I Required a Skincare Refresh in My 40s—Here’s What a Celebrity Esthetician Suggested.

      When I turned 40, my skincare routine began to feel... uneven. The cleansers I previously adored were leaving my skin dry, my favorite moisturizers appeared less effective, and my complexion looked dull, no matter how many resurfacing masks I applied. I soon realized the issue wasn't with the products—it was me. I was diagnosed with perimenopause and started to witness the effects I had long researched (loss of collagen, rapid hydration loss) happening to me in real life. While I can't halt time (or gravity), I could attempt a skincare reset.

      Enter Renée Rouleau. If you have even a passing interest in skincare, you likely know of this beauty icon. As the celebrity esthetician responsible for the radiant skin of clients like Sabrina Carpenter and Demi Lovato, she is recognized for her tailored, no-nonsense approach to skincare. I’ve admired her work for years and finally got to experience her expertise during her recent visit to LA to celebrate her new PRO collaboration with Candace Marino of The LA Facialist. As my spiritual advisors would say, the timing was impeccable.

      Read on for five skincare tips for those over 40 that I gleaned from the one and only Renée Rouleau.

      1. SPF Is Crucial—and You're Likely Not Applying It Correctly (I Wasn't)

      Rouleau is on a quest to help people use sunscreen properly, but her guidance goes beyond the usual “apply a shot-glass-sized amount of SPF daily.” “Sunscreen is the most biologically active anti-aging product available,” she asserts. The issue is that many of us aren’t applying enough or are diluting its effectiveness with other products. For instance, she has a valid concern regarding tinted moisturizers, suggesting that if you’re using this multipurpose product—which is essentially a light foundation—you might not apply enough or might blend it away entirely!

      “Your sunscreen can serve as your moisturizer,” Renée emphasizes. “It contains humectants and has a creamy texture—it simply also includes SPF.” Her advice: Layer. Use a dedicated SPF moisturizer in the morning, then add foundation for extra protection. “Foundation acts as an additional physical barrier," she explains. "Think of it as an insurance measure against pigmentation, which is sure to occur.”

      2. Begin "Pigment Management" Early

      Regarding unwanted pigmentation, failing to take preventive measures is a frequent skincare mistake for those over 40, according to Rouleau. “Pigment management should start now,” she cautions. While some may notice pigmentation beginning in their 40s, it tends to become more prominent in the 50s. Therefore, focusing on it now will help from a preventative aspect.

      Her strategy: Prioritize vitamin C (specifically THD ascorbate, the stable, gentle version she describes as the "gold standard"), acids, and retinoids, and consider starting light in-office treatments such as peels or lasers. Just don’t wait until it’s too late—you should be managing it, not trying to catch up.

      3. Avoid Facial Sprays

      Another significant factor that can undermine your SPF application? Facial sprays. I get it; I love them too. However, I’ll heed Rouleau’s warning about misting your face during the day. “You’re essentially undoing your sunscreen.”

      4. Bacteria Can't Cause Breakouts If It Can't Survive

      As estrogen levels drop, our skin loses elasticity and becomes drier, and hormonal acne can resurface. One of the most effective ways to prevent breakouts is by creating an environment on your skin that is less conducive to harmful bacteria development. “You want to lessen the bad bacteria, so look for products with antimicrobial properties,” advises Rouleau. Incorporating prevention-focused treatments like her Rapid Response Detox Masque into your routine is essential.

      5. Glass Skin Is More Than You Think

      The term "glass skin" has captivated skincare enthusiasts for years, but it’s not solely about achieving an ultra-moisturized, plump, and dewy look. Rouleau identifies four key components to attain glass skin: hydration, good circulation, addressing discoloration, and achieving a smooth texture. “You can’t just hydrate your way to glass skin, which is what I’m trying to convey to the world,” she says.

      After my conversation with Rouleau, I firmly believe that skincare for those over 40 doesn’t require more steps—it just needs to be more thoughtful. My mature, menopausal skin and I are now fully aligned with her advice.

      More Must-Haves from Renée Rouleau's Skincare Line:

      Renée Rouleau Skin Care

      **Better Than Balm**

      Rouleau isn’t keen on traditional cleansing balms due to their thickness and tendency to leave an oily residue. That’s why she developed Better Than Balm. The silky, lightweight formula allows for effective double cleansing in just one step, melting