Your Summer Glow up starts here

Selfie Revelation: My Post-40 Skin Journey & 5 Anti-Aging Summer Skincare MVPs

As a boudoir photographer, my superpower is helping incredible women embrace their unique beauty and power, both inside and out. I spend my days championing body confidence, celebrating every curve, every laugh line, every real part of you. But let me tell you, friends, sometimes the mirror turns the tables on me, especially now that I’m navigating the wild, sometimes hilarious (and often sweaty) ride of body image after 40 and perimenopause.

My Own “Selfie Experiment”: A Dose of Humble Pie (and Unexpected Joy)

It’s easy to preach self-love when you’re behind the camera, but stepping in front of it? That’s a whole different ballgame. Remember that “Selfie Experiment” I talked about? It was my own self-inflicted torture session, originally meant to be a homework assignment (thanks, mentor Denise Birdsong!). I’d always skipped it, terrified of what I’d see. I mean, who wants to document night sweats and perimenopause weight gain up close? I even tried to self-sabotage, throwing on a baggy shirt with a lunch stain and skipping makeup. Why try when I “knew” I’d hate the results?

But then, a magical thing happened. After grimacing at the first few shots, I found one I didn’t hate. And then another. To my absolute shock, I liked them. There were genuine moments of self-love, a mischievous grin I rarely see, a quiet strength in my eyes. It was a revelation! The experience wasn’t about perfection; it was about acceptance and finding beauty in the authentic, expressive, unique me. For someone who dreads having her photograph taken, this was nothing short of a miracle.

And that, my friends, is when the colossal, flashing lightbulb couldn’t be ignored. My selfie saga mirrored the journey you take when you step into my studio. It’s the same narrative: initial vulnerability, fears of not “looking right,” and then… the incredible transformation. Just like you, I’m prepared for disappointment, ready to confirm those nagging doubts. But then, in a safe, judgment-free space (whether my studio or, in my case today, my bathroom mirror), you begin to relax. The nerves melt away, replaced by curiosity, then empowerment. This isn’t just about a photograph; it’s about a profound shift in perspective, a powerful step toward feeling confident after 40 and beyond. It’s about realizing the beauty you possess was there all along, waiting to be seen.

Part of feeling confident and beautiful in your skin, especially as we age, is taking care of it. So, today, I want to share some of my personal holy grail products that have made a real difference in my skin journey. Think of these anti-aging skincare products as your summer glow-up essentials! (Disclaimer: these images are not pro quality images. I took about 5 min to shoot these with my iPhone so I could get this info out to you, my friends, which to me was way more important than spending hours getting perfectly curated, pro-level images.)

My 5 Favorite Anti-Aging Skincare Products for Summer

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1. Prequel Gleanser: The Unbelievably Gentle & Effective Cleanse

Friends, finding a cleanser that actually cleans without making your sensitive, rosacea-prone skin feel like the Sahara is a true triumph. The Prequel Gleanser is my current obsession. Its unique texture transforms into a luxurious foam, leaving my skin feeling incredibly clean but also baby soft. What sets it apart? It has a unique aquaporin-stimulating active that boosts skin suppleness and extra soothing ingredients that have visibly reduced my redness and flushing. It’s a hard-to-find combination of gentle and effective, and the best part? You can snag this gem at Target or at Amazon if you want to get a 2-for deal: Prequel Gleanser

Runner-up: Glow Recipe Moisture Barrier Cleanser

2. Timeless Vitamin C: My Secret Weapon Against Dark Spots & Fine Lines

Vitamin C is crucial for anyone serious about anti-aging skincare, especially if you’re battling those sneaky dark spots that seem to multiply in our 40s. After years of trying various Vitamin C serums that irritated my skin, the Timeless Vitamin C has become my go-to. It packs a potent punch with 20% L-ascorbic acid (the most beneficial form), plus ferulic acid for antioxidant boosting and stability, and Vitamin E to soothe and moisturize. I apply this powerhouse every morning after toning, letting it absorb for a few minutes before moving on to other products. It’s fantastic for evening skin tone and texture, boosting collagen, and fighting environmental damage. Available at Target or here at Amazon: Timeless 20% Vitamin C

New to Vitamin C or super sensitive? They offer a 10% version: Find it here Timeless 10% Vitamin C

For those seeking a high-end luxury option (and a derm favorite!): SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

3. Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum: The Retinoid Dream Come True

Unless you’ve been truly off the grid, you know retinoids are the undisputed holy grail of anti-aging skincare. They boost cell turnover, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture. However, strong retinoids like Tretinoin are notoriously irritating. My sensitive skin and I had pretty much given up on them… until Peach & Lily entered the chat! This brilliant Korean skincare brand, available at Ulta, features 0.1% encapsulated retinal – the least irritating and most potent form of retinoid available without a prescription.

The true game-changer here is Ectoin, which provides incredible hydration and creates a protective shield around your cells, eliminating the dryness and irritation often associated with retinoids. I started slowly (once a week at night) and gradually increased usage. Yes, I experienced some minor purging and flaking (that’s the skin cell turnover working!), but it was absolutely worth it for the incredible transformation in my skin.

Available at Ulta, Peach & Lily’s website or here on Amazon

4. Prequel Solar Shade SPF 46: The Sunscreen That Actually Works for Sensitive Skin

Now that we’re talking about these amazing powerhouses like Vitamin C and Retinal, there’s a non-negotiable step to protect your investment: sunscreen! These ingredients increase cell turnover, making your skin more susceptible to sun damage. My personal sunscreen journey has been long and arduous – mineral sunscreens dehydrate me, and many chemical ones cause irritation.

But Prequel’s Solar Shade has changed everything! It’s SPF 46 with the highest PA rating, and I’ve experienced zero irritation. It also wears beautifully under makeup. While it can make my already watery eyes a little tearier if I get it too close, that’s a small price to pay for such effective and comfortable protection. Another fantastic find at Target or you can find it here on Amazon!

Honorable mention for my dry-skinned friends: Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen – a winter favorite that might be perfect for your skin type!

5. Silk Pillowcases: The Unexpected Anti-Aging & Beauty Hack

Hear me out – I was a total skeptic. How much difference can a pillowcase really make? A lot, I found out! Switching to silk pillowcases has significantly reduced the dryness in my notoriously thirsty skin and dramatically cut down on hair frizz and breakage in the mornings. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic and wonderfully cooling, which has been an absolute godsend as I’ve welcomed perimenopausal night sweats into my life!

Genuine silk is a premium material, so prices can be steep. As a former skeptic, I did a deep dive into research and found a super cost-effective yet highly recommended option on Amazon. They do require a little more care in the laundry, but the benefits for your skin, hair, and sleep comfort are absolutely worth the extra effort! Find it here on Amazon

You Are Worth Seeing (and Celebrating!)

My own “ridiculously dramatic selfie saga,” as uncomfortable as it was, taught me a profound lesson that I already knew intellectually but needed to feel in my bones: you are worthy of seeing your own beauty, exactly as you are, right now.No “perfect” body needed, no waiting for a different life stage or to lose weight. Just you, courageous and ready to be seen, truly seen, for the magnificent woman you are.

These skincare products are just one small way to nurture that confidence. If my own journey from dread to self-acceptance resonates with you – that nagging voice of doubt, the fear of not measuring up – imagine the surge of confidence you’ll gain from a luxury glamour or boudoir session tailored just for you. This isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s an investment in self-love and a powerful step toward reclaiming your narrative.

It’s never too late to treat yourself or an incredible woman in your life to the profound gift of truly seeing and celebrating her own beauty. I’ve extended my Mother’s Day Special for a limited time, offering you the opportunity to experience that same turning point I had, but in a setting designed for pure empowerment and elegance. Don’t let fear hold you back from seeing how truly captivating you are.

And while you’re here, why not grab my Dream Shoot Planner by clicking HERE? It’s packed with tips to help you feel amazing, and it’s free when you sign up for my email list!

Stay radiant,

Cassy

Boudoir & Portrait Photographer