Katie’s Skincare Routine for Healthy and Youthful Skin

Aging gracefully isn’t just about genetics—it’s about how you care for your body, inside and out. If you’ve started noticing fine lines, dull skin, or lower energy levels, you’re not alone. Many women feel frustrated when their usual skincare products stop delivering results.

The secret? A functional approach to aging.

Your skin reflects what’s happening internally—your hormones, nutrition, and stress levels all play a role. That’s why my skincare routine isn’t just about what I apply to my skin; it’s a holistic, inside-out strategy that promotes lasting youthfulness.

If you want to feel and look vibrant at any age, here’s my step-by-step guide.

Why Skin Ages and How to Slow It Down

Before we dive into my routine, let’s talk about why skin ages.

The Main Causes of Aging Skin:

1. Collagen Decline – Collagen production drops after age 25, leading to sagging and wrinkles.

2. Oxidative Stress – UV rays, pollution, and toxins generate free radicals that damage skin cells.

3. Hormonal Changes – Estrogen keeps skin plump and hydrated, but levels decline over time.

4. Chronic Inflammation – Poor diet, stress, and gut imbalances accelerate aging.

5. Toxin Exposure – Conventional skincare, processed foods, and environmental toxins contribute to premature aging.

By addressing these root causes, you can slow aging, restore radiance, and regain energy—all while keeping your skin naturally youthful.

Katie’s Morning Skincare Routine

1. Hydrate First Thing

    •    What I do: I drink 16 oz of filtered warm water with lemon and a pinch of Celtic sea salt.

    •    Why it works: Hydration is the foundation of youthful skin, preventing dryness and fine lines.

2. Gentle Cleansing

    •    What I use: A pH-balanced, skin conditioning cleanser that preserves my skin barrier.

    •    Why it works: Harsh cleansers strip away natural oils, leading to premature aging.

3. Vitamin C Serum for Antioxidant Protection

    •    What I use: A high-quality Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid.

    •    Why it works: Vitamin C boosts collagen, brightens skin, and protects against free radical damage.

4. Moisturize and Protect with SPF

    •    What I use: A hyaluronic acid cream, followed by a non-toxic mineral sunscreen.

    •    Why it works: Hyaluronic acid locks in hydration, while SPF prevents UV-induced aging.

5. Moisturizing eye cream

• What I use: I use a hydrating eye cream that can soften, smooth, firm, and hydrate the area around the eyes.

• Why it works: It can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

6. Gua sha or jade roller

• What I use: When I am finished with my skincare routine I like to use a gua sha or jade roller. I love to store one of these in the fridge for an extra added boost.

• Why it works: The gua sha or jade roller help to promote circutlation, lymphatic drainage, and relaxation.

Katie’s Evening Skincare Routine

1. Double Cleansing for Deep Clean

    •    Step 1: Remove sunscreen and makeup with a cleansing oil.

    •    Step 2: Follow with a hydrating cleanser to cleanse the skin without stripping it.

2. Exfoliation (2-3x per week)

    •    What I use: A gentle enzyme exfoliant.

    •    Why it works: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover, and boosts glow.

3. Repair with Retinol

    •    What I use: A retinol serum with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.  I use the a weaker version which is a .05 and I only use it every other day.

    •    Why it works: Retinol stimulates collagen production and skin renewal.  Hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin smooth, plump, and youthful and the niacinamide reduces fine lines, brightens skin, minimizes pores and helps reduce inflammation.

4. Deep Hydration and Barrier Repair

    •    What I use: A peptide moisturizer and facial oil.

    •    Why it works: Peptides support collagen, while oils seal in moisture.

5. Beauty Sleep Essentials

    •    Magnesium glycinate for relaxation.

    •    Collagen peptides to support skin repair overnight.

    •    A silk pillowcase to reduce sleep lines.

6. Self-tanning spray

• What I use: Clean self-tanning spray.  I use this before bed on the nights I am not using my retinol.

The Role of Nutrition in Skin Aging

Aging is inevitable, but how we age is within our control. But here’s the truth: true beauty starts from within.

Your skincare routine isn’t just about what you apply to your face; it’s about how you nourish your body, balance your hormones, and support your skin’s natural regeneration. What you eat is an important part of this.

What I Eat Daily for Youthful Skin

1. Collagen-Boosting Foods – Bone broth, salmon, eggs, and collagen powder.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Foods – Berries, dark leafy greens, cacao, and green tea.

3. Healthy Fats – Avocados, olive oil, grass-fed butter, and omega-3-rich fish.

4. Protein for Skin Repair – Grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs.

5. Hydrating Foods – Cucumbers, watermelon, and celery.

What I Avoid (Skin-Damaging Foods)

1. Sugar & Processed Carbs – These accelerate aging, leading to wrinkles.

2. Seed Oils (Canola, Soy, Sunflower) – These cause inflammation and oxidative stress.

3. Alcohol & Excess Caffeine – These dehydrate the skin and disrupt sleep.

Lifestyle Habits That Keep My Skin Youthful

1. Hydration: Water plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and appearance of your skin.

2. Daily Movement and Lymphatic Drainage: A morning walk in natural sunlight to boost vitamin D and circadian rhythm. Facial gua sha to improve circulation and reduce puffiness.

3. Prioritizing Deep Sleep: 8 hours of sleep nightly to allow skin regeneration. Blue light blockers in the evening to support melatonin production.

4. Detoxification for Clear Skin: Warm lemon water in the morning to support liver detox. Activated charcoal after alcohol or heavy meals. Infrared sauna 3x a week to eliminate toxins.

Hormones & Skin Aging: Functional Lab Testing for Optimal Skin Health

If you’re struggling with:

    •    Dry, thinning skin → You may have low estrogen.

    •    Acne or excessive oiliness → You may have high androgens or insulin resistance.

    •    Premature wrinkles and sagging → You may have high cortisol or oxidative stress.

Lab Tests I Recommend for Skin & Aging:

1. DUTCH Hormone Test – To check cortisol and sex hormones.

2. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) – To assess nutrient imbalances.

3. GI-MAP Gut Test – To detect gut issues affecting skin health.

4. Blood Sugar & Insulin Testing – To prevent accelerated aging.

Supplements for Skin Longevity

My Daily Essentials for Youthful Skin:

1. Collagen Peptides – Supports skin elasticity and hydration.

2. Vitamin C & E – Powerful antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.

3. Zinc & Selenium – Critical for skin repair and acne prevention.

4. Omega-3s (DHA & EPA) – Reduce inflammation and support hydration.

5. Hyaluronic Acid – Increases skin moisture from the inside out.

6. Probiotics – Support gut health, which directly impacts skin clarity.

Final Thoughts: How to Achieve Radiant Skin at Any Age

A youthful glow isn’t just about skincare—it’s about overall health. By addressing nutrition, hormones, inflammation, and lifestyle habits, you can reverse signs of aging naturally.

If you’re ready to take a functional approach to longevity and vibrant skin, I’d love to help you create a customized anti-aging plan with lab testing, nutrition strategies, and holistic skincare recommendations.

Want to work with me? Let’s design a plan tailored to your unique skin and health needs. Learn more about my personalized wellness services.

Aging is optional when you take the right steps—so let’s keep you glowing, inside and out!