Alright y’all, let’s talk about something near and dear to my heart—skincare. Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I used to take my skin for granted. I was one of those lucky ones with mostly clear, blemish-free skin for the better part of my life. I could slap on any old moisturizer and call it a day, and my skin didn’t seem to mind. The number of nights I didn’t even take my makeup off was most of them. I know I just heard many of you collectively gasp!
But now that I’m 52, let’s just say my skin has decided to get a little more high-maintenance. And who can blame it? It’s been doing its thing for half a century; it deserves some extra attention, right?
Throw in the fact that I’ve got mild rosacea (thank you, genetics), and suddenly I’m realizing it’s time to step up my game. I’ve been through the skincare trenches, trying both the cheap stuff and the “I-hope-my-husband-doesn’t-look-at-this-receipt” expensive stuff (who am I kidding, I don’t show my husband my receipts!) But after all that trial and error, I’ve finally settled on a routine that works for me. So, if you’re looking for a sassy-yet-effective skincare regimen that can handle rosacea, a little extra dryness, and keep your skin looking fresh at 52 (or whatever age you’re rocking), let me share my go-tos.
1. Gentle Cleanser to Start the Day
First things first, I’ve learned that you don’t need anything harsh stripping your skin first thing in the morning. Especially with my rosacea, I need something that’s going to cleanse without sending my cheeks into a flare-up frenzy. This gentle cleanser is my go-to
La Rouche-Posay Daily Facial Cleaner for Sensitive Skin
It cleans my skin without drying it out or irritating it and it’s a great price.
True Botanicals CALM-Ginger Turmeric Cleansing balm
I love this product at night to remove my makeup and pre-cleanse before using the La Rouche-Pousay again to prep for my nighttime routine.
2. Balance Boosting Toners
These two toners are equally refreshing, like a splash of hydration for your skin. They helps balance pH levels, soothe any redness (perfect for my rosacea-prone cheeks!), and preps your skin to fully absorb all the good stuff coming next. Lightweight, gentle, and packed with soothing ingredients, they are both ideal step for calm skin and give you that glow we’re all after.
Don’t make me choose because I love them both equally…
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner Solution
3. Vitamin C Serum for That Glow
I love a good serum and can’t imagine living without them in my skincare routine. Vitamin C is a must for brightening and giving that glow—because let’s be real, we all want a little radiance.
My dermatologist recommended this one when I was first showing signs of mild rosacea to calm my skin. I use it in the morning after cleansing but before moisturizing, spf and my makeup. Vitamin C serums aren’t know for smelling good, and this ones is a bit stinky but ranked as one of the best time and again but experts and dermatologists.
Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic (morning)
This second serum has gone TikTok viral multiple times so I couldn’t resist trying it and it does not disappoint. It’s great to use twice a day and is especially helpful in brightening and lightening age spots and hyper pigmentation that comes with age. Plus it minimizes fine lines and wrinkles in the best way.
Beauty Stat Universal C Refiner (twice a day)
4. Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable!)
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: sunscreen is non-negotiable. I don’t care if it’s cloudy, rainy, or you’re barely leaving the house—your skin needs protecting. And finding a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate or aggravate? Hallelujah.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60
This one’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and most importantly, keeps my skin protected from sun damage. We’re trying to stay fresh, not fried!
5. Retinol for the Real Work
Once you hit your 40s and 50s, retinol becomes your best friend. It’s the secret sauce that keeps fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture at bay. My dermatologist swears by it, and now so do I.
Lancer Skincare Advanced Retinol Treatment with 1.25% Retinol, Anti-Aging Face Serum
This retinol is gentle enough for daily use with my sensitive skin but still packs a punch when it comes to smoothing out those fine lines and keeping my skin looking its best. It’s developed by the dermatologist to stars like Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham and if it’s good enough for them, well.
For a less expensive option, my dermatologist recommends this over the counter retinol but be careful working up to using it daily as it can dry your skin. It’s designed for acne treatment but it’s #1 ingredient is a retinoid derived from Vitamin A, so it’s idea for fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Moisturizer for All-Day Hydration
I love a rich night cream. Thankfully my rosacea is mild and doesn’t respond negatively to slathering on this deliciousness that has a cult following. And yes it’s pricey but girls we are worth it.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
If you want something a lot less expensive and lighter too, my dermatologist recommends Cerave and they have a separate option for morning and evening.
CeraVe Day and Night Moisturizer Set
These hydrate without suffocating my skin. They are rich enough to keep me moisturized all day, but light enough that they doesn’t make my skin act up.
7. Nighttime Magic: A Good Sleeping Mask
To give my skin that extra boost overnight, I’ve started using a sleeping mask a couple of nights a week. It’s like a mini facial while I sleep, and I wake up looking like I actually got a full 8 hours (even when I didn’t).
This mask is formulated to lighten and brighten dark spots and pigmentation that come with aging. It’s hydrating, soothing, and gives my skin that dewy, plump look come morning and it’s again made by Derm to the stars, so hopefully that means we’ll be looking Hollywood ready when we wake up.
8. Firm & Fabulous Neck Cream
At this age ladies, there’s one last area we can’t forget. This luxurious cream is your new best friend for keeping your neck and décolleté looking smooth, firm, and youthful. Packed with nourishing ingredients that help reduce fine lines and improve elasticity, it’s like a mini-lift in a jar.
Say goodbye to sagging skin and hello to a more lifted, radiant neckline! Perfect for giving some extra love to the areas we often forget but deserve all the attention.
MATKAS Korean Retinol Neck Firming Cream
9. Don’t Forget the Eye Cream
Last but certainly not least, I’ve added an eye cream to the mix. Because as much as I love a bold eye, I’m not about the puffiness and dark circles that sometimes come with it and this
ALASTIN Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment
This little gem keeps the skin around my eyes hydrated, smooth, and bright. It’s like a tiny jar of magic that says, “No, I’m not tired—why do you ask?”
The Bottom Line: Skincare That Works for 52 (and Beyond)
So there you have it—my tried-and-true skincare routine for keeping my skin fresh, glowing, and calm, despite my rosacea and the joys of getting older. Whether you’re dealing with similar skin concerns or just want to give your routine a refresh, these products have earned their spot in my daily (and nightly) rotation.
And let’s not forget: no matter how many fancy products we use, sunscreen is the real MVP. Protect what God (and Mama) gave you, and your skin will thank you for it in the long run.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with my retinol.
