Skin care lessons I swear by now that I’m in my forties

I went through quite a bit of upheaval and trauma in my late teens and early twenties, which led to some very questionable haircuts and beauty decisions.

Since the late 1990s, I couldn’t afford the micro-fringe and the not-too-subtle chunky highlights to the toner remover and the seven-step skincare routine, like I was trying to complicate my life to distract myself from how I really felt. Little did I know that cutting my hair and changing my routine month after month was doing even more damage to my skin and hair, as well as my confidence.

Now in my forties, I’ve come to understand the power of basic skincare based on essential products. Here are four skincare mantras I’ve learned to live by – because simple gets results.

1. Start your daily routine right

After a night’s sleep, it’s imperative to wash off the dead skin cells, as well as any bacteria transferred from my pillowcase, so reliable face wash non-negotiable. I have historically been a fan of foaming face washes. There was something immensely satisfying about watching the foam work its magic.

I later discovered that foaming cleansers can be drying, so now I always go for a washing creamwhich doesn’t strip the skin and moisturizes my skin better. Although I haven’t officially entered perimenopause, experts suggest that during this time it may be harder for the skin to retain plump ceramides due to the drop in estrogen levels, so I remain vigilant. My choice is this Restorative cream cleanser from Simplewhich contains 11% ceramide boosters to help restore this balance. It is extremely gentle on sensitive skin and cleanses without stripping it of moisture, leaving it clean and hydrated.

Lucy Glenn

2. Never skip the serum

When I was younger, I thought it was a smart choice to avoid serums entirely. I naively thought that using less products would dry out my shiny forehead. It turns out that the opposite is happening – and the vicious circle of shiny faces continues.

Now, after a quick face wash in the shower, I focus on creating the healthiest and freshest canvas as a base for my usual minimal makeup. In my forties, this means serum is now non-negotiable.

Trying to look as hydrated as possible is my choice Simple serum (3% Hyaluronic Acid and B5) is now a welcome addition to my routine. A few drops instantly infuse my skin with hyaluronic acid – a natural molecule that attracts and holds water – leaving me looking fresh and plump in no time.

A simple cream for washing

Simple 3% serum with hyaluronic acid and B5

Simple restorative rich cream

3. Correct the humidity

Even though my mom encouraged me to start using moisturizer at the age of 12, did I listen? In short, no. Having prone to oily skin in my younger years, I truly believed that skipping the moisturizing steps would help, not hinder, the appearance of my skin.

Am I older, a little wiser? I can’t get enough of this stuff.

Advantage of using a quality moisturizing cream is that it will retain all the nourishing ingredients of your serum. So if you use a serum that contains vitamin Cyou will use this megabeam, or with niacinamideyou’ll smooth out fine lines and achieve a more even skin tone for a smoother, younger-looking face.

I apply it liberally in the morning and at night, and make sure not to forget my neck and chest. Wrinkled neckline, away!

Lucy Glenn

4. Less sun, more SPF

In my younger years, I would take after sun cream and zero sunscreen on a trip to Ibiza with the girls. I fizzed as I sipped peach schnapps and then thought I did the right thing by drinking aloe vera in the evening.

Let’s just say that being married to a smart sun-obsessed Aussie changed my mind about sun damage and how serious it is. So, after moisturizing, I will alwayss add a layer of SPF. While it won’t undo the damage I’ve already done, at least I can protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays moving forward.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that skin care doesn’t have to be like a mathematical equation. Eight lotions times 12 potions does not equal perfect skin. In my fourth decade, I’ve learned that consistency, simplicity, and quality products that deliver results is the perfect formula.

Learn more about the Simple skincare range here