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My Skin at 65: The Habits That Have Made the Biggest Difference

smiling woman with radiant skin.

One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What's the secret to your skin?"

I wish I could tell you there was one product or one treatment responsible for everything, but that simply isn't true. There isn't one secret. Healthy skin is the result of years of consistent care, thoughtful choices, and small habits repeated over time.

If you look closely at my skin, you'll see that it tells a story. I have dark spots, fine lines, and the scar from a basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) that was removed several years ago. My skin has changed, just like the rest of me has changed with age. I don't expect perfect skin. My goal is to have healthy, resilient skin that continues to serve me well as I get older.

What I Do Today Shows Up Tomorrow

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that skincare is a long game. The habits you practice today often don't show visible results tomorrow, but they absolutely influence how your skin looks and functions years from now.

I focus on a simple routine built around ingredients and treatments that have consistently proven themselves over time. Those small daily choices have added up, and I believe they've made far more difference than any single treatment ever could.

My Daily Skincare Routine

My daily skincare routine is surprisingly simple and is built around ingredients that have decades of research behind them.

Every morning I use:

  • A gentle cleanser
  • Vitamin C serum
  • Moisturizer 
  • Mineral sunscreen every single day

Every evening I focus on repair by using:

  • Gentle spf and makeup removal + skin cleansing
  • Retinoids
  • Barrier-supportive moisturizers
  • Overnight skin treatments 

I also exfoliate regularly with gentle chemical exfoliants to help encourage healthy skin turnover and keep my complexion looking brighter and smoother.

Simple routines done consistently almost always outperform complicated routines that only happen occasionally.

Daily Sunscreen Is My Most Important Habit

If I had to choose just one skincare habit that has had the biggest impact over the years, it would be wearing sunscreen every day.

Sun exposure is one of the primary causes of premature skin aging. It contributes to wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, loss of firmness, and skin cancer. After experiencing basal cell carcinoma myself, I take sun protection even more seriously than I did before.

Sunscreen isn't something I save for beach days or vacations. It's part of my morning routine every single day because I know the protection I give my skin today helps prevent damage that might not become visible for years.

I Support Collagen at Home

In addition to skincare products, I regularly use at-home treatments that support collagen production.

One of those is my NIRA near infrared laser, which delivers controlled heat beneath the surface of the skin. That gentle heat encourages the skin's natural repair process and supports collagen remodeling over time.

smiling woman holding a NIRA Pro+ Laser beauty device.

I also use red light therapy, which works differently by supporting cellular energy production and helping the skin repair itself more efficiently.

couple doing red light therapy at home.

I don't think of these devices as shortcuts or miracle tools. I see them as another layer of support that complements the rest of my routine. Used consistently, they help maintain the strength and quality of my skin over time.

Professional Treatments Have Their Place

I also choose to incorporate professional treatments into my overall skincare plan.

Once a year, I have a CoolPeel CO2 laser treatment. I use it because it helps stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and support healthy skin as it continues to age.

I also receive Botox approximately three to four times each year. For me, Botox is simply another tool. It isn't a replacement for good skincare, healthy habits, or sun protection. Instead, it works alongside everything else I'm already doing.

Everyone has different comfort levels with cosmetic treatments, and I believe those decisions are deeply personal. There is no right or wrong choice. My approach is simply to choose treatments that align with my own goals while keeping my expectations realistic.


Healthy Skin Starts From Within

Over the years, I've become increasingly convinced that healthy skin begins long before you apply your skincare products.

I support my skin from the inside every day.

That includes:

  • Collagen peptides
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Targeted daily supplements
  • Plenty of protein
  • A plant-forward vegetarian diet
  • Strength training
  • Quality sleep

One habit that surprises many people is how much I credit strength training. Building and maintaining muscle supports healthy aging in countless ways, and I believe that vitality often shows up in your skin as well. Looking healthy isn't only about what you put on your face. It's also about taking care of your entire body.

Recovery Is Part of My Skincare Routine

Sleep is another habit I refuse to overlook.

Our bodies do much of their repair work while we sleep, and our skin is no exception. Recovery isn't simply about feeling rested the next morning. It's an essential part of supporting healthy skin over the long term.

That's why I prioritize good sleep just as intentionally as I prioritize sunscreen or skincare.

The Makeup I Wear Most Days

People often assume that because I work in beauty, I wear a full face of makeup every day. The truth is much simpler.

If I wear foundation, it's usually a lightweight mineral powder. Most days, I wear TIZO Tinted Mineral SPF 45 followed by TIZO Tinted Mineral Serum SPF 30. I like makeup that enhances healthy skin rather than covering it completely.

My goal has never been to hide my skin. It's to care for it well enough that I don't feel like I have to.

The Bottom Line

When people ask for the secret to my skin, they're often hoping for one simple answer. But healthy skin rarely comes from one product or one treatment.

For me, it's the combination of daily sunscreen, evidence-based skincare, regular exfoliation, collagen-supporting treatments, professional care when appropriate, good nutrition, strength training, quality sleep, and consistency over many years.

None of these habits produce dramatic overnight results. Instead, they quietly work together over time.

That's the philosophy that has guided my skincare journey, and it's the one I continue to believe in today. Healthy aging isn't about trying to look twenty-five forever. It's about caring for yourself in a way that helps you look and feel your best at every stage of life.

If you're building a simple, evidence-based skincare routine, these are the products I reach for most often. You don't need a complicated regimen. You simply need products that earn their place.

Shop My Daily Well-Aging Routine

jar of retinol cream.
 
Super C Stem Serum Behave 1% Retinol Moisture Creme Radiance Reveal Exfoliant
Mineral Sunscreen Mineral Powder Foundation NIRA Pro+ Laser

LightStim Omnilux Red Light Mask

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