Today I want to talk honestly about skincare, because I have felt overwhelmed by all the information out there. So I thought I would do some research, and find out what actually makes your skin look younger, and what’s not as important as we think.

Because if you’ve ever looked at the endless world of anti-aging advice online, it can feel like everyone is trying to sell you something, and making it sound like it is the only thing you’ll ever need.

Botox. Fillers. Lasers. Facials. Collagen powders. Red light therapy. Expensive serums with ingredients you’ve never heard of.

And suddenly you’re willing to sell your left kidney for the secret to looking young forever.

My goal with this post is to save you time, and hopefully some money, because what I have discovered is, most people are focusing on the wrong things.

Because a lot of what we call “aging” is actually:

• dehydration
• inflammation
• lack of sleep
• chronic stress
• and especially… sun damage

Not just “getting older.”

But this actually made me feel better, because I realised that most of this is on our control – and in our daily routines.

So let’s break down what really makes a visible difference, what’s worth considering, and what is mostly just good marketing (and a waste of money).

***This post might contain affiliate links, but it won’t cost you anything extra. I only recommend products that I know and love.***

First: The Popular Anti-Aging Routes People Take

Before we get into the lifestyle side (which is the most important part), let’s talk about the cosmetic treatments people often turn to first.

Because some of them absolutely work—but not always in the way people think.

Botox: What It Is and What It Actually Does

Botox is probably the most well-known anti-aging treatment.

It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines—especially:

• forehead lines
• frown lines
• crow’s feet

So instead of your skin repeatedly folding in the same places, those lines soften over time. It doesn’t “fill” wrinkles—it stops the movement that creates them.

That’s why Botox works best for dynamic wrinkles (the ones caused by movement), not deep static wrinkles that are already there.

Is it worth it?

For many people, yes.

It can make a very visible difference quickly.

But it’s temporary, requires maintenance every few months, and it won’t fix skin texture, pigmentation, or overall skin quality, it also doesn’t reverse aging.

It’s a tool—not the whole answer.

Injectables (Fillers): What They Are

People often confuse Botox and fillers, but they’re completely different.

Fillers add volume.

They’re usually made with hyaluronic acid and are used for:

• lips
• cheeks
• under-eyes
• jawline
• smile lines
• facial balancing

As we age, we naturally lose fat and collagen in the face, which creates that “tired” or hollow look. Fillers restore that lost volume.

Honest truth?

Good filler looks invisible, and give a youthful glow back to the skin. However, bad filler looks obvious – and bad.

Too much filler can actually make people look older, puffier, and less natural—not younger.

Skin Tightening + Collagen Treatments

This is where things get interesting.

These treatments focus less on freezing or filling and more on helping your skin produce more collagen.

Examples include:

• radiofrequency
• ultrasound treatments
• microneedling
• RF microneedling
• collagen induction therapy

These help with:

• skin firmness
• fine lines
• texture
• elasticity
• mild sagging

And honestly? These often age better long-term than constantly chasing filler.

Because the goal is healthier skin—not just disguised skin. This is basically adding back into our skin what we start to naturally produce less of as we age.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments can be amazing when used well.

They help with:

• pigmentation
• acne scars
• redness
• sun damage
• uneven skin tone
• collagen stimulation

There are gentle lasers and aggressive resurfacing lasers depending on your needs.

This is one of the best investments for visible skin improvement—especially if sun damage is your main issue.

Because again…

A lot of what we call “aging” is actually just years of UV damage.

Facials and Glow Treatments

Now let’s talk about facials.

Hydrafacials. Oxygen facials. Glow treatments. Lymphatic massage. Fancy peels.

These are lovely.

They absolutely help your skin look fresher, brighter, and more hydrated.

But…

They’re usually maintenance—not transformation. Think, instant glow, not long-term structural change.

Beautiful? Yes.
Life-changing? Usually no.

Still worth it for self-care? If you enjoy it, than Absolutely.

The Honest Breakdown: What Actually Makes the Biggest Difference

You can spend thousands on treatments……but if you’re:

• sleeping 5 hours
• stressed all the time
• dehydrated
• never wearing sunscreen
• and eating like your body is a garbage can

your skin will show it.

Skin is not just skincare. It’s lifestyle.

And honestly, this is where the real anti-aging happens.

What People Call Aging Is Often These 3 Things

1. Dehydration

Dehydrated skin looks:

• dull
• flat
• crepey
• tired
• more wrinkled than it actually is

Sometimes people think they need filler when they actually need water, sleep, and moisturizer.

Not glamorous. Very true.

2. Inflammation

Chronic inflammation speeds up visible aging.

This comes from:

• poor diet
• alcohol
• lack of sleep
• high stress
• gut issues
• blood sugar spikes
• overdoing harsh skincare

Inflammation shows up as:

• puffiness
• redness
• breakouts
• premature fine lines
• uneven skin tone

3. Sun Damage

This is the BIG one.

Most visible aging is not age.

It’s sun.

Fine lines. Pigmentation. Loss of elasticity. Texture changes.

That’s UV damage.

This is why sunscreen matters more than almost anything else.

If You Only Do A Few Things—Do These

Forget the 14-step skincare routine.

If you want the biggest visible difference, start here.

These matter most:

1. Sunscreen (This Is Non-Ngotiable)

Honestly…

Sunscreen is the closest thing we have to anti-aging magic.

Benefits:

• prevents fine lines
• prevents collagen breakdown
• prevents pigmentation
• protects elasticity
• reduces skin cancer risk
• protects all your other skincare investments

You cannot out-serum sun damage.

You just can’t.

My recommendation?

Use the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen.

It’s lightweight, beautiful under makeup, doesn’t feel heavy, and actually makes you want to wear sunscreen.

Use it every single morning.

Truly—that alone will do more for your skin than 90% of “anti-aging” products people spend money on.

2. Retinoids (The Gold Standard)

If sunscreen is number one, retinoids are number two.

This is the most researched, proven topical anti-aging ingredient we have.

Benefits:

• boosts collagen
• improves skin texture
• softens fine lines
• helps acne
• improves pigmentation
• speeds up skin renewal

This is real science—not hype.

Start slowly. Because yes, retinoids can be strong. But long-term? Incredible.

The most highly rated that I found was: PAULA’S CHOICE | 1% Retinol Treatment this was a little pricey, at around $65.

However, there were also many people raving about The ORDINARY | Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum which is around $15, so a great place to start if you’re on a budget.

3. A Quality Moisturizer

Not fancy. Just good.

A strong skin barrier makes everything look better.

Benefits:

• reduces dehydration lines
• improves glow
• protects skin barrier
• helps sensitivity
• makes skin look plumper

People underestimate moisturizer because it’s not exciting.

But your skin absolutely notices.

The 2 I recommend, are THE ORDINARY | Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan or CERAVE | Moisturizing Cream these are both super affordable. It would depend on your skin type for which one would be the better option for you.

The Difference Between Retinoids and Moisturizer (And Why You Need Both)

This is where a lot of people get confused, because they think:

“If I have a really good moisturizer, do I even need a retinoid?”

Or…

“If I’m using retinol, can I skip moisturizer?”

And the answer is: no to both. They do completely different jobs.

A moisturizer cannot replace a retinoid, and a retinoid cannot replace a moisturizer.

You actually need both if your goal is healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Retinoids = The “Correction” Step

Think of retinoids as the treatment.

They work deeper in the skin and help create real long-term change.

Retinoids help with:

• collagen production
• fine lines
• wrinkles
• acne
• pigmentation
• uneven texture
• skin cell turnover

This is the ingredient doing the heavy lifting.

It’s the one saying:
“Let’s actually improve what’s happening here.”

That’s why retinoids are considered the gold standard for anti-aging.

They’re not just making your skin look better for the day—they’re helping it function better over time.

Moisturizer = The “Protection” Step

Moisturizer is your support system.

Its job is to protect your skin barrier and keep moisture in.

It helps with:

• hydration
• softness
• plumpness
• reducing tightness
• calming irritation
• protecting your barrier

Moisturizer makes your skin feel comfortable and look fresh.

It helps prevent that dry, dull, tired look that makes skin look older than it is.

But moisturizer doesn’t stimulate collagen.

It won’t reduce wrinkles the way a retinoid can.

It supports the skin—it doesn’t rebuild it.

Why They Work Best Together

Here’s the best way to think about it:

Retinoids rebuild.
Moisturizer protects.

Retinoids transform.
Moisturizer supports.

Retinoids can sometimes cause dryness or irritation—especially when you first start.

That’s why moisturizer is so important.

It helps your skin tolerate the retinoid and stay balanced.

Using a retinoid without moisturizer can leave your skin irritated and damaged.

Using moisturizer without a retinoid means you’re hydrating—but not actively correcting signs of aging.

Both matter.

4. Sleep + Stress Control

This one is so underrated.

Poor sleep increases:

• cortisol
• inflammation
• dullness
• breakouts
• puffiness
• premature aging

Stress does the same thing.

Your face can tell when your nervous system is exhausted.

Beauty sleep is real.

It’s not a cliché.

My Personal Take

I think skincare should feel supportive—not stressful.

Start with the basics:
Sunscreen. Sleep. Water. Retinoids. Moisture. Peace.

That will take you further than most expensive “miracle” products ever will.

And if you want Botox one day? Fine.

If you love facials? Amazing.

But let those be extras—not the foundation. Because the goal isn’t just looking younger. It’s looking healthy. Rested. Alive. Like yourself.

My Honest Advice

If buying all 3 today is a big investment, and you can only afford one thing. Get the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. It is true that a good quality sunscreen WILL do more for your skin than 90% of other anti aging stuff. This is where you start.

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