I have always been interested in beauty and skincare dating back to high school. Sadly, when I look in the mirror today, I no longer see the soft, wrinkle-free face of a 16-year-old!
During the pandemic, I took the time to research and tweak my skincare routine to utilize the best products out there. I wasn’t spending on clothes or nights out, so I decided to invest in my skin!
Now, on the other side of the pandemic and entering my 40s, I am confidently giving my skin what it needs to retain its youthful glow. I know what to use to fight off wrinkles and sun damage as long as possible. Because although I feel blessed to have made it to my 40s, I refuse to look my age!
Here are some of my must-have products and top skincare tricks. I’ve tested products and done all of the research, so you don’t have to!
Find a Great Dermatologist
A great dermatologist is key to your skincare for many reasons. For the fair of skin, such as myself, it can literally be a matter of life and death. Skin cancer is commonplace in my family, so I prioritize annual skin exams. I grew up in the era of baby oil and tanning beds, which have caused irreprehensible damage. Do yourself a favor and have your dermatologist examine your skin, especially if you notice anything suspicious!
Your dermatologist can also act as a sounding board for your skincare questions and concerns. There is a reason why all of their receptionists have flawless skin! Dermatologists are a wealth of knowledge and can recommend the best products for your exact skin type. If you are interested in procedures like Botox and fillers, they can prescribe safe and effective ways to smooth out those pesky wrinkles. Just be prepared that beauty is never cheap!
I highly recommend Modern Dermatology in Westport for all of your skincare needs!
SPF!!
My mother taught me at an early age to wear a facial lotion with SPF. (Thanks Mom!) In my 30s, I realized that a SPF 15 lotion was insufficient! I now use elta MD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum with SPF 40. It is light, works great under makeup, and leaves your skin incredibly moisturized!
Elta MD UV Daily Moisturizing face cream $24.40 @ Amazon
The same rule can be applied to your body lotion. SPF 30 or above is the most effective for preventing burns and preventing skin cancer. I love this daily lotion by Supergoop and buy it in bulk. It’s lightweight, spreads easily, and has no scent. The pump makes it easy for your kids to lather themselves up! It can be pricey but goes on sale often. It’s worth it to make sure you and your little ones are adequately protected!
Supergoop SPF 50 Sunblock $58 @ Supergoop
Moisturize
Since the birth of my twins, my skin has been drier than the Sahara Desert. I blame it on changing hormones (or lack of sleep!). I have had to step up my moisturizing game drastically! As my husband can attest, there are currently 5-10 moisturizing lotions taking up real estate in our medicine cabinet. I am continually looking for the best one! Below is a moisturizer that I love by Drunk Elephant! Slather on a heavy dose before getting a good night’s sleep (or any sleep your kids will allow for!).
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer $60 @ Sephora
Serums
Face serums are lightweight moisturizers that penetrate deep to deliver active ingredients into your skin. They contain a high concentration of ingredients, so you have to make sure that the formula addresses your specific skin concerns. My main concern is anti-aging, for which a Vitamin C serum is vital. Vitamin C boosts collagen, brightens skin tone, and also protects against wrinkle-causing toxins! This SkinCeuticals serum is the holy grail of vitamin C. I also enjoy the C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening serum by Sunday Riley.
Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic $166 @ Dermstore
Eye Cream
I have been using the Lumier Illuminating Eye Cream from Neocutis and love how moisturized my under-eye area feels all day long! Stock up when this stuff goes on sale!
Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream $97 @ Dermstore
Makeup Remover Hack
To remove my eye makeup, I keep going back to my favorite hack, Vaseline. I use Vaseline every night to take off my eye makeup and have been doing so for many years (again, thank you, Mom!). Sometimes I even pat it on my lids and under-eyes at bedtime instead of using my fancy eye cream. It really does help to moisturize the delicate skin and prevents crow’s feet!
Vaseline $4.29 @ Target
Conceal
I am also always on the hunt for the perfect concealer. I never needed concealer until becoming a tired Mom. A good night’s sleep may not always be possible, but it can easily be faked! Many concealers crease or crack under my eyes, so I need a formula with a little extra moisture. Below is my go-to concealer by Tarte.
Tarte Shape Tape $29 @ Ulta Beauty
Exfoliate and Cleanse
I am currently in a 12-step program to curb my addiction to exfoliating! I LOVE the way my skin feels after a good exfoliating session, smooth and tight. However, I’ve learned my lesson, and now proceed with caution! Exfoliating too often can strip away the protective barrier your skin needs and dry it out. I now restrain myself to only exfoliating 1 time per week with my favorite Drunk Elephant Mask. Your face really does feel as soft as a baby when you rinse it off!
Drunk Elephant Baby Facial $80.00 @ Sephora
When choosing a cleanser, keep this same theory in mind. Too many exfoliating properties can dry out your skin. What works best for me is a gentle, sensitive formula. This face wash, also by Drunk Elephant, is a gentle jelly formula perfect for sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant Beste Jelly Cleanser $32 @ Sephora
Facials
Facials are a real treat for my tired mama skin. I only have the time and resources to go twice a year, so when I do, I make sure it’s worth it! My absolute favorite spot for a good facial is New Beauty Wellness in Westport.
As a busy working mom, my “me” time is nearly obsolete. Sometimes my 20 minutes of morning bathroom time can feel like a trip to the spa! Taking care of my skin is important to me. Hopefully, someday my 60-year-old self will be grateful for the effort!
