“What do you use on your face?” is a question I’m frequently asked and today I’m spilling the beans and sharing everything I swear by! Â I’m 42 now and have definitely upped my skin care regimen this year!
I’m not sure what changed when I hit my 40’s, or maybe everything changes then! My usually good-looking skin started looking dull and didn’t have that smooth texture that I was used to. I also started to get tiny bumps all over my forehead and down the sides of my face and some into my jawline. Â It wasn’t noticeable in photos or to most people unless they looked closely, but I could feel it and was very self-conscious about it. Â Some friends I pointed it out to said it kinda looked like a pale rash. Â I went to several trips to my dermatologist where he gave me different topical samples to try, but nothing worked.
I never took a great picture of my situation, but in these closer up photos, if you look at my forehead, you can sort of see the tiny bumps.
It wasn’t until one night in my frustration I spent hours researching online and ended up googling something like “skin breakout not acne” that I finally realized I had what’s called ‘closed comedones’- basically blocked pores that result in small pockets of built-up oil that causes small bumps on the skin. #gross There are tons of forums online but, bottom line, this condition is stubborn and it can take months to clear up.
MY SKINCARE ROUTINE
But, the good news is, after struggling with this problem for so long, it finally started to clear up within 3 days after I started using Colleen Rothschild products. Â When I was in Dallas in April, Colleen Rothschild was there and I had an opportunity to visit their booth and get a personal skincare consultation. Â #luckyme!
I explained my situation and how I wanted something that would make me look 24 again. Â Not really, but I do want to keep my skin as youthful looking as possible and reduce fine lines and age spots.
For everyday cleansing, I’m using this Balancing Gel Cleanser morning and night. Â In the past, I had read that you don’t need to wash your face in the morning, only splash water on it, but for me, I think doing that helped lead to those clogged pores. Â Now that I’m cleansing morning and night with this refreshing cleanser, my pores have completely cleared up. Â I like that this cleanser is in a pump bottle and has a little bit of lather to it. Â After I use it, my skin feels fresh and clean.Â
How to use : Splash face and neck with water, then massage cleanser over skin using gentle, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water and pat dry.Â
I like this Radiant Cleansing Balm also that clears congested pores and removes impurities while dissolving all traces of makeup, leaving skin balanced, soft, and radiant.  After you use this, your skin feels baby soft and smooth and like you just stepped out of the spa.  I use this more like once a week when I want to take time and relax and get that mini-facial feeling.  I think the pump in the Balancing Gel Cleanser is quicker for my day-to-day cleansing.
How to use : Place balm in clean, dry hands then rub together to warm product. Apply to dry skin and massage all over face. Wet a muslin cloth  with hand-hot water and wring damp. Place over skin for a mini-facial, then use to wipe off balm.  Follow with a splash of cool water to leave you glowing.Â
I use this Dual Enzyme polish twice a week to slough off dull skin cells. Â It has microspheres blended with fruit enzyme and AHA to deeply exfoliate. Â Even after using this the first time, my skin felt all glowy. Â It smells heavenly too.
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How to use : Apply an even layer to damp face, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, allowing enzymes to exfoliate. Then using circular motions, gently activate the microspheres to polish the skin. Remove using tepid water. Use 1-2 times a week.
I like this mask as a weekly treatment to removes trapped dirt and debris. Â You might look funny while it’s on, but it’s a good way to get a laugh out of the kids. Â It’s activated charcoal and French Kaolin clay detox your pores and leave behind a balanced complexion. It has a blend of Vitamin C and Willowherb extract to brighten and soothe inflamed skin. Â It’s good stuff!
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How to use : Apply a layer to face and neck, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes, allowing mask to dry. Rinse with tepid water then gently pat dry. Use 2-3 times a week or as a spot treatment as needed.
I love this stuff! Â From the pretty blue color that currently matches my nails to all the things it does for your skin! Â It fights the six signs of aging: texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines, radiance, and tone. Â I never felt more ‘adult’ using a product before. Â Since I’m still wary of using moisturizer (it always breaks me out- except for the oil below), I like using this daily after I cleanse my face. Â A little goes a long way!Â
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This concentrated formula is infused with more than 20 potent ingredients, including peptides, collagen boosters, amino acids, vitamins, and plant extracts. Combined, this serum helps to restore the skin’s complexion to its most youthful radiance and texture.
How to use : For optimum benefits, use morning and night, alone or under your favorite moisturizer.
I’ve been noticing those wrinkles around my eyes and yes, they’re full of happiness and personality, but I don’t mind keeping them at bay.  I put it on at night and feel great knowing that I’m finally doing something to help prevent wrinkles, fine lines, under-eye circles, puffiness and loss of elasticity.
How to use : With ring finger, apply around eye area using a gentle patting motion. Use morning and night for optimal results. (I keep forgetting to put it on in the morning! I need a sticky note reminder!)
I just started using this Vitamin C Treatment Complex that is known to improve natural radiance and clarity while defending against environmental aggressors like pollution, stress, and sun damage. Â I always wear a visor when I’m outside running or a hat at ball games and things like that, but I’m still noticing some sun spots that I want to reduce. Â I need to be more diligent about applying it everyday so I can report back on my results!Â
This potent form of vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation by penetrating the epidermis 16 times more effectively than ascorbic acid. The formulation stimulates collagen production, leaving skin more even and radiant.
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How to use :Â Gently massage an even layer over face and neck in the morning, follow with moisturizer.
This face oil is the product that surprised me the most! I mean, I’m trying to prevent oily skin, right?! Well, this face oil (surprise, surprise) has not broken out my skin at all and actually leaves it feeling smooth and properly quenched. Â I just put a couple drops into my palms and rub my hands together, then lightly apply to my face. Â It’s great for your hands and nails too!
My skin isn’t perfect, but it sure has improved since I started using my grown-up Colleen Rothschild skincare line. Â Now I feel like I’m doing something special for myself my investing in quality skincare that truly performs.Â
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Meet Megan
Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!
12 Comments
This is a great post! I’m almost 37 and have been thinking that I need to get serious about skincare soon. I think I’m going to try out these products. One question – do you find the cleansing gel takes off your make-up or do you need to use a separate make-up remover? Also, do you use the Vitamin C treatment under the face oil?
I use a different skincare line, but I always take off my makeup with Norwex cloths before using my cleanser so I have a clean face to let the cleanser do it’s job.
Glad you found something that works for you! Having clear, healthy skin is a great feeling! If you’re ever interested in trying or adding on something new I would love to introduce you to Rodan and Fields. It’s helped my skin and my daughter’s skin tremendously! Take care!
Thank you so much for this great post. I’m 35 and know that I need to start using better products for my skin (my current ritual is to use Cetaphil gentle cleanser and pretty much nothing else since I have sensitive skin). Do you think these products work well for sensitive skin? They’re also a little pricier than I usually go for, although I believe skincare is investment for my future self. i don’t always take the time to comment but just want to say I appreciate your thoughtful and fun posts! Your blog is one of the only ones I read regularly 🙂
Hi Kelly! That’s exactly what I used to use and it worked well for so long, but wasn’t helping clear my clogged pores. My skin is sensitive too and breaks out easily so I would say give it a try. My skin loves her products. And I want to tell you thank you for such a nice compliment on reading my blog regularly. That is the best compliment I can receive because I spend so much time and energy here, so to know you enjoy it means so much!
I have the same clogged pore bumps. I have CR cleansing balm and charcoal mask. Which product should I add that you feel like made the biggest difference with the pores? I’m looking to add to my CR products if needed…
This is a great post! I’m almost 37 and have been thinking that I need to get serious about skincare soon. I think I’m going to try out these products. One question – do you find the cleansing gel takes off your make-up or do you need to use a separate make-up remover? Also, do you use the Vitamin C treatment under the face oil?
I use a different skincare line, but I always take off my makeup with Norwex cloths before using my cleanser so I have a clean face to let the cleanser do it’s job.
First, you are completely stunning!!! And second, I’m obsessed with the entire CR line!!! It’s changed my skin completely!!!
Me too! Remember how much trouble I was having with my skin in Dallas?! It’s 100% better now!
Glad you found something that works for you! Having clear, healthy skin is a great feeling! If you’re ever interested in trying or adding on something new I would love to introduce you to Rodan and Fields. It’s helped my skin and my daughter’s skin tremendously! Take care!
Thanks so much Melissa!
I love CR as well. It changed my skin in less than a week. I took advantage on the sale and stocked up on my favorites.
It’s a great time to take advantage of those savings!
Thank you so much for this great post. I’m 35 and know that I need to start using better products for my skin (my current ritual is to use Cetaphil gentle cleanser and pretty much nothing else since I have sensitive skin). Do you think these products work well for sensitive skin? They’re also a little pricier than I usually go for, although I believe skincare is investment for my future self. i don’t always take the time to comment but just want to say I appreciate your thoughtful and fun posts! Your blog is one of the only ones I read regularly 🙂
Hi Kelly! That’s exactly what I used to use and it worked well for so long, but wasn’t helping clear my clogged pores. My skin is sensitive too and breaks out easily so I would say give it a try. My skin loves her products. And I want to tell you thank you for such a nice compliment on reading my blog regularly. That is the best compliment I can receive because I spend so much time and energy here, so to know you enjoy it means so much!
I have the same clogged pore bumps. I have CR cleansing balm and charcoal mask. Which product should I add that you feel like made the biggest difference with the pores? I’m looking to add to my CR products if needed…
I also used the CR cleansing gel, but I think the radiant cleansing balm with the muslin cloth will also help! Let me know!