I’ll be honest—most days, I keep things pretty natural. A bare face feels like me, and if I add anything at all, it’s usually just a swipe of lipstick. I’m outside a lot too, so my skin is constantly meeting the sun, the wind, the changing seasons. Over time, I’ve really come to believe that any change you make—especially when it comes to your body—has to come from a place of doing it for yourself. And as I’ve gotten older, that’s meant slowing down a bit and being more thoughtful about how I care for my skin.
If you’ve ever gone through hormonal shifts, you already know how quickly things can change. Skin tends to tell the story first. Estrogen plays such an important role in collagen production, healing, hydration, even the thickness of our skin, while iodine helps support cellular repair. When those levels shift, it’s not subtle—you can feel it, and you can definitely see it.
For me, any time my dosage of Synthroid needs adjusting, my skin is usually the first thing to clue me in. I’ll catch my reflection and notice it looks dull, maybe a little gray, or puffier than usual. Sometimes it just feels dry and tired, like it’s missing that natural glow. And honestly, that’s not a version of myself I feel comfortable in, so I’ve learned to stay a step ahead when I can.
One thing I don’t compromise on is sunscreen—SPF 50 or higher, every day. It’s just part of my routine now. I’ve also come to really love lymphatic drainage. It’s not just about how it helps my skin look; it’s the ritual of it, the calm, the way it makes me slow down and reconnect with myself for a few minutes. And of course, staying consistent with my prescribed medication is a big piece of the puzzle too.
My routine itself is pretty simple, but it feels intentional. I start by cleansing my face, making sure the day is washed away. Then I go in with a serum—something hydrating and nourishing. I’ll warm it up in my hands and gently press it into my face and neck, and then use a jade roller or a small skincare device to move everything along. The serum helps my hands glide so I’m not pulling at my skin, and I focus on gently guiding any trapped fluid toward my lymph nodes. It’s one of those small acts that feels both practical and a little bit like self-care.
I also really enjoy exfoliating, so I use scrubs a few times a week to keep my skin feeling fresh. And I have a soft spot for a good mud mask—there’s something about the way it draws everything out and leaves my skin feeling reset that I just love.
When it comes to products, I tend to keep things simple—unscented or lightly minty, nothing too strong. The one exception I make is for Daylogic. There’s something about that soft rose scent with peony extract that feels a little indulgent in the best way.
Over the years, I’ve found myself returning to a handful of brands that my skin seems to trust, like CeraVe, Clinique, Neutrogena, Olay, No. 7, and RoC, along with a few others I rotate in depending on what my skin seems to need at the time.
At the end of the day, I’ve realized it’s not about chasing perfect skin. It’s about paying attention, being gentle with yourself, adjusting when things shift, and creating a routine that feels like care—not a chore.