My Skin Got Older, So I Got Smarter: How I Adapted My Routine to Keep Up With My Skin
As we get older, our skin changes. In my 40s, I started to notice these shifts—especially in the way my skin felt and looked. What once felt fresh, smooth, and dewy started to look drier, a bit lackluster, and even more prone to fine lines. It was clear that my skincare routine needed to evolve to match these changes.
I found myself dealing with hormonal acne, dry patches, and changes in texture, which made me realize that my skincare needed to evolve with my skin’s changing needs. I’ve always avoided harsh chemicals, so I turned to nature’s gentle yet powerful alternatives to address these challenges. By focusing on the nourishing and healing properties of botanical ingredients, I was able to create a routine that supported my skin without irritation, while still targeting the specific issues I was facing.
Here’s how I adjusted my skincare routine—and how you can too—by focusing on hydration, embracing botanical ingredients, and using natural alternatives that support my skin’s health and radiance.
1. Hydration: The Foundation of Healthy Skin
One of the biggest shifts I noticed as I entered my 40s was how my skin's moisture levels seemed to change overnight. My skin, which had always been smooth and dewy, now felt more dry and parched. I realized that I had to make hydration my top priority to restore the youthful, plump look I wanted.
Tip: To keep your skin hydrated, I turned to Tremella, a botanical wonder often called “nature’s hyaluronic acid.” This magical mushroom helps your skin hold onto moisture, giving you that fresh, dewy glow. But if you're looking for other natural moisture-boosting oils, Olive oil and Wheat germ oil are incredible options. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate, while wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E, helping repair and lock in moisture. These oils have worked wonders for me in keeping my skin nourished, soft, and glowing.
2. Tackling Hormonal Acne Naturally
Another challenge that popped up in my 40s? Hormonal acne. It was something I thought I had outgrown years ago, but it made a sudden reappearance. Instead of reaching for harsh treatments, I wanted something more natural to help clear up breakouts and prevent further irritation.
That’s when I started using English walnut (Juglans regia) and Common guava (Psidium guajava) extracts.
English Walnut: This botanical extract has anti-inflammatory properties that calm acne-prone skin and help balance oil production without irritating the skin. Its antioxidant-rich formula also helps prevent scarring while keeping your skin clear.
Common Guava: Guava leaves are naturally antimicrobial and packed with vitamin C, which promotes skin healing and helps fade acne scars. Its antibacterial properties work to fight the acne-causing bacteria, keeping breakouts at bay.
Using these ingredients, I was able to control my hormonal acne naturally while promoting healing and brighter, smoother skin.
3. Combatting Fine Lines: The Gentle Power of Bakuchiol and Other Natural Alternatives
Fine lines were something I always expected to show up—just not so soon! Once I hit my 40s, I noticed them creeping around my eyes and mouth. My skin needed something stronger than my old anti-aging products, but I didn’t want to irritate my skin with harsh ingredients like traditional retinol.
That’s when I discovered Bakuchiol (Babchi), a gentle yet effective alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol works wonders to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin texture. The best part? It doesn’t cause the dryness or irritation that retinol often does, which is a game-changer for sensitive skin like mine.
In addition to Bakuchiol, I added Bitter Almond Extract, Papaya, and Microalgae to my routine:
Bitter Almond Extract: This ingredient is rich in vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from environmental stress and oxidative damage. It also promotes gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells to reveal smoother skin. It’s perfect for maintaining skin’s youthful texture without causing irritation.
Papaya: Papaya is full of papain, an enzyme that works as a natural exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells and helps promote skin renewal, while also being rich in vitamin C for brightening and firming the skin. It gently softens and smooths my skin without the harsh effects of chemical exfoliants.
Microalgae: Microalgae isn’t just for smoothies—it’s a powerhouse ingredient that boosts skin elasticity, smooths fine lines, and shields your skin from free radicals. Packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, it deeply nourishes while promoting a glowing, youthful complexion.
Algae oils like Chlorella and Spirulina are skincare gems. These oils can be applied directly to your face or body for intense hydration, reduced redness, and improved elasticity. Plus, they lock in moisture and help fight the environmental stressors that accelerate aging.
Tip: To fight fine lines without irritating sensitive skin, try Bakuchiol, Bitter Almond Extract, Papaya, or Microalgae. These natural alternatives to retinol have worked wonders for my skin, providing anti-aging benefits without causing redness or dryness.
Microalgae is becoming more popular in skincare due to its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. It can be applied topically in various forms, including oils, serums, or creams. Here are some of the best ways to use microalgae for skin care:
Microalgae Oil: Yes, there are algae oils that are specifically extracted for skincare purposes. These oils, such as Chlorella oil or Spirulina oil, are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the skin. You can apply them directly to your face or body for hydration, to reduce redness, or to enhance elasticity.
Serums and Creams: Many skincare brands include microalgae extracts in their products, often in the form of a serum or cream. Look for ones that list algae or seaweed derivatives like spirulina, chlorella, or dunaliella salina (a microalgae that’s particularly rich in beta-carotene) on the ingredient list.
DIY Face Masks: You can mix powdered forms of spirulina or chlorella with water or honey to create a nourishing face mask. These masks provide a deep antioxidant boost and can help with skin tone and texture.
Microalgae oils are typically best for people with dry or mature skin because of their moisturizing properties. Always patch test a small amount first to ensure you don’t have any sensitivities, and look for products that are sustainably sourced.
4. Uneven Texture: Gentle Exfoliation with Nature’s Enzymes
As I got older, I noticed my skin wasn’t as smooth and even as it once was. The uneven texture bothered me, and I wanted a solution that would gently exfoliate without causing further irritation. That’s when I turned to natural enzymes like those found in Papaya.
Papaya contains papain, a natural enzyme that helps remove dead skin cells and smooths out uneven texture. It also brightens the complexion, leaving my skin looking refreshed and glowing. Gentle exfoliation with papaya helped restore a smooth surface and revived my skin’s natural radiance.
Tip: Use products with papaya extract a couple of times a week for gentle exfoliation that won’t strip your skin.
Skincare That Grows With You
Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a journey that evolves as we do. As we age, our skin has different needs, and it’s important to listen to those changes and adapt. Nature offers us a wealth of botanical ingredients that can address everything from acne and dryness to fine lines and uneven texture. By turning to gentle, natural alternatives, I’ve been able to maintain healthy, glowing skin at every stage of life.
If you're experiencing the same changes in your 40s (or any stage of life), it’s time to rethink your skincare. Embrace the beauty of nature with ingredients like Tremella, Bakuchiol, Papaya, and Microalgae to help your skin stay , smooth, and youthful.
As I continue to embrace my skin’s evolution, I’ve learned that natural alternatives work wonders for the challenges that come with aging. From keeping my skin hydrated with Tremella to fighting fine lines with Bakuchiol, my skincare routine has become a celebration of nature’s power. These ingredients are gentle, effective, and nurturing for skin at any age.
I’d love to hear about your skincare journey. What natural ingredients have worked for you? Let’s share our experiences and help each other glow!