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My Skincare Routine (at age 40)

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I had to overhaul my skincare routine quite a bit earlier this year when the brand I was using shut down (read about what happened to Beautycounter in this post). I’ve been blown away by how much I love the Oliveda products I bought as replacements, and I now use Oliveda almost exclusively for my skincare. Read my full Oliveda review here. Today, I’m sharing what my skincare routine for (super) dry skin looks like lately.

While this seems like a lot of steps, it takes less than 5 minutes, and I’ve seen a big difference in my skin’s appearance and texture since I started following a full skincare routine with all the basics steps (cleanse, tone, treat, hydrate, protect) consistently. And I NEVER EVER sleep with makeup on!

If you want to learn more about the basics of skincare and how to choose the right products for your skin type, sign up for this free mini skincare routine 101 course – it’s all sent right to your inbox over the course of a few days.

Additionally, I have promo codes for a few of the brands listed below, but I know it’s a long post so I wanted to call them out here as well.

For all the products listed below, a little goes a long way, so less is more.  You’ll find that just 1-2 pumps (or a black bean size amount of product) is enough for most of these (and for some, even less). If you’re used to using drugstore brands, you may feel like it’s not enough, but they’re very concentrated, and you won’t get more benefit by layering on thick amounts.

I have normal to dry skin (and it’s VERY dry in the winter), so if you have normal, oily/acne-prone skin or combination skin, this may not be the right routine for you, but if you fill out this Skincare Survey, I will send you personalized recommendations for your skin type! Oliveda is a clean, waterless skincare brand that has such good products for all skin types, I tend to recommend that brand most but there will be a few others included from time to time too. Read more about Oliveda here!

My Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

If I list multiple products, it’s either because I alternate days or because I have two products that I like and I just use whatever I have on hand. I’m a skincare junkie so I’m always buying and trying more than I need.

My morning skincare routine

1. Cleanse

Oliveda 009 DOPE Your Glow Cleanser – I recently ordered this (I was using Oliveda F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel prior) and I like it even more! It’s SO soothing and hydrating. And the texture is so good. It’s like an oil that still foams a little bit.

2. Tone

Next I use the Oliveda F67 Corrective Facial Tonic as my toner step. It has hydroxytyrosol (a powerful antioxidant) and and camu camu (which is a vitamin C booster). I feel like my skin has been retaining moisture better since switching to this.

3. Serum

I layer a few serums in the morning, that I use in this order.

Vitamin C Serum – This is for skin’s overall brightness and evenness. I’ve been using Oliveda F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum. I love the bright red color.

Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum + Oliveda Kahai Elixir – The F59 is my anti-aging serum. It’s nicknamed “botox in a bottle”, and I don’t think I’d go that far (I love the real deal), but since I can’t get botox right now (I’m breastfeeding), I’ll take all the all-natural botox I can get. I do think it’s helped my smile lines after just a few weeks. It’s made with hydroxytyrosol and paracress which give a lifting effect while reducing the appearance of pores. I mix the F59 in my hand with the Oliveda Kahai Elixir –the serum helps the elixir’s oil formulation better penetrate the skin. The Elixir is a natural form of retinol that also helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and overall signs of aging. Read my full review of the Botox in a Bottle here.

4. Hydrate

For my day cream, I would usually use the Oliveda F42 Corrective Face Cream. It’s made with extra hydroxytyrosol in it (a super powerful antioxidant) and it’s ideal for mature, aging skin. It’s smoothing, super hydrating, improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It contains a natural form of SPF!

However, since it’s the dead of winter and my skin is super dry, I’ve been using my night cream during the day as well. Read details about my night cream below.

5. Eye cream

For eye care, I use the Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir + Oliveda F60 Corrective Eye Cream. Before eye cream, I use the Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir. This like “botox in a bottle” for your eyes. It has a triple hyaluronic acid structure and a ton of antioxidants, so it hydrates and plumps while also giving your eyes a more lifted, radiant look. I massage a drop around my eyes, and then follow with my eye cream.

6. Protect with SPF

I recently discovered Crunchi’s face sunscreen (Sunlight® Facial SPF 30) and my life is changed. It’s by far the best clean sunscreen I’ve ever used. Most sunscreens dry out my skin underneath my makeup or leave a white cast that takes forever to absorb in, but this sunscreen is perfect. It’s hydrating, thin enough that it absorbs pretty quickly, and it’s made with ultra-clean ingredients. Read about my favorite Crunchi products here.

My evening skincare routine

Best case scenario, I do my evening skincare regimen about 30-60 minutes before heading to bed. This gives my skin enough time to absorb everything before I put on my sleeping eye mask and put my face on my pillow (stomach sleeper here!). Most nights I change into PJs about an hour before I go to bed and do my skincare routine. Then, Tommy and I watch a show together before I go to bed.

1. Cleanse

Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm – This is super hydrating and smells amazing and removes every bit of makeup and grime from the day. I apply this to dry skin, then remove with a wet muslin towel or washcloth. It leaves my skin feeling amazing.

I like the Oliveda 009 DOPE Your Glow Cleanser for a double cleanse.

2. Tone

Oliveda F67 Corrective Facial Tonic as my toner step.

4. Serum

At night, I start by mixing a few drops of Oliveda F87 Corrective Kahai Elixir into my serum. The Oliveda F87 Corrective Kahai Elixir a natural, nut-derived retinol from kahai oil. This is what I recommend to anyone new to retinol or if you have issues using bakuchiol. It reduces fine lines and pore size, improves complexion, contracts pigmentation, AND protects against free radicals. Like I said, I mix it with my serum, which is the Oliveda F59 Corrective Face Serum (botox in a bottle).

Then I apply both to my skin.

5. Hydrate

For my night cream I use the Oliveda F74 Regeneration Intense Face Cream. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. The texture is weird but it’s insanely hydrating. It reminds me of Augustinus Badiner but a fraction of the price (and more hydrating).

6. Eye Cream

I use the Oliveda F60 Corrective Eye Cream & Oliveda F64 Corrective Eye Elixir together for my eyes. Layer the Elixir under the eye cream.

7. Lip Mask

I love love love the The Oliveda F75 Olive Tree Therapy Lip Balm. It’s the best lip mask I’ve ever tried and I’ve tried a lot. Not only does it hydrate and my lips have completely stopped peeling since I use it, but they also look plumper and they have a more defined edge when I use it. It’s almost like it instantly improves the fine lines around my lips and decreases redness there. Once you try it, you’ll understand. It’s the best. 

As Needed

Oliveda Hyaluronic Serum – When my skin needs an extra boost of hydration.

Oliveda F81 AHA + HT Serum Face – An overnight resurfacing peel. I use this 1x a week for skin texture, fine lines, and my skin’s overall appearance. It’s strong so don’t OD on it.

Oliveda F76 Honey Enzyme Face Mask – Exfoliates the skin but has a warming sensation. I love using this (which says a lot since I usually hate doing masks). I try to use it 1-2x a week. 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section!

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    14 responses to “My Skincare Routine (at age 40)”

    1. Great topic! I love to read content about skincare because I still try to maintain my fair smooth skin despite being busy at work and as a mom of three kids. Thank you for posting this. Your post is highly appreciated! Love it!

    2. HIiiiiiiiieeee Terilyn!
      I came across your post/blog while doing a deep dive into skincare. . .I am almost 40 and feel like things are changing and like you, I have dry skin and VERY sensitive skin. I also live in West Texas so the weather here contributes to the dryness as well. ALL that said. . .I have been searching for the right NEW, regimen with CLEAN ingredients. May I please ask you ….if you could put me on a path for just a few things to start off with and try, what would you suggest? I found your site while researching ilia. I received a sample for their cleanser in my Sakara order the other day and I have been researching ever since. I have fair skin, hyperpigmentation and a few dark spots from spending lots of time on the golf course. I KNOW, maybe WAY too much info, and I know too you aren’t a derm. HA. One of my best friends acutally is at Westlake Derm and every product she gives me is FULL of toxins and my skin eventually freaks out and breaks out.
      Sorry, longest comment ever. Would appreciate any advice you could share.
      Thank you!!
      M

    3. Hey! Would you say that Colleen Rothschild is a clean brand or just one that you like?

      • It’s definitely cleaner than most but definitely not squeaky clean like Beautycounter. The founder had breast cancer so I know she cares about ingredient safety!

    4. Hi I’ve just come across your blog and I’m so grateful for the info! I like many have been using beauty counter every day for years, so I’ve been scrambling to figure out what is best. I have both oliveda and true botanicals products in my house and I’m wondering if it’s ok to try both, am vs pm, or to mix and match on alternate days or if it is best to just stick to one brand.

      Thanks again for your wonderful insights and research!

      • Hi there! It’s definitely okay to use both, but I do find that I get the best results when I stick to one brand since the products are formulated to work together (at oliveda, they all use an oil formulation that’s super effective and gentle). If you’re open to it, I would start with a simple routine from Oliveda and see how your skin does with that. I like those products better than True Botanicals, but of course everyone is different.

    5. What do you suggest is best for hyperpigmentation from sun damage? I have F59, F83, and F82, but haven’t been consistent. I loved Beautycounter’s vitamin C:( Is there another Oliveda product that is better than what I have? Thanks!

      • Hi there! The F83 that you already have is the best bet for hyperpigmentation. It has more antioxidants in it than Beautycounter’s All Bright Serum did, so it’s actually going to be more effective for dark sun spots! I think you’ll be pleased with the results if you use it consistently — I’d cleanse, tone, then apply the F83 and moisturize (in the AM). Skip the F83 at night since it’s better used during the day — use the F59 instead at night!

    6. Hi Terilyn, so happy to read your review on Oliveda. I bought some products, but have a question.
      I bought the f82 serum.

      In the morning I usually put rosewater and then hyaloronic acid on my face and then face cream layered with a self made oil mix of castor oil and jojoba. Would you advice to put this serum after the hyaloronic acid?.

      At night I usually put vit c with toner on my face and then a self made oil mix of castor oil and jojoba or another oil mix. Would you advice to put this serum the. After the toner?

      • Hi!! You can actually mix the F82 in your palm with your serum (either hyaluronic acid or the self-made oil mix). It works best when combined with a serum, so whatever product you’re using as your “treatment” step is the one you’ll combine with the Green Retinol. And yes, always apply serums AFTER your toner, since the toner “preps” your skin for your treatment step (your serum). Hope this helps!

    7. So helpful — I too found Olive Tree’s routine directions confusing. Thank you
      Mary Ann Buckman

    8. Hello Terilyn!

      I’m just curious, why don’t you use Oliveda cleansing oil? For double cleansing.

      • Hi! I’ve tried the Oliveda Arbequina one and just don’t like it! I haven’t tried any others yet so I’m using my cleansing balm for now.

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