in the morning. I turned 40 this year and have been learning that less is more. Also, never underestimate the power of regular orgasms. It always gives my skin a real glow!
I can also attest to “that O glow”!
I heartily second jojoba oil! I have acne-prone, sensitive skin, and jojoba is a non-pore-clogging angel of mercy. I like to slather my face in it to remove makeup and sunscreen, then use a warm damp washcloth (a la Kaitlyn’s night ritual) to steam and wipe it off.
Terrible problems with my skin until I had kids and it seemed to settle my hormones down, but now in my 40s things are flaring up again. To the people proud that they don’t have or need a skin care routine, what a huge privilege you have there. What money you’re saving, and time, and energy. Be grateful for it every day that genetics worked out like that for you.
I use Youth to the People’s Superfood Cleanser morning and night, then follow with either a serum (COSRX snail mucin) or a moisturizer (CeraVe or The Ordinary), depending on what my skin needs that day – sometimes it’s oilier, sometimes drier. I can’t be bothered with complicated skincare routines. I have the time (single, no kids), but not the patience. At night, the faster I can get into bed with a book, the better :)
I also use YTTP superfood cleanser and I love it, it feels nourishing and doesn’t dry out my skin. Remember to leave cleanser on your face for 30 seconds so it has time to do it’s job!
Are yall on the Cup of Jo team still buddies with Adina Grigore? I think I learned of her, her book, and SW Basics here?? and I still love their products, especially the exfoliant which is made just of oat flour, almond flour, and sea salt. I also learned from Adina the magic of NOT using a facial cleanser and just rinsing your face with water, I think because so many cleansers are drying. On my non-makeup days, I still do that! And on my make up days, I just a very basic facial bar soap.
I love the SW Basics Cream as an under eye and lip lotion. Nothing works as well.
My holy grail product is generic Afrin. When I asked my derm for a recommendation for redness, she said she could give me a prescription and it would cost a zillion dollars (it’s cosmetic and insurance won’t cover), or I could go to Dollar Tree and get a generic nasal spray to use as a toner. I chose the second option, and have been doing this for a year and my face has never looked better.
whaaaaat? i need to know more!
Super duper simple. I use anywhere from 2-4 sprays directly into my palm, pat it in like a toner and then continue with my routine — UpCircle peptide serum, LilyAna Naturals retinoid cream (recently recommended by Wirecutter!) and UpCircle hydrating face oil. Both morning and night. I have loved this process and feel like I have a hidden gem! Thanks to my derm NP!
A dermatologist recommended mixing afrin with cerave lotion pm ro my husband for rosacea. It worked. You can just pour some afrin into the moisturizer bottle.
Wow this is blowing my mind and this is why I read the CoJ comments!!!
am: rinse with water, Missha Time Revolution essence (hydrating enough to not need a moisturizer! have used for years and love it) + Torriden Dive In Watery Moisture sunscreen (feels like nothing!) + this supergoop eye cream with SPF pm: cleanse with La Roche Posay cleanser, Torriden Dive In serum, Celimax retinol + sheet mask 1x a week or so! unfortunately, the Ordinary, as an estee lauder product, is level 2 BDS
has anyone had success getting rid of melasma? I’m seeing lots of recos floating on the clock app but would love to hear thoughts from real humans!
Hi Chloe! What helped mine a ton: consistently using Sunday Riley Good Genes (or a dupe), and you probably know you have to be RELIGIOUS about sunscreen, but what I didn’t know one fateful summer is that is has to be mineral- the other kind not only won’t work it makes melasma worse!! Xo
I went to my derm and got it lasered off! Expensive but it actually worked. Also I find that trentinoin helped with spots.
I got a prescription for hydroquinone from Musely, and I use it 1 month on, two months off.
I had 2 IPL facials (infrared pulse light) in 2023 and since that investment, have been totally diligent about reapplying facial sunscreen during the day (even just to drive somewhere quick in the afternoon). I really didn’t notice the difference for a long time, but now when I look at pictures of my skin when I became concerned about the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks, compared with now…it’s like night and day. I never wear foundation either. The 2 IPL facials (which cost $400 each) were the re-set I needed to transform the even-ness of my skin.
the Mother Science Hero Serum faded my melasma better and faster than any other serum I’ve ever tried and it doesn’t make your skin more sun sensitive so you can even use it in the summer.
What has helped my most is tranexamic acid pills (I get from Musely). I did a spot cream from them three years ago and since then use the pills which has chilled out my pigment reactive skin such that I don’t stress out about it or do any other pigment related skincare. I just do tinted sunscreen and hats but not much else and no more feeling I need to obsess or hide from the sun.
Must disagree with Jessica Clare that it is not at all necessary for sunscreen to be mineral to be effective for melasma. Tinted is great, UVA protection, look for PA ++++. What you use enough of, reliably and reapply is what is important. If heat is a trigger, be aware of that so you can avoid that.
I enjoyed these simple routines. Thanks! Also, the number of people who comment “i’m often mistaken for someone 10 years younger” seems statistically impossible. Maybe different people just have different skin!
Right – I feel like everyone looks their age.
Or people are lying to them (eek- sorry!)
One of the best things I ever decided to do was to just buy the nice stuff that I liked and worked with my skin, and never stray. I use all Marie Veronique products – cleanser, hypotonic, vitamin C, retinol, and SPF – and stock up on a year’s worth of items during their big holiday sale. It’s my Christmas gift, which is how I feel better about spending that much on skincare all at once, but the bulk/holiday discount really makes a dent in the overall cost, plus I can stock my medicine cabinet like my own little skincare store. I feel so secure knowing I have all of my products for the year lined up and ready to go! (Regardless of your price point, though, the main point is to find what you like and what works and stick with that! Too easy to get caught up in experimenting with the latest products…)
I love all of this – thank you! Really like the insight about pillowcases, especially for teens. On that note – could we get a post on tips for teens? Especially boys!! I grew up with Clearsil – I remember a roll-on stick that absolutely had to be gross for me since I don’t recall religiously washing my face (save for Clean & Clear Astringent on cotton balls) as I was clueless. Add it to barely drinking water because early 90s and all the Twinkies/foods to constipate because early 90s and my skin was a mess. Now my oldest boy is 12 and I’m staring down worry as his skin changes. He’s not on social media to get “tips” and there’s only a younger brother in the picture/no helpful sibling. It’s all me. No locker room moments, either, to maybe witness others. Have him wash his face with what, and what’s the latest pimple strategy? those medicated stick-ons at night?
Cerave face wash
A friend with boys recommended the Cerave acne line- the foaming cleanser and then the retinol cream. The cleanser bleaches towels (Benzoyl peroxide in it)! But If you have white towels this shouldn’t be a problem. My 14 year old son has been finding this works really well to keep his skin clear.
My son is 13 and we have found a good combo for him- Cetaphil acne cleanser, Thayer’s facial toner, and a CeraVe daily lotion. Sometimes he will use one of the Peace Out pimple patches at night- he said he likes those better than the Mighty Patch ones. I am proud that he is very consistent with it and can tell a difference if he is not for a few days (he will not do this when he is away from home, especially if he’s with other kids his age!)
Kelsey, I feel so seen – same skin here! I’ve been using CeraVe hydrating mineral sunscreen tinted and find that it actually *soothes* my freaked out red cheeks. I also use Vanicream bar soap and LaRoche Cicaplast balm. Some rosehip oil to feel a little fancy.
I have finally found what works for me. I know it works because lately strangers have been shocked when they learn my age. For example, a grocery store employee peeped my ID when I was buying wine and said, “What? You were born in 1977?! I want to do what you’re doing!” A lab technician said “48?! I thought you were 28!” (FYI I definitely think I look older than 28.) And when I leased a car, the guy said, ‘I thought you were a lot younger and I never say that to anyone.” Here’s what I use: Frownies everything. Their serum, their Gentle Lifts, their Chin-Ups (I also use the serum on my face), and their eye cream. My eye area definitely still has wrinkles, but much less so. And the cream has actually (slowly) lifted my droopy eyelids. I was not expecting that! The products are all cruelty-free. I think this is the third time I’ve been in the Cup of Jo comments raving about Frownies, and I swear I’m not getting a kickback. I just don’t want to gate-keep! Oh, and I’ve always struggled with acne. It got much better when I started washing my face with only water. If I do feel zit coming on, I have several plans of attack. I recently discovered by accident that if I have a surface zit and apply some peptide serum from a Frownies Chin-Up it will VANISH with astonishing speed. If I’m getting a deep painful zit and it hasn’t reared its ugly head yet, I apply gel Campho Phenique and it will never come to the surface. Other tricks are rubbing a slice of lemon (very effective for body acne) or dabbing a bit of Tend Skin on the spot. Finally, I use those Miracle Patches mostly just because they prevent me from picking my skin. Sorry for writing a novel, but skincare is my jam!
okay, sold!!
Best skin care advice: use sunscreen. Use it every day. I know that this is more of a beauty thread but I’m a sunscreen evangelist/melanoma survivor who found a new mole at age 30 and thankfully had a it checked out. I grew up in the 70s and 80s by the beach and was told tans looked healthy. Now I’m paying the price. If you worry about future wrinkles and sunspots, wear sunscreen. If you want to avoid mole removal scars, wear sunscreen. If you want to do something to avoid cancer, wear sunscreen . Pretty please protect yourself.
Jannelle, I’m right there with you regarding the ultimate duo, Cetaphil cleanser and CeraVe moisturizer. I even buy the tubs from Costco and slather that CeraVe all over my face.
Kelsey! sounds like my skin type is similar to yours, and most sunscreens break me out too. I recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50 (geez, what a mouthful). I’ve been using it for about a year now and it doesn’t seem to clog my pores at all! it’s not too pricey, so worth a try if you haven’t yet.
Ooh, thank you! I’ve heard so much about this one!
Cosign that one! Also Korean sunscreens just in general – esfolio Look At Me Cica Sun Cream SPF50 is cute and calming and I have a ‘water’ one that the woman at my local asian beauty store suggested that’s **incredible**.
The holy grail trifecta: retinol, Vitamin C, SPF I just find those ingredients in products that are mostly clean and reasonably priced. Then I support my barrier and keep skin moisturizered. Honestly tough, diet, exercise, sleep and stress management do the heavy lifting
These are the three my dermatologist recommended.
I use Coppertone Baby Pure & Simple all over my body (and my kids’) and on my face in the morning. For reapplication to my face (so I don’t smear my makeup and keep getting greasy) I use Hawaiian Tropic powder sunscreen. I also put it on my hair part so I don’t get a burnt scalp!
Can’t recommend a humidifier next to the bed enough!
Yes!! Simple and so effective. The only downside is the daily upkeep – I need to clean it or it gets that pinkish mold.
Yes Teresa! That was a gamechanger for me in the winter!
YES. I live in northern WI and refuse to sleep without a humidifier between November and April. I’m fanatical and will even schlep it along on trips. My skin and sinuses do not function in northern winters otherwise.
Yes! No matter where you live, if your HVAC makes your inside air dry, a humidifier is great for skin and eyes, nose, and throat. But use distilled water only!
I love Farmacy green clean to clean my face. It really gets everything off but doesn’t dry out my skin. I’m the shower, I keep Aveeno brightening scrub. Cheap and effective. I like Maelove for my retinol and glycolic acid night items (I alternate), and a vitamin C/antioxidant serum. Moisturizer I’ve found Kiehls ultra rich facial cream to be the best for me – sooo creamy and hydrating. In the summer sometimes I’ll use Neutrogena hydro boost instead – it’s a cooling gel and feels amazing when it’s hot outside. Have been using all of these for years.
My routine: Rinse with water, apply CeraVe moisturizer. Same thing morning and night. I don’t use a face cleanser. If I am wearing extra makeup for an event I’ll use a baby wipe or almond oil to remove it. I am fascinated by the products everyone uses and do enjoy reading about the routines but this is a ‘good for her, not for me’ sitch!
I have skin like Kelsey’s (but not as nice!) and sunscreen is so difficult. Trying Attitude for body this summer bc I don’t like Blue Lizard for every day and Clarins UV for face bc it’s oil-free. Fingers crossed! My one product I never change is Cetaphil hydrating cleanser.
My go-to cleanser is L’Bri, which is aloe vera as the number one ingredient. You have to buy it from a salesperson or their website, but it’s incredible. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, just a primer so I’m not so shiny and I fill in my eyebrows. I’m 57 and have always washed my face at night and I bet I’ve only skipped it once a year or less. I’ve recently started using INNBeauty cream on Jo’s recommendation, which I’m loving for the lifting effect on my baby jowls. And I swear by Burt’s Bees acne blemish stick for my large pores—it makes any pimples disappear within the day! I also swear by Loreal
I’m 57 and I’ve been told I look in my 40s. My go-to cleanser is L’Bri, which is aloe vera as the number one ingredient. You have to buy it from a salesperson or their website, but it’s incredible. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, just a primer so I’m not so shiny and I fill in my eyebrows. I’ve always washed my face at night and I bet I’ve only skipped it once a year or less. I’ve recently started using INNBeauty cream on Jo’s recommendation, which I’m loving for the lifting effect on my baby jowls. And I swear by Burt’s Bees acne blemish stick for my large pores—it makes any pimples disappear within the day! I also swear by Loreal Age Perfect Eye Cream, been using it for years. I do Botox but only once per year (they recommend every 3 months… no way does that seem necessary!) and only on my 11s between my brows— when I see these creases it’s all I can focus on and I hate them, so this is my one splurge, as it makes me feel better. I know I should wear sunscreen, but they all seem to sting and not wash off, so I wear hats instead as a compromise.
I would like to say that I deeply regret spending several hundred dollars a month on skin care and makeup in my 30’s and 40’s. I have come to realize that simple, inexpensive products work just as well. I use rosewater for a toner and Vanicream for moisturizer, and they don’t irritate my sensitive skin, feel good after I apply them, and cost almost nothing. I spent so much money on a special cream by Lancome that promised to protect my skin from forming the little vertical lines that appear on the upper lip. Um, nope. Of course I have them, it’s a natural part of the aging process. Now that I am in my late 60s, if I could do things differently, I would have invested all of those thousands of dollars instead.
SPF 50, baby!
I have had highly sensitive skin skin since a botched microneedling session a year ago. I cleanser in the evening with CeraVe SA cleanser, apply Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist and Dr Althea 147 Barrier Cream. I don’t cleanse in the morning, but use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and Danessa Myricks serum skintint. When I use any other other products, even so-called post-prodedure products from SkinCeuticals, my skin becomes red and bumpy.
At 50 I realized that prescription RETINOL (tretinoin or Tazarotene) is the only thing that visibly makes a difference to aging or complexion. Start with Medik8 retinal (you will be lost on a rabbit hole on retinoids. If you want the short version start with Medik8 retinals, work your way up to the strongest one and then move to tretinoin/tazarotene if you have dry skin. For tougher skins start directly with tretinoin). There are many youtubes or “famous” derms online that offer free advice on how to get used to tretinoin. Follow religiously and use the “sandwich” method. You can start it at 25 and it will literally age you backwards. Don’t spend money on moisturizers, get something cheap like Cerave etc Use a VIT C serum in the morning (Medik8 does a great one) And PEPTIDES before retinol at night (again Medik8 does a great one) That’s it. Not many products or 73 steps – it can actually get your skin inflamed and create dermatitis. Do microneedling or chemical peels if you want to step it up. I started following Mrs.Derm on Instagram – don’t like her aesthetics or the surgeries, but she talks no-BS about skincare.
Great, accurate advice from a 53 year old!
This is helpful, thank you. Can I ask for more info about the peptides before the retinol? I thought the general rule was apply products from thinnest to lightest … I have had terrible results from using retinol, horrible redness and flakiness even from a tiny amount once a week. I go serum, wait like 20 mins for it to absorb, then retinol, then night cream. Are you saying I might have better luck if I switch the order?! Also, I use Avene which is sensitive skin friendly, but perhaps you know something about Medik8 and sensitive skin that I don’t….? Also, vit c for the win. I feel weird putting it on during the day because it doesn’t like sun, and I know despite my best efforts of applying and reapplying SPF, sun WILL still hit my face. So I use it at night, also because of above stated retinol problems. Anyone else?
I love skincare! I’ve tried so many things for my sensitive, highly reactive skin over the years. The most soothing and barrier-repairing products I’ve found have been Korean (and the best sunscreens!!) This cleanser gently exfoliates and makes my skin feel SO clean (without feeling stripped) and smells goregous too: https://arencia.us/products/arencia-fresh-green-mochi-cleanser (also available at target/sephora/amazon) This essence lasts FOREVER because you just need a little for your skin to feel absolutely quenched. https://www.target.com/p/haruharu-wonder-black-rice-probiotics-barrier-essence-4-05-fl-oz/-/A-94743155 And my holy grail sunscreen that never breaks me out–feels like nothing on the skin. https://a.co/d/09EgEvuS
Recovering skin-obsessed magnifying mirror skin squeezer picker here. Simple is best for me and I can’t handle scent. A.M. – Often nothing at all or just splash water on my face, spritz of Mario Badescu rose water, and slop on on plain moisturizer (Trader Joe’s oil-free one in the summer, Cetaphil moisturizing cream or Marcelle moisture cream – a great Canadian brand – in the winter) P.M. – I’m a night time showerer (LOVE my night time shower) so I use a warm wet washcloth (fresh one everyday) and Cerave cleanser (2 for 1 priced at Costco). Then, when I get out, a bit of micellar water on a cotton pad to get eye make-up off. Next, it’s Mario Badescu rose water (obsessed with that, love all the scents but the original is best), L’Oréal Revitalift hyaluronic acid serum and then whatever kind of moisturizer I’m feeling – Marcelle, Cetaphil, or one of two L’Oréal ones from their Revitalift line (one is a lovely overnight mask). I endeavor to start wearing sunscreen starting May 1 this yaer. My skin is thin so facials and peels always backfire. Always Vaseline on lips and in my nostrils (nose bleed sufferer plus cold dry winters) and Kamil unscented handcream. Cuticle oil is a nice treat while I watch TV.
I have struggled with flaky textured skin under makeup for years and what finally helped was actually ChatGPT! It actually got me to a place where my makeup lays perfectly and my skin has improved SO much. I have dry skin and struggled with a damaged barrier. I use a lot of products but honestly, my skin has never looked better and is finally not dry. AM – laneige cream skin, Centella, Glowmaker Vitamin C, Rhode Glazing Milk, Prequel Half & Half moisturizer, Kiehls Betterscreen Sunscreen. PM – Always double cleanse. Laneige Cream Skin, Centella. 2 nights per week I use Naturium Azaleic Acid here and 3 nights a week .05% Tret. after I use Biossance Peptides or Rhode Glazing Milk, and finally Cerave Renewing Night Cream. If I’m feeling dry, I’ll put Cicaplast Baum on at the end. It’s a number of steps but it also feels like self care.
This is fascinating! As other commenters mention I noticed the lack of retinol mentions. At 42, this is something I’ve been thinking I should be using, but maybe not! I also noticed how many people do not use a face cleanser in the morning. I think I might be over cleansing my face! Lastly, does anyone dermaplane? I’ve been thinking about trying it. Also micro needling? Are these roads worth going down?
Hi Amanda! I’m also 42! I have been using retino for about a year. I got a prescription from my dermatologist and it costs about $25 a tube. I would recommend starting with a lower concentration and then working up. I now use .05% tret three times per week sandwiched between moisturizer. That seems to be the magic formula for me! I think full dermaplaning was a bit much for my skin, but i do use the dermaplaning tool for my upper lip and the chin hairs that keep popping up!
I can’t be the only one mystified and kinda saddened by this current trend. The $$ my friends and family spend on these products! We all know we are out here aging no matter what right? I feel like we are getting played by the companies again, being sold snake oil for our insecurities :(
100%! I remember watching a documentary in the UK years ago, and they concluded that the only products for which there is scientific evidence to keep skin smooth, taut, cancer-free, etc. are sunscreen and retinol (once an adult). Like you said, we’re too insecure and susceptible to marketing. Thanks, patriarchy! I think people believe slathering on some (often pricey) skincare is easier than changing their behaviour. Avoid sun, drink more water, eat less sugar — spend that time and money a better way!
I think I read a beauty uniform here once where a very brave scientist who was living in Antartica (ou had stayed there for some reason) and who had a Christina Koch amazing vibe said that she used Blue Tin Nivea to moisturize IN ARTARTICA and I, a dry skin girl who in they heights of 20s money and time had a 12-step-moisturizing-routine-with-specific-urea-arm-products decided to use it in my face and BAM – very happy with my 5 € tin and body lotion bottle that I slather on every morning. I make it Nivea 50+ sunscreen in the summer. And when I sleep well and eat well and exercise, I can feel myself exuding that competent, outdoorsy vibe as well.
I’m with you! Decent moisturizer, decent cleanser and high SPF sunscreen is all I use. My mom was the same, and had beautiful, youthful skin her whole life. Sunscreen and no pore-clogging makeup seems to be the key.
Completely agree, absolutely appreciate the comment. I also wonder about this assumption that every one of us has problem skin and we all need routines to solve it. Rarely do I look at a woman’s face and see “problems” with her skin. And what a message for our daughters!
I get where you are coming from, and I don’t know your friends of course, but skin problems on one’s face can be so uncomfortable and difficult to live with. If a product brings relief and healing and helps someone feel better about themselves then I wouldn’t think of it as snake oil. My dermatologist helped me tame an out of control rash that was all over my face and part of that process involved a few deliberately chosen products. The physical and emotional relief I felt was immense. Skin problems can come up in spite of conscientious diet/ sleep/ exercise routines. If you haven’t been through that scenario then you’ve been lucky.
Another Sarah who also thinks this is kinda sad! My mom has Alzheimer’s disease and lives in a secured memory care unit. There is a woman there who has a tight face lift and big filler lips. And she still has dementia, you know? Not exactly the same as lots of products, but related. If this is an idea you’d like to think about more, Jessica DeFino is a neat thinker and good writer.
I agree with everything you’re saying, AND I also feel like beyond the basic products like sunscreen, I think of skincare convos like this almost like discussing nail polish. It’s not totally essential to keep our skin/bodies well, but it’s fun! Especially if we keep in mind that yes, in fact the best things for us are wearing a hat and drinking water.
Listen, I am just as susceptible as the next woman when it comes to skincare, but then I just take a look around at the men who are (mostly) doing nothing and their skin is… fine? And I do think maybe it’s all a big scam.
Wait, Kelsey, explain “foaming ≠ cleansing”! This is new info to me!
I can’t remember when I first learned this, but basically, a cleanser doesn’t need to lather in order to actually cleanse. A lot of common cleansers (and shampoos, toothpastes, detergents, etc.) DO lather, so we tend to think of suds as a necessary part of cleansing, but it’s just an incidental effect! There are some good scientific explainers out there, but I agree, it’s kind of hard to wrap your mind around this after a lifetime of soapy suds! When I say, “I need the foam,” I mean, like, mentally. 😂
I’m about to turn 50, and I recently noticed that the skin under my eyes looks dry and irritated and just OLD. I wash with a gentle facial cleanser (cetaphil) and use Neutrogena moisture every morning. Any recs for something gentle and soothing to put in the under-eye area?
I have had great luck with the Biossance Eye Revival Duo! I’m in my 40’s and it has also improved how my concealer looks. I use it AM and PM.
I’m 42 and I’ve been using Biossance’s Marine Algae Eye Cream for years and love it. It doesn’t sting my eyes or skin. I really like all of their products so I’m hoping to get Samantha’s recommendation as a sample in my next order.
I forgot to mention this in my earlier skin routine comment, but I’ve been swiping the Weleda Skin Food Brightening Serum Stick under my eyes and eye creases and it feels amazing (also easy and quick to use). Definitely recommend!
I’m mid 50s (I note this because my skin care routine was much simpler even just 5ish years ago). AM- splash of water on face, Ursa Major mountain glow serum (this stuff is magic, and in the heart of summer is sufficient as my moisturizer), Ursa Major golden hour recovery cream, Elta MD sunscreen PM- double cleanse with Juno cleansing balm and a microfiber cloth then La Roche Posay gentle cleanser (I reapply sunscreen throughout the day and this is the only way my skin feels cleansed), trentinoin every other night, Ursa Major golden hour recovery cream, Kiehls avocado eye cream, some kind of heavy lip balm like aquafor
I love Ursa Major golden hour recovery cream as well!!
When I click on the Beauty Pie sunscreen (which sounds like just what I need, Supergoop makes me so oily too!) it takes me to the UK page, and when I specify that I’m delivering to the US it only gives me an option for a different sunscreen that’s SPF 30. Jannelle, how do you purchase the SPF 50?? Is there something I’m missing?
Hey Kat! Jannelle is out today, but I’ll run this by her on Monday morning. In the meantime, I poked around the Beauty Pie site, and it seems there is a US version (currently out of stock, which I think is why it’s not immediately popping up). It is SPF 30, and does have a slightly different formula — UK/EU sunscreens often do — but I’m guessing that may be the one Jannelle uses. I’ll update when I get the info from her! Also, FWIW, after this post ran, a friend texted me about my own sunscreen query, saying she highly recommends the Elta MD one that Joanna uses!
hi Kat!! I have the SPF 30 version too and love it!! I just prefer the 50 because it has higher protection: https://www.beautypie.com/us/products/traceless-spf30-mineral-sunscreen-us I’ve also had this sunscreen for the past year and it’s still full of product! So it lasts a really long time! xx
I love talking skincare! I have been acne-prone my whole life, but it’s gotten better with age, and more combination. (I’m almost 48). I was on Accutane twice in my 20s. Add me to the spiranolactone train – it is the ONLY thing that works for my hormonal acne. I am a sunscreen fiend. I used to use Elta MD, but drugstore sunscreens have gotten so much better that now I use Prequel Mineral from Target. It has the slightest pink tint to it, which counteracts the sallowness in my skin. I can only wear mineral sunscreen on my face; nothing avobenzone or oxybenzone or anything like that. Same with Vitamin C – I used to only use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, but there are so many great cheaper, shelf-stable ones out there like MaeLove. AM: Revision Brightening cleanser MaeLove Vitamin C Prequel Mineral sunscreen PM: double cleanse! Farmacy cleansing balm (i’ve tried others – this is the best), then… Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (or Cerave Foaming) Paula’s Choice 2% BHA for exfoliation (a couple times a week) Indie Lee Coq-10 toner (this is actually a spray and it’s SO refreshing and hydrating Retinol .025 Naturium multi-peptide moisturizer, alone OR mixed with a couple drops of Indie Lee squalane face oil
My only real holy grail is Weleda Skin Food. It’s great on my hands, and when I lived in a cold place I’d dab it on my cheeks too to prevent chapping. For zit prevention I rely on the Cetaphil micronized benzoyl peroxide cleanser. It works without drying, and I have my 11 year old using it too to keep her skin clear(er). At night, I oil cleanse with Badger rose oil cleanser or just coconut oil and if I have the patience for a warm wet washcloth, I’m with Kaitlyn- there’s nothing better.
I’m 50 and have stopped buying whatever the hot new skincare product is. I stick to boring (and affordable!) La Roche Posay cleanser, lotion, cream and sunscreen. My splurges are SK-2 (Costco sells it!) because it’s a serious anti aging game changer (and yes it smells like dirty gym socks), and Good Genes by Sunday Riley at night a couple of times per week.
Start with tretinoin – it’s incredible. But make sure you easy yourself into it.
Costco sells SK-II???? Off to research!
-First and foremost, remove all makeup at the end of the day, every single day. Micellar water too drying so I use a cream-based one. Lubriderm does the trick in a pinch and does not irritate eyes, important for contact lens wearers. -I too am on the thin cotton washcloth bandwagon. They are essential: scrubs any remaining makeup away and doubles as an inexpensive, reusable exfoliant. My faves are the IKEA pack of 10 in the baby section. I dry them on bottom of my drying rack and wash a load 1x week on very hot. -Retinol, baby! Serum and night moisturizer. A game changer once I turned 50. -In the morning, hot washcloth to wipe away the retinol fest, then Oil of Olay SPF 15 because it’s weightless and perfect and the smell reminds me of my Mom and Grandma. Then a thin layer of tinted Garnier B&B cream. -For any and all irritations, Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion, always and forever. Though I may need to change my ways given this empire is apparently behind the current administration wanting to buy Greenland. -For my perenially dry hands/feet/elbows, Weleda SuperFood or Mustela Hydrabebe, discovered during the infant years and still always in my bathroom cabinet.
Oh man. What is it about reading other women’s skincare routines that just makes me want to click and devour?? If the team is up for sharing, I’d be really curious to hear everyone’s experience with/thoughts about getting botox/fillers/in-office skin procedures. I’m in my late 30s and haven’t done any of that stuff, and I kind of don’t want to? But I’m also thinking about aging a lot and find it so helpful to read other people’s perspectives on this topic.
I second, Laurel! I’m in my mid 40s and I haven’t done any of it. I have a lot of friends and colleagues who have got that nip/tuck/filler/Botox route, and I do find it noticeable in a not good way :/ Maybe I don’t know about the more subtle interventions? No judgment at all, just curious how others feel, too. Though, I will say that I miss seeing people’s unique features. There’s a very specific look in media today that feels…insincere, maybe? I love a well-lived face. But then, to quote Nora Ephron, “I feel bad about about my neck.” I’ve definitely looked into ways to smooth it. It’s all so nuanced. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
I’m 38 and started doing botox on my forehead and the lines that appear off the corner of my eyes when I smile (I’m sure there’s a word for that!) after my son was born ~2 years ago and I just felt like I looked extra tired, no matter what I did. I worked with my botox lady (in San Francisco – she’s the best!) and we’ve experimented with more and less, and finally found what makes me feel good, and not too ‘stiff.’ It’s definitely a personal preference (you certainly don’t NEED it – and I know I don’t either!) I do also have friends who’ve done fillers (lips and cheeks) but honestly, I’ve heard too many horror stories to give that a try (lips becoming numb, filler clumping and needing to be disolved, etc!) My advice? It’s your face, it doesn’t matter what other people are doing, if it’s not for you, don’t do it :)
I am in my late 50s and have never had any interventions. My skin is pretty good but I don’t think I look much younger than my actual age and I am okay with it. I don’t have the budget for botox, etc. unless I wanted to never travel again. And to be honest, I am probably too old for it. Meaning, botox touch ups here and there on an otherwise aged face would definitely make me look a bit weird.
I’m 46 and never had any kind of injections or interventions, and I don’t plan to do so. I don’t have kids of my own, but I do have young women and children in my circle who need to see that it’s ok for women to age and look tired and they can still be beautiful. I know we’re supposed to say “to each their own” but I just think normalized these procedures is so, so sad and dangerous for our younger generations.
Could not agree more with this from Amanda: I know we’re supposed to say “to each their own” but I just think normalized these procedures is so, so sad and dangerous for our younger generations. And this this this THISSSSS from Diana: I have a lot of friends and colleagues who have got that nip/tuck/filler/Botox route, and I do find it noticeable in a not good way :/ Alllll of this (and GLP1s) is my roman empire. What are we doing to our culture’s beauty standards that are already impossibly high? Would love to see some discussion on these topics here on Cup of Jo!
Pleasantly surprised to see a range of fairly simple skin care routines! I’m almost 48 and have fallen into a multi-step routine with essences, serums, oils, and creams and feeling for the first time in my life that I have to do it all every day. I kind of assumed everyone was doing all the things and it feels like a bit of a relief to see that you’re not!
I had the same thought!
I swear by avocado oil! I just moved to a very dry climate and it’s really helping. I keep it in the shower and I rub it all over once I turn the water off but while I’m still wet. I add a bit to the ends of my hair too and then dry off. For my face I use pacifica’s rose kombucha cleanser (rip!!!) which I stockpiled. Then herbivore bakuchiol serum, trader joe’s hyaluronic acid serum, and boscia cactus water gel moisturizer for day, and vitacilina humectante for night. If my skin feels dry I’ll use origins drink up overnight mask or the no jet-lag one. A few times a week I use the pixi glow tonic to exfoliate too.
I use Vanicream and rosewater on my face and Weleda Skin Food on my hands.
As a skin care nut this was such a fun post and comment section! I’ve recently really cut down on my routine and I’m missing how glowy my skin used to be so I have like 20 tabs of these recs open. a.m.: Garnier micellar water, sometimes this new Hard Candy redness spray I got but feel meh about, Olay SPF 15 which I just can’t quit even though I know I should go higher, it just feels so nice on my skin p.m. Garnier micellar again, whatever random serum I’m playing with (right now Peach Slices for redness), whatever random night cream (I have yet to find The One, currently trialing basic Olay in hopes that I’ll love it as much as the day one but so far I’m indifferent) My holy grail products are mostly masks: https://www.fresh.com/us/skincare/categories/masks/floral-recovery-calming-mask-H00005823.html – so good when you feel dry or irritated, I can even use it on my eye area and lips, and it makes you super soft and dewy https://farmhousefreshgoods.com/products/pajama-paste-face-mask – tingly for a minute, but then really nourishing. Great if you need a glow and a really clean feeling with lots of moisture. I also love the glowy spray toner but I never time my orders right to have it all the time and now it’s out of stock.
Dove soap, morning and evening. Sunscreen (CeraVe or TJ’s) in the morning, CeraVe cream at night. DONE. My (unpopular) hot take is that skin care is essentially a scam, and women of all ages are the target. Aging is the goal!
Couldn’t agree more! Also, I constantly get mistaken for someone ten years younger and people say it’s because of my skin and ask what I use. Sunscreen always, wash with soap in the shower. Drink more water than anyone I know. Done.
Hmmmm
Glad to hear this take, because I feel basically the same and my “skin care routine”, if you can call it that, is to massage a little shampoo foam on my face in the shower in the morning followed by CeraVe or Simple spf 30, and wash my face with warm water and a washcloth in the evening. I wear very little makeup and when I do, I remove it with Simple makeup remover wipes and then wash my face with warm water. My skin looks good and I am often taken for younger than my age. Perhaps I could look even better, but I just don’t want to spend the money and time.
I completely agree, Mathilde. Have you read Jessica DeFino? She has some great articles on these ideas.
I wholeheartedly agree — aging IS the goal, and what a massive privilege it is to be doing it. Growing up, clothing and makeup were much more complicated, shame-fraught things for me, and skincare was (for whatever reason) the one thing that just felt like a purely fun and pleasurable form of self-care. That’s certainly not the case for everyone, but I do know other plus-size women for whom skincare became a refuge, simply because it wasn’t tethered to size or shape. That said, the older I get, the more I have to grapple with the “anti-aging” BS that comes at us from all angles (including our own baked-in biases). For me, skincare is still feels like more of a refuge than a burden, but it takes a lot more effort to keep it as such. It’s definitely something I’m wrestling with.
I think you’re probably right. But what if I just got really lucky in that the skin on my face will still look good with abnormally low maintenance, but other people need it? (Before you get too jealous, my skin everywhere else will scar if you look at it wrong)
I agree with you AND I think there’s a lot of privilege in this take. Women have been told for centuries (probably longer) that beauty is the goal. And “beauty” means “perfect skin,” so those of us with acne, redness, peeling, scars, wrinkles, etc. genuinely don’t feel good in our skin a lot of the time. It can feel soooo difficult when you feel ashamed of your own face, the thing you present first to the world, the thing that everyone sees. I also think Skincare is largely a scam, and there’s no greater privilege than aging, but—at least personally speaking—it can be really, really hard to build the confidence to let go of that idea that nothing is as important as being beautiful/young/fresh-faced/etc.
For the commenters who comment on dairy causing breakouts in their 40s, is it the lactose? Do lactose-free products make a difference? Asking for a … friend of a certain age … who really loves ice cream.
My husband and I have been together for 27 years. Throughout his life his dad owned an icecream truck so he definitely ate a lot of dairy. He has migraines and bad acne for most of his life UNTIL he quit dairy. All of his acne and headaches were gone. Now, just like Alyson said, if he accidentally eats it he gets migraines and a bad breakout. Every body is different, but maybe try it for a few weeks. As for dairy free icecream, he loves the so delicious brand. It is creamy and doesn’t taste weird.
For me, lactose-free products still cause breakouts! As an ice cream lover, I’ve had to taste-test every vegan option in the freezer aisle. Luckily, there are many options!
If you try going dairy-free but need a stellar ice cream option, the Jolly Llama products are incredible. I buy them at Sprouts. Specifically the mint chip cones (same style as the classic Drumstick but happen to be DF & GF, to boot!) — they are so good!!
Thank you so much for the feedback! I’ll try giving it up and trying some of these dairy-free options you guys mentioned. I get migraines frequently, too, though I had thought they were from dehydration.
Omg Kelsey I just love you
Morning and night, I use Pixi glow tonic, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Shiseido Vital Perfection eye cream, and Shiseido Advanced Super Revitalizer (which I have been using since I was in my mid 20s, even though it’s for more mature skin). At night I’ll start with Pharmacy Green Clean if I wore makeup or sunscreen (Shiseido Sun Protector clear stick – I wouldn’t wear this under makeup but it is fantastic when I’m outside long-term, and it’s small enough I can carry it with me and reapply) and end with Clarins Huile Santal. The Advanced Night Repair was a game-changer for my dehydrated skin! It absorbs quickly and calms everything down. I was skeptical because I’ve never had any products from the “big 3” department store brands work for me before (or since), but I’m glad I gave it a chance. (I’ve never noticed any issues using it during the day and I don’t think it has anything in it that would make skin more photosensitive).