The Skincare Routine That’s Saving My 48-Year-Old Skin

Let me tell y’all, I’ve spent years trying to figure out the right supplements and skincare to help me through these perimenopausal years. If you’ve ever tried to lock in a skincare routine, you already know—it’s a whole journey!

Your skin changes, the products change, and, let’s be real, it’s not always easy to find something that actually works. But after plenty of trial and error, I’ve found a routine that’s simple, affordable, and gets the job done. No irritation, no breakouts.

These are products I trust and love, and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. I’m talking about reliable skincare that’s helping me undo the sun damage I’ve built up over the years.

Nothing fancy—just practical and effective. If you’ve tried any of these products, let me know what you think!

Vanicream Facial Cleanser

Good skin starts with a fresh canvas, and this cleanser is it. It’s fragrance-free, gentle, and doesn’t leave that weird filmy feeling—just clean, happy skin every time.

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.

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 – Mineral Sunscreen

If I’m being honest, sunscreen is one of those things I find annoying, frustrating, and, honestly, tedious—but it’s so necessary. Can you believe I was almost 40 before I really understood how important sunscreen is?

Before that, I spent plenty of beach days just out there soaking up the sun with zero protection. Whew, the regret! AND the dark spots and eye wrinkles to prove it!

But let’s be honest—finding the right sunscreen isn’t easy. Too many of them leave you looking like a ghost, feeling greasy, or breaking out.

So far, I’ve been happy with Vanicream’s Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 (Mineral Sunscreen). It’s lightweight, no white cast, and doesn’t mess with my skin. Just make sure you rub it in really well, so that it absorbs.

That said, I’m always on the hunt for something even better. If you’ve got a sunscreen you love, drop it in the comments!

MUAC Super C + E Serum for Sun Damaged Skin

Here’s where the magic happens. Vitamin C is the real MVP here, known for brightening skin and softening the look of fine lines. I use it every morning right after cleansing, and let me tell you, it’s my secret weapon for brighter, smoother, more radiant skin.

Medik 8 Crystal Retinal Face Serum

If you’ve tried tretinoin and it’s just too harsh for your skin, let me tell you about retinaldehyde. It’s like the kinder, but more potent, cousin of retinol.

It helps build collagen, smooth out fine lines, even your skin tone, and brightens things up, but without all the redness or peeling that some stronger products can cause. Basically, it’s a little easier on your skin while still doing the work.

I only use it at night after I wash my face, and it’s made such a difference. My skin feels smoother and looks more even. It’s a slow process, but it’s totally worth it.

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 is exactly that. It feels very nourishing, but not too heavy or greasy. It hydrates just the right amount, so your skin feels soft and plump—not sticky. What’s even better is that it layers really well over other skincare products.

I use it morning and night to hydrate and maintain my skin barrier. Some of you may consider this one a little pricey, but it’s a worthwhile splurge, if you have the funds.

AmLactin Intensive Healing Body Cream

For body skin, I’ve been loving AmLactin Intensive Healing Cream. Some people don’t like the smell, but I believe the results are 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.

Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

To me, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is like a mini miracle in a bottle. It exfoliates, brightens, and hydrates the skin. I use this one every Sunday night after cleansing, but before moisturizing.

I skip any other acids or retinaldehyde on nights I use this. By morning, my skin feels so smooth with much better texture..

If you haven’t tried a lactic acid treatment yet, this one’s definitely worth it. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day, since exfoliants can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

The Goodbye Company Organic Castor Oil

I never thought I’d be the person who oils her eye hollows and eyebrows, but here we are. The Goodbye Company’s organic castor oil has been a nice pick me up for plumping under-eye skin and giving my over plucked brow hairs a little TLC.’

It’s not an overnight thing, but with daily use, I’m seeing just the tiniest difference.

The Routine Rundown

Here’s how it all fits into my day:

• 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.

• 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 it to 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!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I love and believe in

 

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