Over the past two years, my skincare routine has been shaped more by circumstance than intention. During IVF and pregnancy, I had to be far more conscious of what I was using. Many active ingredients were off the table, which meant simplifying my routine and focusing on gentle, supportive products.
Not long after Cole was born, I visited a Korean skin clinic in Sydney and had my skin analysed using their scanning machine. At the time, it showed my skin age as 45. I was 43, and as a mum of a newborn and a four-year-old running on very little sleep, I took that as a win. If anything, I felt closer to 65 in those early months. The skin doctors, however, were not quite as impressed.
A few months later, I travelled to Korea, where I underwent a lower bleph procedure, which I have documented in my lower blepharoplasty experience in Korea. While I was there, I also began a completely new approach to skincare, centred around Korean skincare products and techniques. I had Rejuran treatments, a Titanium Lift on my jawline and lower face, and completely reset my skincare routine using Korean skincare products I discovered at Olive Young.
When I returned to Korea a year later, just a few weeks ago, I visited a different clinic and had my skin analysed again before any treatments. This time, my skin age came back at 39. I am now 44. On paper, that meant my skin had effectively aged backwards by six years. People often joke about going to Korea to Benjamin Button themselves, and in my case, it felt like it might actually be true.
Of course, the scans were done on different machines and can’t be directly compared, but the difference is something I can see and feel. My skin is more even, noticeably glowier, and the fine lines I had begun to see have softened.
Since sharing more of this over the past few months, I have had quite a few friends and followers ask what I have been using. While the under eye procedure has definitely helped give my face a more refreshed look, the difference in my skin itself has also been noticeable. It is more even, more glowy, and just looks healthier overall.
The approach
What changed was not one product, but the overall philosophy of my routine. After Korea, I moved away from strong actives and towards hydration, barrier repair, and consistency. Instead of trying to force quick results, the focus became supporting my skin over time.
Most of the products I now use are Korean, and the difference is in how they layer. Each step feels gentle, but together they build something far more effective. I do not have any major skin concerns, but my skin can be slightly sensitive, and like most women in their 40s, my focus has been on maintaining glow, improving tone, and softening fine lines.
The cleansing routine
Cleansing has become one of the most important parts of my routine. I double cleanse daily using the Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil, followed by the Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Foam. This combination removes everything from sunscreen to makeup while still feeling gentle on the skin.
A few times a week, I also use the Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel as a gentle exfoliation step. It lifts away dead skin without the need for harsh acids, aligning with my shift towards gentler, more supportive products as my skin has remained more sensitive post-pregnancy.
The treatment layer
Straight after cleansing, while my skin is still slightly damp, I use the d’Alba First Spray Serum. It is one of those products I reach for without thinking. It adds an immediate layer of hydration and glow, and helps everything that follows absorb more effectively. I also spritz it throughout the day when my skin is feeling dehydrated or flat. It is one of the few products that gives an instant refresh without disrupting makeup.
I then follow with the Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner, which adds another layer of hydration and helps soften the skin before treatments. From there, I layer in the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, which I use daily, bringing it down onto my neck as well. It has become a core part of my routine for hydration and improving overall skin quality. I then follow with the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream, again applying it through my face and down onto my neck to lock everything in and keep my skin feeling balanced and smooth.
I also use the Rejuvenex PDRN Cream as a more targeted treatment, applying it just around my eyes and through my marionette lines. Every few days, I use the VT Reedle Shot 300, which has helped refine the skin and improve overall smoothness over time.
The weekly reset
I use sheet masks regularly, particularly the Biodance collagen masks and Biodance radiance masks, depending on what my skin needs. These are not part of my daily routine, but they have become a consistent weekly step when my skin is feeling tired or in need of a reset. It is a small addition, but one that makes a noticeable difference to overall glow.
Sun protection
The only non-Korean product I consistently use is the Mecca Cosmetica SPF 50+, which I have used for years. It layers well over my skincare, sits nicely under makeup, and is one product I have never felt the need to replace.
The extras
I have also been using the Dr Naomi LED mask for a few years now. While it was not something new I introduced this past year, it has remained a consistent part of my routine for overall skin maintenance.
While this routine has focused primarily on my skin, one product I have used consistently over the past year is the Mise en scène Perfect Serum (Original). I started using it post-pregnancy, when my hair felt noticeably drier. It has made a visible difference to shine, softness, and overall condition.
The result
The biggest shift has not been one single product, but the combination of treatments, consistency, and a gentler, more considered approach. My skin is more even, noticeably glowier, and the fine lines I had begun to see have softened. It feels healthier, more balanced, and far more reflective of how I want my skin to look.
Shop the routine
- Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil | A gentle oil cleanser that removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin.
- Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Foam | A soft, low-irritation cleanser that leaves the skin clean but balanced.
- Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel | A gentle exfoliating gel that lifts away dead skin without harsh acids.
- Anua Rice Toner | A hydrating toner that helps improve glow and overall skin softness.
- d’Alba First Spray Serum | A lightweight mist that adds instant hydration and glow throughout the day.
- Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum | A lightweight serum that hydrates and helps improve overall skin texture.
- Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream | A richer cream used to lock in hydration and support skin barrier repair.
- Rejuvenex PDRN Cream | A targeted treatment used around the eyes and fine line areas.
- VT Reedle Shot 300 | A treatment designed to refine skin texture and improve smoothness over time.
- Mecca Cosmetica SPF 50+ | A lightweight sunscreen that layers well under makeup.
- Mise en scène Perfect Serum (Original) | A nourishing hair serum that adds shine and softness.
- Biodance Collagen Mask | A sheet mask designed to boost hydration and improve glow.
- Biodance Radiance Mask | A brightening mask used for a more refreshed, luminous finish.
Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
