Skincare at 50: Less is More (Except when it’s not)
I’ve seen enough skincare fads to know that most of them are nonsense, sorry. Snail slime, 24k gold facials, rubbing actual fruit on your face—been there, done that, got the clogged pores to prove it.
The thing I’ve learned is that a good skincare routine isn’t about using 57 products. It’s about finding what works for *your* skin, doing your research, and not being sucked in by every shiny new thing on TikTok (I see you, viral Vaseline slugging brigade).
So, let’s talk about my routine—the stuff I actually slap on my face, why I use it, and why, at nearly 50, I still get ID’d (that’s a lie, never been ID’d in my life even when I was actually 16).
Morning Routine: Start the Day Looking Alive (or at least not half dead)
• Cleanse (Gently, for the love of your barrier!): Weleda Cleansing Balm
• Hyaluronic Acid (For Plump, Hydrated Skin): Zelens Hyaluronic Serum
• Retinol Eye Cream (Because the 90s Were a Tough Time for My Under Eyes): Medik8 Retinol Eye Cream
• Moisturise (Because Dry Skin is Not a Vibe): Innisfree Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream
• SUNSCREEN (The Sun will eat you up): Ultra Violette Tinted Veil SPF 50 or Thank You Farmer Sun Protection Water
Night Routine: Scrub the Day Away (But Not Like a Brillo Pad)
• Double Cleanse (by the end of the day our faces are filthy): Weleda Cleansing Balm & Elemis Resurfacing Cleanser
• Essence (The Extra Step That’s Worth It): Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence or Zelens Resurfacing Essence
• Retinol (The Only Anti-Aging Ingredient That Actually Works): Medik8 Retinol Eye Cream
• Face Oil (Lock in the Goodness): Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil
• Bonus: Brow & Lash Growth (we all want to look like doe eyed dears with lashes for days): Glow Growth Serum
The Extras: LED Therapy & Targeted Treatments
Three to five times a week, I use Luna and Skin LED Regen Mask therapy for 10-25 minutes. Red light helps with collagen production and healing, while blue light fights breakouts. There’s actual science behind this—it’s used in dermatology clinics, and while at-home devices take longer to show results, they *do* work. I wrote a substack about it.
Dr. Jart Ceramide Barrier Cream (for when my skin needs extra TLC)
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster (because adult acne is rude)
COSRX Spot Patches these little miracles suck the gunk out of spots overnight—gross, but satisfying)
SkinandMe online dermatology for reasonable priced retinol - the good stuff
Fillers, Botox, the lot
Let’s be real—great skincare is essential, but sometimes, a little extra help goes a long way. I’ve not had Botox but I have had filler in my nasolabial folds (literally why are they called this 😳) and to outline my lips, and I have no regrets. Used well, fillers can restore lost volume and subtly enhance your features without making you look like a different person (or a wax figure). The key is less is more—a good practitioner like mine Alexandra who will enhance what you already have rather than trying to sculpt an entirely new face. Just like with skincare, research is everything. Find an experienced professional, don’t go to these parties where someone is in the corner waiting to inject you! Go slow, and try and prioritise a natural, refreshed look over trends that don’t stand the test of time (RIP overfilled Instagram faces of the 2010s).
Skincare Experts to Follow
I love watching skincare videos and hearing about the science behind it all, it’s become a not so guilty pleasure. I’ve also met some amazing practitioners like Emma from Glo who are on top of their game!
My insta recs are:
Sean Garrette Esthetician, worked with some of the finest brands including Fenty Beauty. Stunning images.
Dija Ayodele Author of Black Skin and breaks down the science for us.
Caroline Hirons The skincare queen, no-nonsense and brutally honest.
Sali Hughes (sadly no relation) for the best recommendations and reviews, literally followed her for 25 years! Her Cult Beauty Code CBSali has saved me loads over the years.
Nina Pool who has literally kicked up a storm by identifying more affordable dupes of even our most beloved expensive brands - she is amazing!
Where to Find Discounts & Cashback on Skincare
Discount Codes & Vouchers
I never pay full price for my beauty buys (or anything frankly). I’m an avid discount coder, it gets on my kids nerves though 😂. Some of the products I use are expensive I know so every penny counts!
Cashback Platforms