I turned 40 last year and decided it was the year that I finally needed to truly commit to making some health and beauty changes and create better habits for myself. I have struggled tremendously with my skin over the past few years, battling hormonal acne as well as stress and diet related acne … it was definitely a combination of causes! I also had my gall bladder removed at the ripe age of 20 so have always battled gut issues.
So please know that my choices and changes have been based soley on what MY body and mind need, and that I’m always a work in progress. I also did not incorporate all these changes at once and rather took it slowly in introducing and trying new things. I keep telling myself not perfect, but better. So here is a list of my changes in no particular order. I’m hoping it will give you some insight into options to consider if you may be struggling, too.
- Clean Skincare
- Clean Make-up
- Microblading Removal
- Supplements
- Ditched Botox
- Facials
- Red Light Therapy
- Hair Color/Cuts
- Daily Walks
- Weight Training
Clean Skincare
I struggle with acne prone, combination skin and have really tried my best to simplify my skincare with clean and acne safe products. I didn’t land on the right regimen until I started seeing an esthetician. With that being said, I obtain several of my products directly from her, but I have linked where I was able to locate.
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (morning + night daily)
- Heal & Hush Refine Polish (1-2x/wk in morning, in place of cleanser)
- Hypochlorous Acid Face and Skin Spray (morning + night daily – great for LED mask, pillow case, before/after workouts, etc.)
- Herbal Skin Solutions Vitamin C+ Enhancement Serum (morning + night daily or just morning)
- Circadia Tranquil Cream (morning + night daily)
- Heal and Hush Remedy Rehab Oil (morning + night daily)
- The Specialist Mandelic Acid Treatment (2-3x/wk at night or spot treatments)
- Derma Dot Invisible Pimple Patches (spot treatments as needed)
Clean Make-up
I have made a major change-up in my make-up products, doing my best to focus on clean products that are also acne safe. I’ve found just because a brand is clean, it doesn’t mean the products are acne safe. I therefore utilize a pore-clogging checker to check product ingredients. When I go to reorder products, I always recheck as the ingredients can change.
I do have more flexibility with eye and lip products as tend not to experience breakouts in those areas so might stray a bit that area from time to time. I most certainly do not think you need all of these products, but I have found for myself, I like to have cream and powder options on hand to mix and match as I feel best for the occasion.
- Colorescience Total Protection Flex
- Colorscience Total Protection Glow
- Indie Lee SPF Primer (another more velvety, glowy option)
- Rose Inc Softlight Skin-Smoothing Foundation
- Caliray Color Corrector Concealer
- Collen Rothschild Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream (more creamy option)
- Iris & Romeo Concealer
- Em Cosmetics So Soft Bronzer
- Vooqo Bronzer Powder (powder option)
- Em Cosmetics So Soft Blush
- Vooqo Powder Blush (powder option)
- Clover Glow Stick Illuminator
- Priia Lumi Powder (powder option)
- Priia HydraControl HD Powder
- Merit Cream to Powder Eyeshadow
- Ilia Eyeshadow Palette
- Merit Tinted Eyebrow Gel Pomade
- Merit Ultra Fine Eyebrow Gel Pencil
- Benefit Tinted Lash Primer
- Merit Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
- Eadem Softening Peptide Lip Balm
- Merit Sheer Tinted Lip Oil
- Merit Tinted Lip Oil
- Merit Lightweight Lipstick
Eyebrow Microblading Removal
My eyebrow mircoblading removal was a very personal decision for me so please know I’m not pro or con, especially depending on your situation. I do however get a lot of questions on this so wanted to address. I had my first round of microblading completed in March 2020. I struggled with very sparse eyebrows so was tired of filling them in constantly and not having a great shape. I initially loved them and had a great experience.
But after about two years, they naturally start to fade and look a bit grayish in color so I was therefore in need of a retouch, which is completely normal. I spoke with my artist at the time and expressed concern over the shape as felt they were overpowering my face a bit and drawing my face downward. She educated me that I had two options to either have them removed so we could restart with my natural brow shape and make changes or we could just retouch them with the same shape.
I contemplated my options, and eventually decided in March 2023 to have them removed and to not have the microblading process completed again. I did not like the thought of having to have them retouched every few years as well as worrying I may not like the shape again in time, resulting in needed removal again. I felt like it was a never ending money pit and no guarantee of me liking the shape for a long period of time.
Essentially I’ve reached a point where I want to better embrace and enhance my natural features. I therefore have been diligently working to grow my natural brows with consistent use of a growth serum over 10+ months, and I have seen great results. I also avoid any over plucking now. It’s been a big change and process, but so far I’m happy with my decision and plan to stick with my natural brows.
Supplements
Supplements was another very personal decision for myself and again one that I’m not pro or con on as feel it just depends on what your body and mind needs. I personally struggle with being very sensitive to prescription medications as well as my gut health issues. My body was really in need of a “reset” especially given recent personal challenges that was heightening my anxiety and stress levels, affecting my entire wellbeing … mood, skin, etc.
I therefore decided to start seeing a naturopathic doctor. We completed comprehensive blood testing, including hormonal, to find my deficiencies. I found I was getting the nutrients I needed but my body was not properly absorbing and, by no surprise, my cortisol levels were high. I have been on an array of supplements from powder to pill form to address my areas of concern. We are often adjusting as symptoms lessen or worsen.
I have found that consistency is key and working to find the right regimen for your body and budget. Some of the supplements I have taken include a Probiotic, Magnesium, Cortisol Manager, Vitamin D, and Digestzymes. I would highly recommend you see a professional before throwing supplements your way though so you can ensure you are getting what YOUR body needs, including the appropriate dosage, etc. Be up front regarding your budget and the need to keep things in moderation as that’s what I have done to watch my expenses and avoid overwhelm in the process. If you are local and looking for an option, I see Dr. Melanie at Dragonfly360.
Botox
Another very personal decision was deciding to forgo Botox injections in 2024. I was never diehard or overly aggressive with this, but I did try for about two years prior. I only received in my forehead area as that’s where I struggle most with deep lines, which I strongly dislike. The results were wonderful but I did start to experience so odd side effects like dizziness and blurred vision and honestly just did not like the “feeling” of it overall. It’s also a very pricey expense every 2-4 months for myself personally. I plan to explore other options like facial taping and serums but for now I’m just living with my lines and accepting the aging process!
Facials
I decided to invest in monthly facials for my 40th birthday back in August 2024. I had hit a point where my skin was not making a turn and only getting worse so I felt I needed the help of a professional esthetician. This has hands down been one of the best decisions and investments for me personally. I was educated on what was really going on with my skin and what products I needed to address.
My skin’s barrier was compromised, sensitive, severely dehydrated and acne prone. I essentially was throwing too many products in the mix and ones that were far too harsh for my skin to handle and stripping it. I started to use gentle yet effective products to tackle these issues. With consistency in product use and monthly facials to deeply cleanse and hydrate my skin, I am finally seeing results. It’s also a time for me to relax and release.
If you are local, I see Gina with Infusion Skincare (she’s located in the same office as my naturopath doctor). Another area to be upfront on your budget and needs … I am very claustrophobic and Gina has done the upmost to ensure my comfort and tolerance.
Red Light Therapy
Another recent add, and one I was most excited to try, was red light therapy. I had seen and heard rave reviews of the addition of this in your routine for reducing fine lines/wrinkles and redness as well as improved texture. All areas I struggle with given my maturing and problematic skin type. I landed on the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2 because of the lightweight design and fit, and I can confidently say, with consistent use 5x/wk for 10 minutes, I saw results within one month. I mean to the point where my family and friends even noticed without me saying a word!!
My complexion was so much more glowy and my stubborn dark spots from acne and sun damage were lightening. A product that I am definitely impressed with and am motivated to continue to use because of the results. Now I do think that consistency matters as well as the having the right skincare products, like a great Vitamin C. I have also added the LED Neck & Décolletage Mask in the new year and am excited to target that area as well. Another device on my radar is the RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device as it may be a good option for my deep forehead lines. CurrentBody has graciously provided me with a code for your use “LINDSEY10”.
Hair Cut + Color
I do truly feel like taking the time to find a hair cut and/or color you like on yourself and investing in professional services is worth it. I have found that when I was in my darkest days with my skin issues, I relied heavily on my hair to make me feel better and more confident. It’s an accessory that I don’t take lightly and am always trying new ways of styling to see what suits me best. It’s an area I like to have fun with and show my personality!
Daily Walks
This is nothing new for me, and I will always preach the benefits of daily walks! In my recent personal struggles, I have leaned into my walking practice even deeper to help me to decompress and reset. It helps to gets me out of the house and in the fresh air. I often listen to music, podcasts or audio books and sometimes I just take it nature and the sounds of my city or just daydream. It truly makes me feel alive and happy. I say hello to everyone I pass and make an effort to connect with my community. If you have a furry bestie, it will be the best part of both of your days. I also highly suggest a weekly walk + coffee date with you fur squeeze, too! It’s the best!!
Weight Training
Last year, I really tried my best to add consistent weight training to my workout routine. There are so many benefits, especially as we age as women, but mostly because I wanted to feel stronger. I definitely have more progress to make in my practice, but I have seen and felt results from it. My goal is 2-3x/wk and then focus on pilates 2-3x/wk for 20-40 minutes each alongside my daily walks.
So those are my current changes or continued health and beauty routines as I enter this new decade of my 40’s! Aging is a gift but also seeing yourself change and mature can be hard to accept. I just want to feel my best and enhance my natural features as best as possible! If you are in this era, here’s to finding a realistic balance and embracing our age!
Xx,
Lindsey
