My Skincare Journey at 48

What I’m doing, why I started, and why consistency mattered more than perfection

I want to start this by saying, please don’t get mad if you think I’m doing this “wrong” haha. I’m not a skin expert. I’m an interior designer who likes to try things, stick to them, and see what actually happens.

I’m 48. I’ve been immunocompromised for over half my life. I’ve had multiple BCCs and SCCs, a skin graft, my lip cut open and slided a wedge out, plus plenty of things cut out, and I’ve used Effudex and Aldara more times than I can count. I see my GP and skin doctor regularly, I use tretinoin, I get Botox, and I take my skin health seriously.

Last year I decided I wanted to actually help my skin along properly, not perfectly, just properly. I wanted a routine I could stick to without constantly changing products every few weeks. I was absolutely influenced by TikTok and Korean skincare videos, but what really stuck with me was something I kept hearing from mature aged skin creators.

It’s not about the exact product.
It’s about consistency and order.

So I committed. I picked a routine, stopped hopping around, and flooded my skin with hydration. Honestly, the results have been better than I expected. My skin feels calmer, more hydrated, and more resilient, which surprised me given my history.

This is simply what I’m doing. You might like it too.

I’ve linked everything to a shop I set up for ease. Most of it is easy to buy from Amazon and yes, I do earn a small commission if you purchase there, but truly, buy it wherever you like.

Alright, let’s get into it.

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Night Time Routine

The base of everything

In the shower

I start with a damp face, not drenched, just using my hands to get some water on my face.

First cleanse is an oil cleanser
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

As a Gen X woman who grew up scrubbing her face into oblivion, this took getting used to. I actually love it now.

I rinse that off and go in with a foam cleanser
Centella Cleansing Foam
Any gentle foam cleanser is fine here

I lather properly. Once a week I use a battery operated cleansing brush to really get in there, sometimes even doing it twice.

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Out of the shower

I alternate between two night routines

Night One

I start with Medicube Zero Pore Pads
If you have very sensitive skin, these might not be for you. The first few times I thought uh oh, this could be bad. My skin adjusted and now I love them. If your skin is sensitive, look for a gentler pore pad.

Next is a very generous amount of
TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner
This stuff is so good.

Then
TIRTIR SOS Serum
Remember, we are skin flooding here. Layering is the goal.

I usually go and do something else while this sinks in, then I add
AHA BHA Serum
This was recommended by my skin doctor for nighttime use.

Now moisturising. I switch this up depending on how my skin feels.

I’ve always loved QV Cream. I use it on my face and body. Most nights I use this first.

Then I often add
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
This is sticky. You might hate it. I’m obsessed. I wake up with shiny, plump looking skin and I love that.

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Night Two

Same shower routine.

Straight out, I apply QV Cream, then tretinoin (Doctor prescribed).

After that I’ll add either more QV, the Collagen Jelly Cream, or the Soybean Nourishing Cream.

I go to bed absolutely slathered. No regrets.

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Morning Routine

Simple but layered

In the morning I only rinse my face in the shower. You can feel all that collagen jelly or cream washing off and my skin feels really nice.

Straight out of the shower I use
Centella Dark Spot Brightening Pads

Then Vitamin C drops
My doctor advised Vitamin C in the morning only.

Next
Ulta Collagen Firming Serum
More QV Cream
Then tinted sunscreen and a BB cream

Done.

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Extras I keep on hand

Centella Mist Spray
Great for a moisture boost during the day

345 Relief Cream
Amazing when my skin is flared, irritated, or needs calming. Also great for lips.

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Final thoughts

Yes, this routine is intense. I know that.

But I’ve set my bathroom up so everything is in order and I just move through it automatically now. No thinking, no guessing.

Six months is a really good amount of time to see if something is working. My biggest takeaway is this.

Consistency matters more than perfection.
Order matters more than chasing products.

This has worked for me, and honestly, the results have been better than I expected. If you’ve been wanting to start but feel overwhelmed, just start somewhere and commit.

You can always adjust later.

If you want to see exactly what I’m using, everything is linked in my shop. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t.

And remember, I’m just sharing what I’m doing, not telling you what you should do.