Skincare can feel overwhelming—especially when every influencer, brand, and “expert” insists you need a 7‑, 10‑, or even 12‑step routine to have healthy, glowing skin. As a working mom in my 40s juggling kids, life, and a business, I don’t have the time (or desire) to stand at my bathroom counter layering product after product. And honestly? Our skin doesn’t need that much.
The truth is simple: there is no one‑stop‑shop product for our skin because our skin isn’t made of one thing. It’s a living organ with layers, cells, lipids, proteins, and minerals—all working together to protect, regulate, and repair. At different times, our skin needs different nutrients. But that doesn’t mean we need a complicated routine. It just means we need a smart one.
Over the years, I’ve simplified my skincare routine down to a few intentional steps that nourish my skin deeply, support my barrier, and keep me glowing without the overwhelm. Here’s exactly what I do and why it works.
My Daily Routine: Simple, Natural, and Effective
Step 1: My Homemade Oil Cleanser
I start every day with an oil cleanser I make myself using:
• Grapeseed oil — lightweight, non‑comedogenic, rich in antioxidants, and great for balancing oily or acne‑prone skin.
• Almond oil — deeply nourishing, softening, and full of vitamins A and E.
• Peppermint oil — cooling, refreshing, and helps wake up tired skin.
• High‑quality baking soda — a gentle exfoliator that helps lighten dark spots and remove buildup without harsh scrubbing.
Oil cleansing works because oil dissolves oil. It pulls dirt, sunscreen, makeup, and sebum out of your pores far better than foaming cleansers ever could. The baking soda adds a mild exfoliating effect that brightens and smooths the skin.
After massaging the oil into my face, I rinse lightly. Yes, it feels oily at first—but that’s where step two comes in.
Step 2: My Homemade Turmeric + Annatto Soap Bar
After oil cleansing, I wash with a turmeric and annatto soap bar I make myself. This step removes the excess oil along with all the grime it lifted from my pores.
Turmeric and annatto both support brighter, more even‑toned skin, and the soap leaves my face feeling:
• soft
• smooth
• clean
• youthful
• never greasy
These two steps alone have transformed my skin. They’re simple, natural, and effective—exactly what my busy life needs.
My Night Routine: Alternating What My Skin Needs
Because our skin changes daily, I don’t use the same product every night. Instead, I rotate between two things that pair beautifully with my Bare Intent Tallow Whip.
3 Nights a Week: Retinol (The Ordinary)
Retinol is one of the most researched ingredients for aging gracefully. I use The Ordinary’s retinol cream because it’s effective and inexpensive.
Retinol can be drying, which is why I always apply my tallow whip on top.
Tallow is oil‑based and deeply nourishing, so it:
• prevents dryness
• supports absorption
• keeps my skin hydrated
• reduces irritation
The two together give me smoother, brighter skin without the typical retinol side effects.
Other Nights: Medicube Collagen Cream or Serum
At 41, collagen support matters. I alternate between Medicube’s collagen cream or serum, and if I use the serum, I always top it with tallow.
Tallow naturally supports collagen production because its fatty acid profile is so similar to our own skin’s sebum. Pairing it with a collagen product feels like giving my skin a double boost—inside and out.
Why This Routine Works
This routine works because it’s:
• simple
• intentional
• nutrient‑focused
• aligned with how skin actually functions
I try to stay as natural as possible, but I’m also realistic. Life is busy. Kids, work, and everything in between mean I need a routine that fits into real life—not one that takes 30 minutes every night.
By focusing on whole ingredients, skin‑compatible oils, and a few targeted products, I’ve created a routine that keeps my skin healthy, glowing, and youthful without the overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
Healthy skin doesn’t come from having the most products—it comes from understanding what your skin needs and giving it the right support at the right time. My routine is simple, natural, and sustainable, and it has completely changed the way my skin looks and feels.
If you’re ready to simplify your routine too, start with whole ingredients, listen to your skin, and don’t be afraid to pare things down. Sometimes less truly is more.