I don’t think I’ve talked about skincare specifically on here for years, since I was 34 to be exact. And 2018 feels like multiple lifetimes ago doesn’t it?
Anyway, it’s now 2026 (!), I’m 42 years old, and living in a new town. My skin is pretty decent if I’m rating myself. The pros? I don’t really have breakouts. My skin feels soft. I don’t have a lot of brown spots (besides my moles which I was blessed with many).
The areas I don’t love? My jowl lines getting more pronounced (like if I gently lift my cheek my face gets 10 years younger and I see the appeal). The lines on my forehead that don’t instantly fade after making an expression. The deeper crinkles around my eyes. To put it plainly: lines and wrinkles.
All of this is proof of a life well lived with lots of joy? Absolutely! And I’m so grateful for it.
And a the same time it’s weird when you start looking in the mirror and feeling like the person you see looking back doesn’t fully reflect the person you feel to be on the inside. I have zero opinion on what anyone else should do or not do as they age, but I am happy to share what I’ve tried and what I’ve considered. So this post is just that- a convo with your gal pal and I sure would love if you spilled the tea on your skincare secrets or favs!
Skincare Products & Treatments in My 40’s
Skincare Products
Let’s talk about products, first. I’ve been hooked on Clearstem for years now, ever since I discovered it through Emily Morrow. My core (daily) products are:
- Gentleclean Vitamin Infused Facial Wash (AHEALTHYSLICE for 10% off)
- Bounceback Serum (AHEALTHYSLICE for 10% off)
- Hydraglow Plant Stemcell Moisturizer (AHEALTHYSLICE for 10% off)
- Elta MD Skin Recovery SPF50 (Note, there are multiple Elta MD sunscreens that look similar, but this is the only one that is a 100% mineral block, so don’t be fooled)
I have other products that I dabble with, but for the most part, that’s all I’m using daily. I’ve tried several Vitamin C serums but have yet to find one that I feel makes any kind of difference. If you have one you love, please share, as I’d like to add it to my morning line up.
I’ve been tempted by other products, like a good eye cream and expensive anti-aging serum, but I’ve decided to redirect those funds from products to treatments.
Skincare Treatments & Lasers
After age 40 the more I’ve been told that treatments are where it’s at. I’ve been largely inconsistent with these despite my belief, but hoping to make them a more regular part of my routine this year.
- Microneedling – I’ve had this done twice (the most recent one done yesterday) and feel like it’s worth the cost for my skin. Relatively little downtime (a day of looking slightly sunburnt then some light flaking/feeling a few days later) and a little discomfort (they numb my skin) for improved texture, a minimized look of pores, and reduced fine lines makes this one a winner for me.
- IPL/BBL – Not a Brazilian Butt Lift 😉 , but the laser that can help target brown spots and boost collagen production. I’ve had it done on my whole face, but most recently just as a spot treatment for some busted capillaries on the bridge of my nose. No downtime and almost immediate results for my nose spot in particular.
- Facials – I’d love to alternate micro needling and custom facials every 6 weeks but still trying to justify the cost.
Microneedling before (above) and immediately after (below).
.
Injectables
Man, these kind of freak me out but when I see someone looking fab and fresh, so many times they mention some kind of injectable.
- Neurotoxins (like Botox, Dysport, the one with the X) – I’ve had this on several different occasions and have really like the results of smoother skin and a softer expressions. I feel like it just makes me look more well rested. I’ve also decided multiple times to just stay all natural, which is where I am now. No “tox” currently in my face but I’ll be honest, I’m debating it. I really do love the brighter, fresher look it gives me. Maybe I’ll try Frownies.
- Filler – this is the one that scares me the most and even though I’d love my marionette lines to be a bit less defined, I don’t foresee me trying this, at least anytime soon. I’ve learned to never say never but the idea of filler injected into and then staying or migrating around my face freaks me out.
- Sculptra – I don’t know much about this one. I thought it was a filler but apprently it’s a collagen stimulator? I don’t know but I’ve heard more people talking about it.
Microneedling Q&A
Since I just got this done yesterday, I asked IG for any questions on the treatment and also asked for anyone else’s FAV skincare products and/or treatments. Here they are!
- Was this your first time? No, second! And I plan to do it again in about 3 months.
- What do you use for moisturizer? I love this Hydroglow.
- Any other treatments you’ve done? I’ve done Hydrafacials (love the experience but it feels more like a deep clean and for me it’s not worth the high price tag) and microdermabrasion (loved the feel of this and no pain- like a deep exfoliation).
- Does microneedling hurt? Not hurt, but it creates some discomfort. They numb my face but around the edge of my forehead and the under eye still make me squirm a little.
- Submitted Skincare FAVS! – microdermabrasion for dealing with minor breakouts, collagen as a supplement, vitamin C is liquid gold (why can’t I find one I like?!), I do the Cool Peel laser with microneedling (oh… tell me more!), I love gua Sha with chia seed oil daily (I’d love to incorporate more lymphatic draining techniques but I always seem to be rushing through my routine to get to bed- ha)
Please share with me your fav skin care finds, whether or product or treatment. What’s made the biggest difference in your routine/appearance?
Heather says
Have you had a neurotoxin that you preferred?? I did Juveau once (also in Greenville area) and did NOT have a good experience. So now I am so hesitant to do another treatment….
Brittany Dixon says
I haven’t tried that one. I did well with Botox but then the injector said it would probably last longer with Xeomin. I didn’t notice a big difference to be honest. What was your bad experience? From what I’ve heard, it’s who you have do the injections that makes a bigger difference. Not sure if that’s true though!
Heather says
I went to a very reputable place in Greenville, BUT I think I was overtoxed. I had the dreaded eye drop a little, and a persistent headache for about two months. I asked for a natural look but the woman who did it was very frozen herself LOL, so I am thinking we had different ideas of the term “natural.” So to your point, I may just need to try a different person.
Brittany Dixon says
A two month headache sounds miserable! When I’ve done it, I too have been like “please make it as natural as possible and as little as possible” and I’ve had the lady look at me and ask, do you even want this at all? LOL! I’m like yes and no??
Sara Baker says
As a newly 40 year old who was looking for a simplified and highly effective skincare regimen, I have been very pleased with Mary Kay’s skincare products. Their Vitamin C+E serum is great and they have a microdermabrasion set that I love. I’d definitely check it out!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, at home microderm? That sounds neat!
Kelli Harrison says
I’ve done it all all toxes, filler and sculptra as well as microneedling. My favorite is probably Botox (any tox)because it makes the biggest difference. I just started my second round of sculptra. I did it about four years ago. It is costly, but I love that it builds your natural collagen. I usually get four vials and it lasts quite some time.
Laura says
Skincare/ face treatments are just not my thing. I do make my own moisturizer which I use religiously in the dry Colorado climate (cocoa butter, jojoba, beeswax). And other than that, I use The Ordinary hyaluronic acid at night. I also consider my daily fish (sardines, salmon, or tuna) for lunch and otherwise healthy diet and hydration my most important “skincare” products, in addition to natural progesterone cream (which does not go on your face). Beyond that I don’t see myself doing anything more. As 50 gets closer and closer, I’ve starting to embrace facial physical changes with more of a general curiosity than a battle to fight. I say this with zero judgement for whatever anyone else chooses to do, it’s just not for me.
Monica says
I’ve used NOW foods solution vitamin c serum for about 1 year. It’s good. It’s also the only vitamin c serum I’ve used, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I feel better (??) when I wear it/put it on regularly. It’s one Julie, from pbfingers, recommend awhile back.
Marissa says
Hands down, Tretinoin is where it’s at, at 44yrs old!! My derm thinks basically everyone should be using some sort of Retinoid and, after seeing my results, I agree. Also, bonus points for it literally costing $8/tube with my insurance!! It’s not an immediate fix, but results come with each month of use. I notice brighter, softer skin and fading brown spots. I’m on the lowest strength and haven’t had much redness/flaking. I use a heavy moisturizer over the Tret! I’m plan to try IPL next Fall!!
Brittany Dixon says
Ok I’ve tried it before, like a pea size every 3 days and the peeling/flaking was so frustrating. Is that something that passes after you stick with it for a while? I couldn’t wear make up!
Marissa says
I had very slight flakiness for the first month of use. I don’t use it nightly-more like 3x week, pea size amount! I do use a glycolic acid exfoliator a couple times a week and this helped get rid of the flakiness. Haven’t had any issues though with consistent use.
SHU says
I’ve done Botox/Dysport consistently since age 40 (5 yrs now!). I definitely appreciate its effects! I’ve done some spot treating lasers. I am ready to do more of a full face laser treatment but I know I will look terrible after so trying to fit it in is hard! (I have dark spots – thx FL sun!).
I too am very ‘ehh’ on the idea of filler. The migrating . . . gahh! I’ve seen some lip injections that look good but I also have seen it SO overdone so that scares me too!
SHU says
(and YES it matters who you go to! I go to a derm that does tons of it and was recommended by many. It’s VERY EASY to get licensed to give Botox. I mean, I could probably get certified quickly (lol, not planning on it, not where my talents lie). But you want someone GOOD AT IT!)
Sarah says
I’m only 33 but as far as vitamin C serums go, I’ve tried a few different ones with varying price ranges (Cereve, Summer Fridays, Barefaced, etc.), and the only one that seemed to actually work was Skinceuticals unfortunately lol my skin responds to it so well (skin looks brighter and less dull, even in the midst of night shifts and newborn stages). Absolutely hate how pricey it is, but I’m willing to get a cheaper cleanser and moisturizer to offset the cost. And it does last me 4-5 months!
Brittany Dixon says
Skinceuticals is the one I’ve been eyeing to try because I hear people praise it the most. The price tag slowed me down but it’s nice to hear it lasts a while! I think I’m going to have to give it a try. Thanks!
Joanna says
I use Skinceuticals too – CE Ferulic, Phloretin – and I hate the price too! Sign up for dermstore.com to receive their emails/texts. They have sales throughout the year and give a discount for Skinceuticals. I received Perriccone MD products as a gift and their vitamin c so far feels great. They are also pricey. For retinol I feel the same way, my skin will not tolerate anything too high. The .5 Skinceuticals retinol applied twice a week has worked for me. A great well priced brand I still love is Laroche Posay. Their retinols are gentle and serums are good too. It used to be a line you were only able to find in Europe and now carried everywhere!
Jessica DeGore says
Not a judgement (because I’m also interested in learning more)- but I was surprised someone that is very into all things natural/organic/healthful would have toxins injected into their face. Was there research that made you feel better about it or anything like that!? I’m scared myself but approaching 40 so wouldn’t mind a touch up but don’t like idea of harmful things in my body (I feel hypocritical to be like no high fructose corn syrup but poison is okay lol).
Brittany Dixon says
I have this conversation with friends all the time, so I understand the question (and understand it’s not judgement) 🙂
There was a time I was super committed to everything as natural and clean as humanly possible and I think the stress of that was worse for me than just living my life the best I could. My health-minded, “crunchy” friends and I now joke about how strict we are in some areas, but vices we still have. I have a friend who eats all organic but loves a daily diet coke. I don’t do the aspartame, but I’ll inject toxins in my forehead. One has had her whole house evaluated and worked on to lower EMFs, but also gets botox. For me it’s doing the best I can and not striving for perfection, leaving some wiggle room to allow myself the grace of being a human.
More technically speaking, I think the the fact that Botox has been in use in some capacity for 45+ years helps me feel better about it, but I also would not suggest or try to push it on anyone else. I truly just like the way it makes me look more rested, like the outside matches my inside better. But I have another friend that totally refuses and loves her frownies, and I totally understand that, too! <3
I also might change my mind in a year or two- who knows! I stopped dying my hair a few years back and now go back and forth on whether to start coloring my grays or not. Just trying to figure it all out as I go 🙂