I’ve spent years searching for the best supplements and skincare products to support me during my perimenopausal years. As you probably know, finding a good skincare routine can be difficult. This is especially true as we get older. But, after much trial and error, I’ve come up with a simple and effective skincare routine that works for me! No irritation, no breakouts, just slow and steady skin improvement.
These are products I trust, and they’ve earned their place on my bathroom counter. Nothing super expensive—just a modest routine that’s slowly undoing years of sun-damage while keeping my skin healthy and happy.
The Gentle Clean Start: Vanicream Facial Cleanser
We can’t have good skin without a fresh canvas. This cleanser is fragrance-free, gentle, and no residue—just clean, happy skin. I first picked it up YEARS ago after watching this video from Penny with Penn Smith Skincare. Now, I’m hooked. It’s like a faithful friend who never lets you down. Morning and night, this is my go-to.
A Layer of Sunshine: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 – Mineral Sunscreen
If I’m being honest, I find sunscreen annoying, frustrating and tedious, but so very necessary. Can you believe I was almost 40 before I realized the importance of sunscreen? And I’ve spent many beach days completely unprotected while soaking up that sun. Choosing the wrong sunscreen can cause white casts, greasy finishes, and breakouts.
So far, I’m pleased with Vanicream’s Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 – Mineral Sunscreen. It’s lightweight and it doesn’t make me look like a ghost. Just make sure it’s fully absorbed into the skin. With that being said, I’m always on the lookout for a better sunscreen, so please share what you’re using in the comments.
The Glow Getter: MUAC Super C + E Serum for Sun Damaged Skin
Here’s where the magic happens. This serum gives me that “Did you just get a facial?” glow without the price tag. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient known for brightening skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. I use it in the morning after cleansing, and it’s my secret weapon for brighter, smoother skin.
The Night Shift: Medik 8 Crystal Retinal Face Serum
Let’s talk retinal—the gentler cousin of retinol. Retinal works similarly to retinol but converts faster in your skin, meaning it’s often less irritating while still being effective. Medik 8 is the third Vitamin A derivative I’ve tried and I think I’ll be sticking with this one for awhile.
Their formula has been very effective for me, but not aggressive, which means no peeling, no irritation, just gradual improvement. My skin texture is smoother, and I’ve noticed fine lines looking a little less prominent. This one is used at bedtime. If you’d like to receive 20% off, your first order, click here.
Moisture Magic: Medik 8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
A good moisturizer is like a cozy blanket for your skin, and Medik 8’s Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream fits the bill. It’s rich but not heavy, hydrating but not sticky, and it layers beautifully over everything else. Morning and night, this one locks it all in.
Body TLC: AmLactin Intensive Healing Body Cream
For body skin, I’ve been loving AmLactin Intensive Healing Cream. Some folks don’t like the smell, but I believe the results are totally worth it. This cream contains 15% lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and moisturizes. I noticed a positive difference in my skin’s texture within 48 hours! I apply this cream every other evening to my legs, feet, and arms, knowing my skin will feel like silk in the morning.
Gentle Exfoliation: Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. This one’s a multitasker—it exfoliates, hydrates, and brightens all in one step. I use it once every Sunday night, typically in the evenings after cleansing but before moisturizing. I do NOT use any retinaldehyde or other acids when using this product. It makes my skin smooth and baby-soft literally overnight.
Lactic acid is a mild exfoliant, so it works wonders for keeping my skin fresh. Plus, it’s great for tackling uneven texture and fine lines. Whenever my skin needs a little pick-me-up, Good Genes is my go-to. It’s like an instant reset button for my face.
If you haven’t tried incorporating a lactic acid treatment into your skincare routine yet, this one’s worth a shot. I only use this product at night. Just remember to layer it with sunscreen during the day since exfoliants can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Brow and Lash Love: The Goodbye Company Organic Castor Oil
I never thought I’d be the person who oils her eye hollows, brows and lashes, but here we are. The Goodbye Company’s organic castor oil has been a nice pick me up for plumping under-eye skin, filling in sparse spots and giving my lashes a little extra oomph. It’s not an overnight thing, but with consistent use, I’m seeing just the tiniest difference.
The Routine Rundown
Here’s how it all fits into my day:
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Morning: Cleanse with Vanicream Facial Cleanser (takes about a minute), apply MUAC Super C+E Serum (a quick 30-second pat-down), layer on Vanicream Mineral Sunscreen, and finish with Medik 8 Total Moisturizer.
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Evening: Cleanse again with Vanicream, apply Medik 8 Retinaldehyde, and lock it all in with Medik 8 Total Moisture cream. Amlactin goes on post-shower, and castor oil gets applied to my under eye area, lashes and brows before bed (all in under 10 minutes).
- Sunday Evenings; Cleanse with Vanicream, apply Good Genes lactic acid treatment, allow to fully absorb into the skin, and finish with Medik-8 Total Moisturizer.
This routine isn’t about chasing perfection or trying to look 20 again. It’s about taking care of my skin in a way that feels like I’m being good and kind to myself. And honestly? It’s working. My skin feels healthy, hydrated, and just plain good.
If you’ve been looking for a skincare routine for women over 40 that’s straightforward and effective, maybe give one or two of these a try. And if you’ve got your own recommendations, tell us!
Skincare is better when we share, don’t you think?
