My Current Skincare
How My Skincare Journey Began
One evening, just before my 49th birthday, as I stood in front of the mirror getting ready for bed, I had a moment that changed everything. I was struck by a harsh reality—I wasn’t happy with what I saw. Years of carefree sun tanning and a general disinterest in skincare seemed to have caught up with me overnight. Fine lines, dullness, and sunspots had crept in, and perhaps worst of all, I had developed an alarming, puffy, crepiness beneath my eyes! I knew I needed to make a change.
That moment sparked an obsession with skincare. I dove into researching everything I could about how to repair the damage and, hopefully, turn back the clock. Over time, I discovered that you don’t have to spend a fortune to see results. I’ve never paid more than $50 for a single product, yet I’ve seen remarkable improvements in my skin.
Now, at 59, I think my skin looks better than it did a decade ago. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about what works, what doesn’t, and how to simplify a routine without compromising results. It’s become my passion to share those “aha” moments and budget-friendly product finds with others who want to care for their skin without breaking the bank.
Morning Skincare Routine:
I wash my face with Lavigne Natural Skincare Botanical Cleanser. I keep this is the shower to save time in the morning. It’s a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that removes sweat, oil, and impurities that accumulate overnight without stripping the skin of natural moisture.
I use a couple of sprays of Timeless Skin Care HA Matrixyl 3000 Spray to provide an initial layer of hydration and environmental protection. It helps the rest of my products to absorb more effectively.
I apply Timeless 20%Vitamin C Serum to my face, neck, and chest. Vitamin C protects against environmental damage from free radicals (like pollution and UV rays) and brightens the skin tone. It also helps boost collagen production.
Next, I apply Timeless Coenzyme Q10 Serum . Coenzyme Q10 boosts your skin’s energy production and protects against free radical damage, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin health.
I use Vichy Minéral 89 EYES to target puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. A lightweight formula is preferable in the morning to avoid a heavy feel under makeup.
I apply CeraVe Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 to hydrate and lock in moisture and keep my skin plump and smooth throughout the day. This is a lightweight moisturizer that works well under makeup.
If I’m going to be outside for an extended time, I’ll use Vichy Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60. It protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are the primary cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
Evening Skincare Routine:
I like to do a double cleanse. My first step is to spread a small amount of Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover on my face, then add warm water and gently rub all over my face to emulsify. This step breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum from the day, ensuring a thorough cleanse without tugging at the skin.
Then I wash with CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser to remove residual impurities and oil from the first cleanse for a deep clean. This double-cleansing method is especially important if you wear makeup or sunscreen.
I apply a peptide serum, Timeless Matrixyl Synthe 6 Serum . This polypeptide formula is combined with Hyaluronic Acid for powerful hydration. This serum helps reverse the visible signs of aging and smooths out deep wrinkles and fine lines.
During the winter, I like to give my skin an extra shot of hydration, so I have added Lavigne Natural Skincare Plump & Firm for the winter months. This is a Peptide and Plant Stem Cell-enriched hydration cream.
I use my Tretinoin (prescription retin-A) for 4 nights in a row. On the fifth night, I use La Roche-Posay Face Serum, Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Anti-Aging Serum for Face with Salicylic Acid & Glycolic Acid . Then, tretinoin for another 4 nights, 1 night with La Roche-Posay Serum, and so on. This exfoliating step promotes better cell turnover, removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, enhances skin texture, and supports collagen production.
I use Vichy Minéral 89 EYES again in my evening routine to provide targeted care for the delicate eye area, which can become drier overnight.
My evening moisturizer is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream, Face Moisturizer With Vitamin B3 & Niacinamide. I use it to lock in hydration and support skin repair and renewal during the night. It’s a thicker formula that works well for evening use.
My last last step is to apply Lavigne Natural Skincare Liminal Resilience Face Oil. It seals in moisture and provides extra nourishment, especially for dry or mature skin.
I know this sounds like a lot, but I apply each product immediately after each other, so it’s really a pretty quick process.
This routine is just a general guideline and can be tailored to your specific skin type or concerns (e.g., acne, sensitivity, or dryness). Always patch-test new products to ensure compatibility with your skin!