My Current Skincare Routine

When Beautycounter unceremoniously closed their virtual doors last year, I was forced to overhaul my entire skincare regimen as BC comprised about 80% of my daily/weekly routine. Having to go back to the drawing board for everything from my cleanser and moisturizer to my beloved All Bright C Serum and Overnight Resurfacing Peel was not an easy task. I know many of you also loved Beautycounter and have been on this same hunt. So, I hope this post is helpful! I kissed a lot of frogs as I trialed-and-errored my way through until I finally landed on a line-up I love even more than Beautycounter! While there is no doubt as a 46 year old skincare nerd that my lineup is a bit extensive, (It takes a village! ;)) I’ve found this crew to be super effective at keeping my melasma under control (my main skincare concern), softening fine lines, and giving my skin an overall healthy glow. Today I’m giving you the full run down on each and every product, from the when, to the how and why I use them. So, let’s get into it!

am pm skincare over 40

The above photo includes everything I use on a daily/weekly basis. But I’ll break it down step-by-step AM & PM.

My AM Routine:

My morning routine starts with a splash of cold water to my face. I don’t use a cleanser in the morning, and instead just splash my face. (Unless you’re super oily or acne-prone, using a cleanser in the morning really isn’t necessary.) I pat dry and then proceed with these quick 7 steps. (I realize quick is relative here, but honestly, this doesn’t take more than 5 minutes or so.)

skincare mid forties oliveda

1. Eadem Cashmere Peel Gentle Exfoliating AHA Toner – This alpha hydroxy toner has a milky consistency, so I apply it with my fingers instead of a cotton pad. I’m a big believer in the power of chemical exfoliation, so I like to work in plenty of alpha hydroxy acids into my routine. (In a nutshell, alpha hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells and allow all of the other ingredients in your routine to really get into your skin and go to work.) This toner is a great one as it utilizes lactic acid which is gentler than glycolic acid, so you can use it daily. It also has azelaic and tranexamic acid which are great for combatting discoloration.

2. CosRX Alpha-Arbutin Discoloration Care – As I mentioned earlier keeping my melasma under control is my main skincare concern, and this serum provides a good mix of discoloration fighting ingredients. This is also a good one for post-acne marks.

3. Sunday Riley CEO Serum – I have tried A LOT of vitamin C serums, and this one is my favorite. I also really like Maya Chia’s (another serum I recently tried), but the Sunday Riley CEO Serum layers so nicely with other products. Plus, it’s less expensive (and is currently on sale!). (Vitamin C protects and brightens skin, stimulates collagen production, and studies show it can boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen.)

4. Oliveda F06 Serum – This serum is an all in one kind of product, and I’ve quickly become obsessed! (This is why I added Oliveda to My Favorite Things of 2024 list!) It hydrates, protects, and strengthens the skin barrier. Utilizing hydroxytyrosol as its main ingredient, it’s a super powerful antioxidant. In warmer months, this serum is all I need under my sunscreen. But in the colder months when my skin is a bit more dry, I follow this serum with…

5. Oliveda F07 Face Cream – This rich, lightweight cream wears so well under makeup. It reminds me a lot of Beautycounter’s Supreme Cream in its texture. It feels very luxurious. (PS – Oliveda’s skincare products are currently 25% off!)

6. ColorScience No-Show Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50) – This all-mineral sunscreen glides on easily and disappears into skin leaving no white cast at all. It blends beautifully and acts like a makeup primer.

7. Colleen Rothschild Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream – It almost doubles as a concealer, so I always apply it on top of my sunscreen. I’ve yet to find another eye cream that brightens the eye area better than this one does.

My PM Routine:

My evening routine alternates between my exfoliation and retinoid regimens. But the lineup is basically the same except for one product.

Exfoliation Night

On exfoliation night I bring some glycolic acid (the most effective alpha hydroxy acid) into the mix. I start by removing my makeup with…

oliveda skincare over 40

1. Vanicream Gentle Face Cleanser – She’s $12.99, and she’s perfect! I double cleanse with her every night. She removes my makeup, even eye makeup, and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, never dry or tight. She’s not fancy, but she’s effective. And her low price helps me put my skincare dollars into products that don’t get washed down the drain.

2. Oliveda F81 AHA & HT Serum – I never thought I would ever find a replacement for my beloved Overnight Resurfacing Peel from Beautycounter, but this serum blows that peel away! It combines an incredible blend of alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric) with hydroxytyrosol.

3. CosRX Alpha-Arbutin Discoloration Care – see AM routine

4. Oliveda F06 Serum – see AM routine

5. Oliveda F59 Corrective Serum – This is what many refer to as “botox in a bottle”. And while there is truly no such thing as botox in a bottle, having used this serum since August of last year I can definitely see why it’s been given that nickname. This serum combines hydroxytyrosol with paracress extract which has a muscle relaxing effect. It helps to smooth and tighten skin. I’ve never gotten botox, and hopefully this helps me to continue to avoid it. So far I’m pretty impressed!

6. Oliveda F07 Face Cream – see AM routine

7. Oliveda F82 Green Retinol Face Elixir – They call this an elixir but it’s basically a face oil that includes bakuchiol ( which is an incredibly gentle yet effective retinol alternative that actually pairs really well with retinoids). This oil locks in moisture, and a little goes a really long way. I like to put a couple drops on my fingers and press it into my skin.

Retinoid Night

skincare over 40 with oliveda

On retinoid nights my second step after cleansing is the only thing that changes. Instead of applying the Oliveda F81 AHA & HT Serum, I use a retinoid lotion that my dermatologist has prescribed.

Alternating my evening routine in this way is what works best for me. But if you’ve never used alpha hydroxy acids or a retinoid, you will want to incorporate them slowly, just a couple of times a week to start. I’ve been using these active skincare ingredients for years, and I still alternate as I can’t tolerate using my alpha hydroxy acid with my retinoid nor can I handle using my retinoid every night.

Anyhow, that is everything I’m currently using on my skin! Let me know if you have any questions

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  • This is great, thank you Carmel! I ordered the Oliveda F81 and can’t wait to try it. The BC resurfacing peel was an important part of my routine too. I’d love to see a post about what your daughter’s skin care routine is sometime. I’d like to get my teenage daughter on a good routine but don’t want to invest quite so much into that. 🙂

  • Thanks Abbie! I’m sure you’ll love the F81! I will work on putting together a skincare for teens post. I really feel like simple is best for them. They truly don’t need a lot. Will share soon!

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