Whether it was those splashy Neutrogena commercials of my youth (see what I did there?) or the fact I’m bad at makeup, I’ve always been obsessed with skincare.
However, as beauty influencers fill social media nonstop with the new “it” products and promises, it’s hard to know what actually works. That’s why my group of girlfriends recently shared our tried-and-true skincare products. While we’re obviously not experts and you should always consult your own doctors about what’s right for you, here are a few products and approaches that have worked for our collective mid-30s to early-40s aged skin. And the best part? Most won’t break the bank and can be found at Ulta or your local drugstore.
- Cleansers – Whether you’re a fan of the double cleanse or just want a simple first step to your routine, having a good cleanser that works with your skin type is key. A few of our favorites include:
- Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm – I’m all about the double cleanse and this is the only oil-based cleanser I will use. Whether you’re wearing full glam makeup or just a daily sunscreen, this gets absolutely everything off.
- Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Oil – A friend says adding this oil-based cleanser before her normal cleanse has helped her skin tremendously.
- La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser – I have been using this for over two years and it is my absolute favorite water-based cleanser. It gets your face squeaky clean without over drying. (And if you are dry, there’s a hydrating version too!)
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel – Several girlfriends love the entire Hydro Boost line, including this water-based cleanser.
- Aveeno Calm and Restore – A girlfriend who has super sensitive skin loves this for its gentleness.
- Serums and Treatments – Once you have clean skin, the next step is to treat. You don’t need a 12-step process, but if you want one, that’s cool too! Keep it as simple or as complicated as you want, focusing on the areas of concern most important to you. Also quick girlfriend to girlfriend tip – use any leftover toners and serums on the backs of your hands, which also tend to show age.
- Toners – I am absolutely addicted to the BYOMA Balancing Face Mist and Hydrating Milky Toner. I layer them on both morning and night for instant hydration and glow. (Frankly, I love the entire BYOMA line!)
- Serums – If you only have time for one serum, give your skin a shot of Vitamin C each morning! Some favorites include Tula Triple Vitamin C Serum, Prequel Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum, and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic (it’s pricey but loved!). Another serum I love for daytime (but hate because of its price) is Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen. It truly is liquid gold that makes your skin feel so soft and smooth. Finally, anyone who “Spiced Up Your Life!” or said “Bye! Bye! Bye!” should now be using a retinol at night. They come in varying strengths, so go slow in order to figure out what works best without causing too much irritation. Our group recommends ROC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, Inkey List Retinol Serum, or CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
- Exfoliants – Proceed with caution if you have sensitive or reactive skin, but most women in our group use some sort of chemical exfoliant at least a couple times of week. Suggestions include Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads, Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel, and the DERMA-E Overnight Peel.
- Overnight Masks – What mom isn’t looking to multitask? We suggest overnight masks that help your skin while you sleep. Those loved by our group include Tula Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment, Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, and Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask.
- Acne – A teenage thing? Could’ve fooled us and our dear friend perimenopause! My friend who uses Paradise Emerald Cystic Acne Treatment says it smells awful but works well! I’m a big fan of Hero Mighty Patches, specifically the ones with the micropoint needles, and Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray (which can be used all over the body for breakouts).
- Moisturizers – After cleansing and treating, it’s time to add hydration back in! How thick you go with moisturizers depends on your skin type, time of day (e.g., thicker ones tend to be better at night), and season (e.g., dry winter versus humid summer). Some of our favorites include Weleda Skin Food Light Moisturizer, Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, Tula 24-7 Moisture Day and Night Cream, Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Cream, Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer and SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture. For very dry or chapped skin, try La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm. It’s a miracle worker (and the only thing my red-headed daughter’s super sensitive skin can handle)!
- Sunscreen – We saved the best for last because sunscreen is key to healthy skin. (This is especially true for those of us who used tanning beds … guilty!) Several of us love the ELF Whoa Glow, which is allegedly a dupe for the beloved Supergoop Glow Screen. Our group also likes Image Skincare Daily Prevention Sunscreen and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen.
Like most things, skincare is personal, and what works for me may not work for you. However, I trust nothing more than the collective brainpower of my girlfriends. I am convinced we could solve the world’s problems, especially when we feel comfortable and confident in our own skin.
