The skincare classes I swear by, I'm in my 40s now

In my late teens and early twenties, I experienced quite a bit of turmoil and trauma, which led to some very questionable hairstyles and beauty-related decisions.

From my micro-fringes and not-so-subtle chunky highlights of the late ’90s to facial-stripping toner and seven-step skincare routines I couldn’t afford, it was like I was trying to overcomplicate my life to distract myself from how I really felt it. Little did I know, changing and adjusting my routine every month was only wreaking more havoc on my skin and hair, and on my self-confidence.

Now that I’m in my 40s, I’ve learned the power of a basic skin care routine based on basic products. Here are four skincare mantras I’ve learned to live by – because simple gets results.

1. Start your routine right

After a night’s sleep, it’s crucial to rinse away dead skin cells – plus any bacteria transferred from my pillowcase – so that a reliable face wash is non-negotiable. Historically, I have been a fan of foaming face washes. Watching the soapy water work its magic was something that was immensely satisfying.

Over time, I discovered that foaming cleansers can be drying, so now I always opt for one cream cleanserwhich is not stripping and is better for hydrating my skin. Although I haven’t officially reached perimenopause yet, experts suggest that it may be harder for the skin to retain full ceramides during this period, due to declining estrogen levels, so I’m staying vigilant. My goal is Simple’s Repairing Cream Cleanserwhich contains 11% ceramide boosters to help restore this balance. It’s super gentle on sensitive skin and cleanses without stripping it of moisture, leaving it clean and hydrated.

Lucy Glen

2. Never skip serum

Younger me thought it was a wise choice to avoid serums altogether. I naively thought that using less product would dry out my shiny forehead. Turns out the exact opposite happens – and the shiny-faced vicious cycle continued.

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 look. As a person in your forties, this means that a serum is now non-negotiable.

I want to look as hydrated as possible, my go-to Simple serum (3% hyaluronic acid and B5) is now a welcome addition to my routine. A few drops immediately give my skin a boost of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring molecule that attracts and retains water—leaving me with an instant dewy, plump finish.

Simple, restorative cream cleanser

Simple 3% hyaluronic acid and B5 booster serum

Simple restorative rich cream

3. Get your moisture fix

Did I listen even though my mother encouraged me to start using moisturizer at age 12? In short, no. Being 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.

Older, slightly wiser me? I can’t get enough of it.

The advantage of using one good quality moisturizer is that it locks in all the skin care ingredients your serum contains. So if you use a serum that contains this vitamin Cyou use that mega glow, or with it niacinamidesoftens fine lines and evens out skin tone for a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.

I apply it liberally, morning and evening, making sure my neck and chest aren’t forgotten. Wrinkled cleavage, gone!

Lucy Glen

4. Less sun, more SPF

In my younger years I would pack aftersun and no sunscreen for a trip to Ibiza with the girls. I would hiss while sipping peach schnapps and then think I was doing the right thing by hitting the aloe vera at night.

Let’s just say that marrying an Australian who is an advocate of being smart has changed my opinion on sun damage and its severity. So after I moisturize, I will alwayss add a layer of SPF. While it won’t undo the damage I’ve already done, I can at least protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays in the future.

As I got older, I realized that skin care really doesn’t have to be a math equation. Eight lotions multiplied by twelve potions does not equal perfect skin. In my fourth decade, I’ve come to realize that consistency, simplicity, and quality products that deliver results are the perfect formula.

Read more about the Simple skincare range here