How do you care for your skin?

We are all officially "of the age" when we know what our skin likes - and are firmly on the SPF train. While all of our skincare routines differ a bit based on our skin types and preferences - we unanimously agree that a good SPF must be part of the mix.

A few of us have dabbled with botox (or thought about it), Jen shares why buying SPF in Europe has its perks (beyond an excuse to love travel even more!), Rebecca shares her tried and true routine and Kim is giving a "trending tool" a whirl. Check out how we each care for our skin below. As Ashley puts it, "Consistency over perfection—that’s the real glow-up."

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

The saying, “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” is very applicable here. My fair skin will never forgive me for the years of tanning bed usage, lack of sunblock, and rubbing my skin with abrasive exfoliators (looking at you St Ives apricot scrub). Did I even wash my face in college?

Although I now use sunblock religiously and better skincare products, I think so much really comes down to your diet. I notice this during phases when I am eating less sugar, drinking more water, and eating more balanced meals. Oh and sleep! ALL the sleep.

Life gets busy and sometimes these healthy habits get put on the back burner, but overall health is so important and it all plays a role together. And of course there is always the trusty best friend; botox. You can always depend on botox (hehe).

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

OK, let’s talk skincare—because this is something I’m genuinely passionate about. While I’m definitely not an expert, taking care of my skin has been part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember. I’ve always believed that consistency matters, and I’m so thankful I started caring for my skin at a young age. As I get older, I love learning new ways to support my skin as it changes, while still sticking to the basics that truly work.

Seeing a dermatologist once a year is a non-negotiable for me, and I try to treat myself to facials when mom life allows. I also believe skincare starts from the inside out—drinking plenty of water and eating nourishing foods is always my first step. From there, I’m all about a solid morning and nighttime routine, and going to bed with makeup on is simply not an option.

As I head into my last year in my 30s, I’m also being more intentional about correcting past choices (hello, tanning beds from my teenage years 😬), which means looking into things like laser treatments. And lastly, I can’t say this enough—skincare isn’t just about your face. It’s your entire body. Whole-body skincare and protection is a must in my book, and sunscreen from head to toe anytime the sun is out is absolutely essential.

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

With fair skin, freckles and a family history of skin cancer, I'm fairly consistent with my annual dermatology appointments. After having a "freckle" removed on my calf (of all places!) I've been even more commited to sunscreen. While it was benign, the scar is a lovely reminder. For my body, I love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - even in the dead of winter, it keeps my skin feeling good.

For my face, I've found my own "cocktail" of goodies keeps me feeling good. In the morning, I use a cleanser, toner, vitamin C and sunscreen. At night, I love the way hyloronic acid feels, plus I'm trying a serum that promises to be "botox in a bottle" - we'll see about that. I've never tried botox and I'm super curious - but, I feel like once I start, I won't want to stop, so I'm kicking that can down the road. I'm also trying a red light mask. Maybe I've been influenced, but it was recommended by someone I trust, so we'll see! At this moment, I'd rather sit with a silly mask on and give it a try! Those freckles I talked about - yeah, I also have dark spots. But, I'm not fighting them anymore. Aging is part of life, sun spots are part of my face - a tinted moisturizer with SPF is part of my daily routine and I'll just embrace the rest.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Planner from @GlobalOnDemandTravel

Hitting 40 made me realize that skincare isn’t optional for me, it’s maintenance. My skin still has a mind of its own, and if I don’t stay consistent, breakouts show up fast. I keep my routine very straightforward and effective: a salicylic acid cleanser, vitamin C in the morning, hyaluronic acid for hydration, Retin-A at night, and SPF every single day.

I’ve also learned that investing in quality products really matters, especially when it comes to sunscreen. I buy SPF when I’m in Europe because their formulas protect against UVA as well as UVB. UVA rays are what drive skin aging, and many U.S. sunscreens don’t fully block them. Consistency, protection, and using products that actually work have made the biggest difference for my skin.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

I spent many hours in tanning beds in my youth. I can’t go back and change that, but I’m glad I stopped and created better habits! Wearing sunscreen goes without saying, and I’m grateful it’s in most facial moisturizers and a lot of foundation, too!

I wear makeup every day, so I need to be diligent about removing it and cleaning my skin. I’m also super-lazy and cheap, so I don’t want an expensive or complicated process. In my teens a dermatologist recommended using a gentle cleanser with a textured washcloth. I’ve sworn by this ever since. I used Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser at night with a warm washcloth to remove all my makeup and clean my face. Then I use Oil of Olay Regernist lotion. In the morning, I use Neutrogena Gentle Daily Cleanser, then Oil of Olay Lightweight Lotion with SPF under my makeup. That’s it! I don't have oily or dry skin, or acne, and as of today, only a few wrinkles, so my needs are minimal (again, thank you, Middle Eastern genetics).

As for the rest of my skin, I do get bouts of eczema on my hands, so I try to moisturize as much as possible. In the shower, I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash. Once a week I use Coco Colada Shea Sugar Scrub to exfoliate dry skin, and before shaving my legs! After showers its Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Care lotion for hands and body, especially in these winter months! It’s an easy and inexpensive regimen that I can do consistently and that helps my skin look healthy.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

I truly believe your skin is an investment. You only get one face for the rest of your life, so taking care of it is a non-negotiable for me. I worked in the skincare industry for five years, and that completely changed how I looked at skincare—not as a luxury, but as daily maintenance.

The biggest lesson? There’s no one-size-fits-all. The right routine depends on your skin type and what it needs.

My daily basics:

• Cleanser + toner

• Vitamin C + SPF 30 in the morning

• Anti-wrinkle moisturizer morning & night

• Retinol serum at night

I used to get Botox (loved it), but right now it’s not in the budget—and honestly, I see it more as cosmetic than preventative. Until then, I’m focusing on quality skincare.

I’m getting my first chemical peel soon (so excited!), and long-term, I’d love to do laser for brown spots and acne scarring when the budget allows.

Ever since I found the right regimen for my skin, my breakouts are minimal and my skin is clearer than it’s been in years. One rule I will never break: I never sleep in makeup. That’s a guaranteed breakout waiting to happen.

Consistency over perfection—that’s the real glow-up.

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How do you care for your skin?