Microneedling is another non-negotiable for me. You can absolutely do it at home if you’re consistent and careful — it signals collagen production, improves tone, and helps products absorb better. I love pairing it with Calecim because growth factors help repair the skin faster and support real regeneration, not just surface glow. Peptides are like messengers for your skin — they tell it to firm, repair, and act younger. They’re one of those quiet, long-game ingredients that make a big difference over time. Barrier support is everything. If your barrier is compromised, nothing works the way it should. Ceramides, calming hydrators, and recovery products are what allow actives to actually deliver results instead of inflammation. And if you’re not doing Botox — face tape is a great alternative. It helps limit repetitive movement overnight while your skin recovers, especially when paired with a solid nighttime routine. (I forgot to include exfoliation. You don’t need to go crazy with exfoliation because you don’t want to destroy your skin barrier. I love these peel pads I linked. I do them twice a week) Everything I use and love is linked LTKstorytime LTKBeauty LTKOver40