Somewhere along the way, skincare started to feel like a long list of steps and products that I was supposed to need or use. But at 43, I have found myself coming back to a much simpler question: What does MY skin actually need?
The short answer for most women is actually NOT MUCH. My routine is intentionally small. I use charcoal soap, a homemade glow serum, zinc-based sun protection, a couple of masks I enjoy monthly or based on my current needs and the 5 minute miracle makeup I reach for when I want a little coverage. It’s a routine that is now second nature and has helped my skin continue to heal without excess. Learning and knowing about skin types and natural oils has helped me pay much closer attention to my needs.
This isn’t a perfect-skin formula or a prescription for anyone else. It is simply products and habits that have changed my skin’s life and it may do that for your too. There is so much beauty in sharing what I’ve learned about my skin and the less-is-more routine I’ve settled into this over many years of trial and error.
First things first, what is your skin type?
Skin type can help you choose products, but it isn’t a permanent label. Your skin may feel different with the seasons, changing routines, your cycle, your age, or other life changes. And sensitivity can overlap with any skin type.
Normal or balanced skin
Your skin generally feels comfortable after washing, without persistent tightness or excess shine. A simple routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer if your skin needs it, and sun protection may be enough.
Dry skin
Dry skin can feel tight, rough, flaky, or uncomfortable. A gentler, more moisturizing cleanser and a moisturizer that helps hold water in the skin may feel better than products that leave your skin feeling stripped. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that skin tends to produce less sebum as we age, which can contribute to dryness for some people. I’ve noticed this as I am going through peri-menopause.
Oily skin
Oily skin may look shiny or feel slick, especially through the forehead, nose, and chin. That doesn’t mean your skin needs to be scrubbed until it feels squeaky clean. Dermatologists recommend a mild cleanser; because harsh washing can irritate the skin and may worsen oiliness.
Combination skin
Combination skin can feel oilier in some areas and drier in others. You may find that your T-zone needs different care than your cheeks. Pay attention to how each area feels instead of assuming your whole face needs the same thing.
Sensitive or reactive skin
Sensitivity can show up alongside dry, oily, or combination skin. Your skin might sting, burn, itch, or become red when you try certain products. A simpler routine can make it easier to notice what agrees with your skin. If a product causes a persistent reaction, stop using it and consider checking with a dermatologist.
Why I pay attention to my skin’s natural oils
Our skin naturally produces sebum, often called skin oil. Oil isn’t automatically a problem to fix; it’s one part of how skin stays soft and comfortable. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more interested in noticing how my skin feels instead of treating every bit of shine as something I need to remove.
That has changed how I think about cleansing. I don’t want my face to feel tight and stripped after I wash it. I want it to feel clean and comfortable. If your current cleanser leaves your skin feeling dry or irritated, that may be a sign to reassess it and possibly change it. I would recommend choosing a cleanser suited to your skin type and keeping it gentle.
Skin is not created equal. You can have a good foundation across the board but the details matter!
What I Choose Not to Use
At 43, I’m not interested in using every trending product or building a complicated routine just because I think I should or it’s the hot thing on the market. If something doesn’t feel right for my skin, I leave it out. For me, less is about choosing intentionally, not trying to keep up with a crowded shelf. Also, I need less for my sanity. Life can be so busy, skincare shouldn’t add more stress.
Right now, I choose to stay away from any type of surgery or injections. That doesn’t make it right or wrong, but talking with several girls that do get injections, once you start it’s hard to stop. I believe aging is such a beautiful gift. You can steward it well by taking intentional care of your body as a whole and that is crucial and carries over to the health of your skin also.
My simple skincare routine at 43
1. Charcoal soap
I have always been very sensitive to break outs. They have definitely become less and less in my 40’s but still pop up at different times in my cycle or with different foods I eat. I have been using this charcoal soap now for 6 years. I currently use it every morning right when I wake up and every night in the shower.
Note: This charcoal soap is aimed for more oily based skin. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or uncomfortable after cleansing, that’s a clue that you may need a more gentler cleanser. I love these two gentler soap options: SOAP, SOAP
Morning Routine Staples:
2. My homemade glow serum
After cleansing, I use a homemade glow serum that I have consistently applied every single morning and night now for almost 8 years. I like having ONE simple step that makes my skin feel cared for without adding a whole shelf of products, creams or sprays.
Because homemade formulas can vary, I am sharing the ingredients I use rather than suggesting one recipe is right for everyone. If you try a new product or formula, ALWAYS pay attention to how your own skin responds.
- Dropper Bottle
- Jojoba Oil (around 50%)
- Rose Hip Oil (around 25%)
- Witch Hazel (around 25%)
- Below are my go-to essential oils (All are from Revive) for adding to the above mixture: For the 1 oz dropper bottle I do approx 8-10 drops per essentail oil. You can always mix, match and do research for your specific needs when it comes to essential oils. With anything, safety is important. A carrier oil is imperative with essential oils as irritation could occur if used alone.
Geranium: Helps balance sebum(oil) production, soothes skin inflammation, and support a smoother, more even complexion (anti-aging and antibacterial
Tea Tree: Offers several key benefits for the skin due to its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties
Frankincense: General anti-aging & wrinkle reduction, anti-inflammatory & soothing, as well as antioxidant protection
Lavender: Powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that help soothe, protect, and balance the skin
Carrot Seed: Provides powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that help reduce the signs of aging, soothe irritation, and support a glowing complexion. Loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E!
Blue Tansy: Calms redness and irritation, soothes sensitive skin and fights oxidative stress
Clary Sage: regulates sebum production, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antioxidant
Lemon: Stimulates collagen synthesis, fights acne, brightens and evens tone, and neutralizes free radicals
Important Reminder: Oils and liquid naturally separate, I always shake and invert the dropper bottle several times prior to using on my face to ensure it is fully mixed.
3. Zinc-based sun protection
Sun protection is the step I don’t want to skip. I’ve use this tinted moisturizer for about 5 years and love it. When you’re choosing a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. I personally stopped using any type of chemical sunscreen and only use mineral, including Zinc oxide.
I apply this tinted sunscreen before my makeup and follow the product directions for reapplication, especially when I’m spending extended amount of time outside.
4. Merit makeup is the GOAT
For clean makeup, I reach for my tried-and-true Merit products. I have the “Five Minute Morning” and absolutely love it. I like being able to add coverage where I want it and keep the rest of my routine simple.
If you’re still deciding what to try, you can browse my Merit makeup collection.
The two masks I keep coming back to
I’ve learned the benefits of wearing masks and these two masks are my go-to’s: [Vitamin C] and [Bentonite clay mask]. I choose between them based on what my skin may need that week or simply just for the 10 min of slow down. To apply the Bentonite Clay mask I always mix the powder up with Apple Cider Vinegar until it is a very think pancake batter then paint it on my face with my makeup brush.
A mask is an occasional extra for me, not a step I feel I have to add every week. If your skin is easily irritated, it makes sense to be cautious with new products and stop if something doesn’t agree with you.
Less isn’t a rule, it’s what’s working for me in this season
I don’t think everyone needs the exact same routine. Some people need products I don’t use; some people do well with more steps. For me, simplifying made skincare feel less confusing and overwhelming and much more approachable and purposeful. There are soooo many products out there, but it helped me pay attention to how my skin feels, rather than buying something just because it’s trending.
At 43, my routine is simple: am and pm- charcoal soap, am and pm- glow serum, everyday- zinc-based sun protection, the masks I enjoy when needed, and Merit makeup when I want a light coverage. I may adjust it as my skin changes. But for now, less feels like enough.
This post shares my personal routine and isn’t medical advice. If you have a skin condition or ongoing irritation, I highly recommend visiting a dermatologist so they can help you choose a careplan that fits your needs.
Product links
- [Charcoal soap]
- [Homemade glow serum]: See Above
- [Wonderglow: Tinted Zinc sunscreen]
- [Vitamin C mask]
- [Bentonite clay mask]
- [Merit makeup]
