It’s been a while since I’ve shared my current skincare routine, so I thought I’d update this post for today. I try a lot of products for the blog, but I have my personal skincare routine pretty down pat, and I don’t deviate much. I do have a couple of new products I’ve added or swapped, though, since I last posted my skincare routine.
By way of disclaimer, I’m not any sort of skincare expert. Most of what I use was recommended by my dermatologist, or I tried it at the recommendation of a friend or favorite influencer. I also don’t have a lot of lower priced alternatives to share. This is just what I do, and it seems to be working well for my aging skin, but I think consistency is probably more important than which skincare products you choose.
I’m linking mostly to Amazon because it’s widely available, and they make shipping and returns so easy. If you’re concerned about an item being legit, you can check the seller. I try to always buy from the manufacturer and make sure it’s fulfilled by Amazon.
Here’s a screenshot showing where to find that information:
I don’t like to buy from random 3rd party sellers, but sometimes I do if their reviews are good.
In addition to these skincare routines, I see a cosmetic dermatologist every other month for a Glycolic Acid Peel, and I do get a bit of Botox in my forehead a couple times a year. She recommended or approved most of the products in this post.
I’m prone to dryness, but my skin isn’t super sensitive, although I do have some melasma and rosacea to contend with. In the wintertime, I need lots of moisture, and I have to exfoliate occasionally to keep the flakies away.
My Morning Skincare Routine
I usually just splash water on my face in the morning, and go right into the Vitamin C serum. If I do wash my face, I use whatever face wash I have handy; right now it’s the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
#1. Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C and E Ferulic Acid Serum (also at Target) // I first learned about the Timeless serums from Angie at Hot & Flashy, and I’ve been using it for several years. My dermatologist approved it, so I assume it’s doing something good! I do like how it feels and smells on the skin… this is basically how I determine what I like in a skincare product.
#2. Timeless Skin Care Coenzyme Q10 Serum // I apply this after the Vitamin C. When I took these two products in to my dermatologist, she didn’t think the Coenzyme Q10 is necessary since that ingredient is in lots of other products. I like how the Coenzyme Q10 feels moisturizing, though, so I continue to use it.
I used to keep a mini-fridge in my bathroom to keep both of these serums cold, but it broke, and I didn’t replace it. I guess that makes them last longer? I probably should get another one.
#3. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion // I use this as my daytime moisturizer, also at Angie’s recommendation. I love the price point, and it’s just a nice lightweight moisturizer without any fragrance. I use the PM version because I don’t want the chemical suncreen in the AM version, but if that doesn’t bother you, you can use that and skip the next step.
#4. ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen SPF 50+ // This tinted mineral sunscreen was recommended by my dermatologist, and I love the consistency and how easily it blends into the skin. It does tend to stain clothing, though, so be aware of that. I make sure not to let it touch my pajamas or robe when I’m applying.
#5. Revision Skincare Nectifirm // This product is a big splurge, and if I had to cut back on anything, this would be the first to go, but I want to feel like I’m doing something for my neck. After all, it’s one of the first areas to show signs of aging, and one that’s easy to overlook in our skincare routine. I can’t remember where I heard about this, but my dermatologist recommended the Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum, so I figured the brand is a good one. I use this morning and night.
I let all that set up while I do my hair, and then I go back in and apply my makeup, but that’s another post! I’ll update that one within the next few weeks.
My Evening Skincare Routine
Okay, I know that looks like a lot… bear with me! I’ve been using this skincare routine for a couple of years, and it works really well for me. I have very dry skin, so I have to use rich creams and serums to avoid getting flaky skin in the wintertime.
#1. Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads // I always start by removing my eye makeup, and I’ve been using these Almay remover pads for years and years. I don’t wear waterproof eye makeup, but I find the waterproof eye makeup remover works best.
#2. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm // My second step is always a cleansing balm, and my current favorite is the Elemis. It gently melts away dirt and makeup, it smells divine.
#3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser // If I’m feeling lazy, I’ll skip this step, but I almost always double cleanse. You can google the benefits of double cleansing for more information, but it’s highly recommended, and I do notice a lot of leftover makeup on my cotton paid if I use a toner after the cleansing balms. I’ve tried different cleansers, but some are too harsh, especially during the winter.
#4. PCA Skin Nutrient Toner // I started using this toner after my friend Lindsey at The Motherchic shared it, and I love it. It’s exfoliating and moisturizing, and it smells amazing. It also makes my face feel another level of clean.
#5. Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum // I first bought this from my dermatologist, and now I have it on auto-order at Amazon. I was having trouble with dryness, so she tweaked my Retin-A prescription and told me to add this to my nighttime routine. I would use it in the mornings as well, but I figure the Coenzyme Q10 has a similar function, and it’s a lot cheaper.
#6a. Prescription Retin A // Every other night, I apply the Retin-A prescribed by my dermatologist.
#6b. skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Cream // On the nights I don’t use Retin-A, I use Alpha-Ret. I also get this from my dermatologist. She used to have me on a glycolic cream, but I had trouble with dryness, so she has me using this instead.
#7. Replenix Age Restore Nighttime Therapy // This was also from my dermatologist; I was using La Mer because it was the only thing I could find that was rich enough to keep my skin from flaking. She seemed to think La Mer is overpriced, and she suggested this instead. I love it. It’s thick and rich and creamy, and I apply it liberally to my face, neck, and chest every night. I also have it on auto-order at Dermstore.
#8. Revision Skincare Nectifirm // Again, if I had to cut back on anything, this product would be the first to go, but I’m currently using it morning and night.
#9. RevitaLash // This is my secret to long, luscious lashes. Okay, so it’s not much of a secret, as I’m sharing it with the Internet. I’ve always had long lashes by nature, but as I’ve aged, they’ve gotten thinner and shorter. I’ve tried a few different lash serums, but this is by far my favorite. I only need to use it every other night, now that I’m in “maintenance” but I used it every night while my lashes were growing out.
#10. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask // This is the final product I apply to my face… or my lips, rather. My lips get very dry and peel, and this helps prevent that. I’ve tried others over time, but this works as well as anything, and I like how it feels.
One final note: When my skin is still struggling with the flakies despite all that, I apply a face oil before my moisturizer. I love the Colleen Rothschild Face Oil N°9 for this, but I ran out and I had the Elemis Superfood Facial Oil in my cabinet, so I’ve been using that lately.
FYI, the general rule of thumb when layering skincare products is to go from lightest to heaviest. Supposedly the night cream seals in the oil, and that’s why you apply it last. I probably don’t need the oil and the serum, but I figure in this case, more is more, so I use both.
Okey-dokey! That’s about it. I mean, I’m sure I could say a lot more, but this is what I do. I’m not an expert, but I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments.
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Really enjoyed reading this! I’m from the UK so can’t get a lot of these products but I started using Tropic skincare a few years ago as I had lots of problems with my skin and had developed rosacea. I have since found my skin to be in great condition with using the cleanser, toner moisturiser and serums! I also double cleanse as it was suggested to me and use the spray on morning mist as a toner as it hydrates your skin instead of drying it out.
Mhairi – You guys have much better SPF than we do in the states. What is your favorite?
Thanks for sharing this. I’m using ZO Skin Health currently and I have a hard time with dryness (but I’m still T zone oily…so weird) I need to pull my CR No 9 back out and try that. Skincare is so dang expensive.
I LOVE skincare. Growing up skincare was important to my Mom and she always treated us to time in the “aisles of beauty” as she called it – the skincare section of a department store. I am glad her good habits rubbed off on me. What SPF are you using in the daytime? If you want another great skincare source I recommend Caroline Hirons. She’s a facialist in the UK, she’s the queen of skincare.
It’s the one I linked, SPF 50.
Thanks for sharing. I too noticed as I am getting older my skin is changing. I always like hearing recommendations on products. As there are sooo many products out there. Thanks!
Good morning everyone and as some one who loves this blog and a just a little bit older……don’t forget the SPF on the neck, chest, and hands everyday. Years ago a male co-worker came into the office and we’re chit chatting about a celebrity and he mentioned that you can always tell a ladies age by looking at the hands and neck. Fast forward some twenty years or so later I still haven’t forgotten those wise words before I leave the house 🙂
Now for my middle age forgetfulness I asked Jo Lynn about a top and how it washed and dried and I can’t remember the top or day I asked……..Have a great Monday everyone.
I have used the Almay eye makeup remover pads for years, but suddenly I cannot find them at Target or similar stores. I may have to order online. They are great when traveling too. Just throw a few in a baggie and no extra containers.
This was fun to read. I always like hearing what other people do. The results of that neck cream look amazing. I might have to try that….
Several months I started using DIME beauty as I only like to use CLEAN products on my skin including my make up. This company is great. I started out with their most popular bundle called The Works and have been happy with it. These products are very affordable and they have a rewards program you can be part of to get money off after earning points and they always are sending out sale notices by email. They just had a 1 day 25% off The Works bundle. The product bottles may seem small but I can tell you they last months. It doesn’t take much at all. I ordered another whole set on sale to be ready and I’m still on my first set. The only other product I’ve tried outside of this set is the eye cream and I really like it. I no longer have crapey eye lids. Eye shadow goes on smoother. When emailing the company for something to help with this they recommended the eye cream or using the day time moisturizer in my The Works bundle. I use either or. I plan to order the eye lash serum sometime. Another great feature is online you can click on any product and look up all the ingredients to see what they are in each product and how they rate on the EWG list. I think I have the intials right. All ingredients are CLEAN. Thanks Jo- Lynne for sharing your routine. I’m sure having a cosmetic dermatologist helps. Does your insurance pay for her?
I recently started using Mary Kay’s skincare line for mature skin, and I love it. There are only 5 steps to follow and easy to apply which helps me stick with it. Some people think of Mary Kay as “old”, but they truly have some great products.
I’ve started using some Revision products also. They are pricey but i really like them.
Thank you, this was fun to read. I notice you do not have an eye cream in here. What do you use around you’d eyes morning and night?
I don’t usually use one. I have over the years, but now I just use my regular moisturizer in that area as well. I sometimes use the Bye Bye Undereye from that new set I just got from QVC – https://shopstyle.it/l/bRrDe
I use that exact same Timeless vitamin C product. Except I thought you had to use it at night because it breaks down in the sunlight. Did I get that wrong? On your Rx Retin A, is that tretinoid? I’ve been thinking of trying that. Thank you for all your recommendations.
Interesting, I use it in the am b/c that’s what Angie does, lol. But I did notice recently that the directions said to use in the PM… so maybe I’ll try switching it. I just wonder if it’s ok to use so close to the Retin A ? It’s the one pictured up there – it says Tretinoin 0.06%
How long do you wait after using your Retin A before applying your moisturizer?
Not long, but I probably should wait 10-15 min.
My 62 year old advice is to keep using the Revision Nectifirm. Wish I had started sooner!! I use the advanced version, along with a number of other Revision products. I have sensitive dry skin, and it works well.
Thanks, Gail! Good to know you think it works. I feel like, how do I know what I’d look like without it, lol?
Thanks for sharing the products you use, Jo-Lynne. I have been looking for a good toner for awhile. I like that extra-clean feeling from a toner. The one I have now is an AHA toner, and my face has been looking red after I use it. I purchased the PCA Skin Nutrient Toner. I love it! And it smells wonderful.
So glad you love it!