Skincare Over 40: My Simple, Non-Toxic Routine That Works

Here’s my full current routine from red light therapy and dermarolling to face tape and castor oil packs. This is the exact way I keep my skin firm, glowing, and aging as gracefully as possible >>>

Morning Routine

I always start my mornings with movement and light before skincare.

Step 1 | Vibration Plate + Red Light (or a walk and sunlight)

Mon-Fri I start my morning on my vibration plate while doing a  red light therapy session. This boosts circulation, lymphatic drainage, collagen, and overall energy.
I apply my Blue Peptide Spray + LADR serum before red light to amplify the benefits, then wipe it off after the session.

Step 2 | NO Cleansing!

I don’t cleanse in the morning.  I just use filtered water on a Clean Skin Club cotton square. Over-cleansing strips your barrier and throws off your microbiome.

Step 3 | Blue Peptide Spray

Peptides + vitamin C to hydrate and prep the skin.

Step 4 | StemFactor MD Serum

The best growth factor serum out there. Supports repair, collagen, and rejuvenation.

Step 5 | Renew Retinal Serum

I use Renew every morning and night. If you’re new to retinal, start with Correct a few nights a week and build up. Renew is the gold standard once your skin can tolerate it.  Tip:  In colder seasons (Nov-Feb), I reduce the retinal frequency to PM most days.  It also gives your skin a reset so that when you reintroduce retinal again it jumpstarts the skin and keeps it from fatigue.

Step 6 | Youth Daily V2 Moisturizer

Hydrates + tackles aging pathways with spermidine, copper peptides, NAD and  resveratrol.

Step 7 | Neck & Chest Care

Youth Firming Neck + Chest Cream. Don’t neglect this area.

Step 8 | BioShield SPF

My non-negotiable. Protects from UVA/UVB, blue light, EMFs, and pollution.

Nighttime Routine

Night is all about repair + prevention.

Step 1 | Double Cleanse

If I’ve worn makeup/SPF: oil cleanse first (my own formula is coming soon), then Deep Clean or Adaptogenic Cleanser. For stubborn makeup like mascara under the eyes or clean up the hairline and neck, I use Bioderma micellar water.

Step 2 | Blue Peptide Spray

Rehydrate + prep.

Step 3 | StemFactor MD Serum

Every night.

Step 4 | Dermarolling + Vampire Exosomes (at home microneedling + PRP treatment, 1–3x per week)

I use my dermaroller with exosomes 1–3 nights a week.   

How I roll:

1. Apply Vampire Exosomes or StemFactor serum.
2. Roll horizontally.
3. Apply Renew Advanced Retinal serum.
4. Roll vertically.

This boosts collagen, enhances absorption, and supports healing + repair.

Step 5 | Renew Retinal Serum (with or w/o the roller)

Or swap for Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum during the colder months.

Step 6 | C.A.R.E. Moisturizer

Hydrating + repairing.

Step 7 | The Bare Minimum

I’ll use The Bare Minimum facial oil to seal in hydration and prevent TEWL.  

Step 8 | EyeC.A.R.E. Serum + Illuminate Treatment

Targets fine lines + under-eye support.

Step 9 | Face Tape (4–5 nights/week)

This is my Botox replacement. I tape my forehead and wrinkle-prone areas before bed. You can read my full Face Taping Blog and shop my recommended tape here.

Step 7 | Neck & Chest Care

Youth Firming Neck + Chest Cream. Don’t neglect this area.

Step 11 | Castor Oil Packs (5 nights/week)

For detox + inflammation support. I use this castor oil 

Bi-Weekly or Monthly At Home Facial

Here’s what I do at home every 2 weeks:

1. Double Cleanse
2. Electric Face Trimmer (remove facial hair on clean, dry skin — this a great alternative to dermaplaning) 
3. Exfoliate (use Polish or NiaPolish)
4. Dermaroll (.25mm)
5. Red Light (10-12 minutes) - You want to use RLT 3-5 days a week for maximum benefits
6. Follow with the PM Skincare (see steps above)

Beyond Skincare Products (building and supporting collagen & elastin from the inside out)

1) Buccal Face Massage

Intraoral and external massage to release facial tension, improve lymph flow, and soften patterns that pull the face downward.

Tension + stagnant lymph = puffiness, dullness, and “pulled down” features. Buccal massages can visibly de-puff and lift, especially the cheeks, around the jaw and nasolabial area.

How often: 1–2×/month; or you can learn how to do it at home, but the relaxing benefits of having a massage are beneficial for your nervous system and a better result.

2) Bone Broth

Every morning before caffeine, I start with a cup of mineral-rich, collagen-dense chicken bone broth.

Collagen/gelatin (glycine, proline) for gut lining + skin elasticity, with trace minerals that support hydration. Instead of eating oatmeal that strips your body of minerals/spiking your cortisol with caffeine on an empty stomach.

Here is the recipe for my homemade collagen broth.

3) Collagen (Supplement)

Sometimes I don't have the time to make my collagen broth so I will supplement with collagen peptides.

Collagen peptides supports skin, hair, joints; balances muscle-meat aminos.

Collagen peptides I use

4) High-Protein Meals

I make sure to prioritize animal protein as the bulk of each meal.  I don't count or weigh my food, but as long as the biggest portion of my meal is protein (animal protein), that's what matters.

Why: 

• Keeps muscle on you → a naturally “lifted” look and steadier metabolism.
• Feeds collagen + keratin → firmer, bouncier skin and stronger hair/nails.
• Stabilizes blood sugar → fewer cravings and less inflammation that shows up on your face.
• Actually satisfies you → less snacking, more consistency.

See my full grocery guide inside my Healthy Skin Ebook

5) Sleep (Deep & Consistent)

I prioritize 7.5–9 hours, consistent sleep/wake, cool + dark room, no screens after sunset or one hour before bed, earlier dinner, mineral/electrolyte nightcap, castor pack, no alcohol.

Night is when skin repairs collagen, barrier, and antioxidant defenses turn on. Good sleep lowers cortisol/inflammation and reduces glycation that makes skin look dull. Better sleep = better skin & appearance.

My night time magnesium sleep drink mocktail

6) Supplements & Peptides (personal experience)

I cycle my supplements and peptide protocol depending on what I need. Examples: GHK-Cu (skin/hair), BPC-157 (repair/gut), TUDCA (bile/liver support), NAD patches sparingly (I’m sensitive).

Download my free peptide guide

7) Responsible Sun (w/o breaking down collagen)

No direct sun exposure for longer than 10-20 mins during peak hours, then hats/shade and mineral SPF on face/neck/chest. Burns and time spent in the sun break down collagen and age your skin faster.

Instead of relying only on SPF and blasting your skin with direct sunlight for hours at a peak times or hiding from all sun (not my approach).

The mineral SPF I LOVE and wear daily.  Fun fact:  This SPF also protects the skin from blue light damage (screens).

8) Zero Lasers, Zero Chemical Peels, Zero Botox/Filler, Zero Surgery

I have never touched an invasive laser or chemical peel to my skin.  Quit botox in 2024 and haven't had any facial surgeries (yet).

I want less trauma, fewer side effects, and improvements that reflect a healthier system (not a quick band-aid). When you prioritize sleep, lower stress, replace minerals, have a healthy gut, and barrier, your skin behaves younger naturally.

This routine isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency. At 43, I’m focused on preserving collagen, keeping my barrier strong, and choosing tools that help me age well without destroying my skin long-term.

If you want a customized plan for your own skin, you can schedule a 1:1 consultation. We’ll create a routine that works for your skin type, age, and lifestyle.

xo,

Jamie