The best part of growing up was beginning to understand my mother and appreciating the habits she passed down. Being a young woman came with its challenges—acne, hormonal changes, evolving style, and of course, the occasional heartbreak. But through every phase, my mother was my constant. She offered comfort, advice, and unwavering support.
As I got older, our relationship evolved beautifully. Now, as a woman myself, I find joy in caring for her the way she always cared for me. One of the most meaningful ways we connect today is through skincare. Though she has always taken care of her skin, she often turns to me with questions about new products, trends, and emerging ingredients. It’s become our ritual—an exchange of wisdom, affection, and a shared pursuit of glowing skin.
Is There an Age-Specific Routine?
Let’s clear up a common misconception: there is no strict age-based division in skincare. Most products can be used at any age—what changes are the skin’s needs and how products are applied. Ingredients like retinol or ceramides aren't reserved for a certain decade; it's about when and how you use them. Here’s a quick look at how skincare goals shift with age:
In Your 20s
Your skin is resilient but needs protection and prevention. Now is the time to focus on gentle care and essential ingredients. A simple routine goes a long way. Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the skin barrier. Instead, opt for hydrating toners and moisturizers. Vitamins A, C, and E are your go-to ingredients. And never skip sunscreen! Daily SPF is your best defense against premature aging and sun damage.
In Your 30s
This is when many start noticing the early signs of aging—fine lines, dullness, or uneven texture. Hormonal shifts and increased stress can affect the skin. This is the decade to introduce exfoliation (preferably chemical, like AHAs or PHAs) and boost hydration. Strengthening the skin barrier becomes more important, so look for products with ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid.
In Your 40s
Estrogen levels start to decline, which impacts collagen and elastin production. The result? More visible wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of firmness. Skin may also appear dull due to slower cell turnover. Retinol becomes a standout ingredient here, as it helps refine texture and stimulate cell regeneration. Layer your products carefully—hydrating essence first, followed by treatment serums, then nourishing creams.
In Your 50s
Skin becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive. You don't need an army of products, but you do need smarter ones. Richer moisturizers that provide lasting hydration and barrier support are key. Ingredients that promote elasticity, like peptides and ceramides, should be at the forefront of your routine.
In Your 60s and Beyond
At this stage, moisture is everything. With the skin barrier naturally weakening over time, it's essential to use products that nourish and fortify. Look for dense, emollient creams and protective formulas that restore the skin’s resilience. Hydration, barrier repair, and gentle treatments take center stage.
Diving Deeper: Three Essentials We Love to Share
Our skincare routine has become something of a ritual—a quiet, bonding moment between my mom and me. We may be in different stages of life, but we’ve found three essential products that work beautifully for both of us, just in different ways.
We usually begin with the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Barrier Essence, a silky, milky toner that we both adore. In the morning, I use it as a refreshing first step to prep my skin for serums and SPF. It helps hydrate and soften without any heaviness. My mom, on the other hand, reaches for it in the evening. She loves how soothing it feels after a long day, especially as it helps her skin absorb the rest of her products more deeply. It’s the kind of product that fits seamlessly into any routine—light enough for me, comforting enough for her.
Next comes the 5 Ceramide Barrier Cream, our mutual go-to for restoring the skin barrier. I apply it after exfoliating or when my skin feels a little dry—it’s rich, but never greasy, and brings everything back into balance. For my mom, it’s more of a daily staple. As her skin has become drier with time, this cream delivers lasting moisture and reinforces her skin’s natural strength. The ceramides and squalane work together to lock in hydration, which is exactly what she needs. It’s one of those products that just makes sense no matter your age.
We finish with the Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum treatment, a product that bridges our needs beautifully. I use it to stay ahead—supporting collagen, smoothing texture, and keeping breakouts at bay. My mom loves it for its gentleness. Traditional retinol can be harsh on mature skin, but this formula, blended with bakuchiol, gives her the benefits without irritation. We both appreciate how it softens fine lines and evens out tone, but what’s even better is how confident and radiant it makes her feel.
Bonding Through Beauty
Sharing a skincare routine has brought my mom and me even closer. It’s more than just products; it’s a connection. Whether it’s shopping for new serums, exchanging tips, or doing a mask together, skincare has become a shared language of care.
There’s something special about giving back to the woman who gave you everything. Watching her enjoy products I recommend, seeing her glow with confidence, and hearing her excitedly talk about what’s working—that’s the real beauty.
So this Mother’s Day, consider starting a new tradition. Share your skincare favorites, explore ingredients together, and carve out moments of calm in your routines. Because glowing skin is wonderful—but sharing the journey is even better.
The Right Amount Is the Perfect Amount
No matter your age, the best skincare routine is the one you can maintain and enjoy. Whether you're introducing your mom to retinol or learning from her consistency, there's beauty in balance. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and always choose what feels right for your skin.
And remember: it’s not about looking younger. It’s about feeling good, taking care of yourself, and enjoying the process—together.
Mother-Daughter Skincare Routines: What Works at Every Age
The best part of growing up was beginning to understand my mother and appreciating the habits she passed down. Being a young woman came with its challenges—acne, hormonal changes, evolving style, and of course, the occasional heartbreak. But through every phase, my mother was my constant. She offered comfort, advice, and unwavering support.
As I got older, our relationship evolved beautifully. Now, as a woman myself, I find joy in caring for her the way she always cared for me. One of the most meaningful ways we connect today is through skincare. Though she has always taken care of her skin, she often turns to me with questions about new products, trends, and emerging ingredients. It’s become our ritual—an exchange of wisdom, affection, and a shared pursuit of glowing skin.
Is There an Age-Specific Routine?
Let’s clear up a common misconception: there is no strict age-based division in skincare. Most products can be used at any age—what changes are the skin’s needs and how products are applied. Ingredients like retinol or ceramides aren't reserved for a certain decade; it's about when and how you use them. Here’s a quick look at how skincare goals shift with age:
In Your 20s
Your skin is resilient but needs protection and prevention. Now is the time to focus on gentle care and essential ingredients. A simple routine goes a long way. Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip the skin barrier. Instead, opt for hydrating toners and moisturizers. Vitamins A, C, and E are your go-to ingredients. And never skip sunscreen! Daily SPF is your best defense against premature aging and sun damage.
In Your 30s
This is when many start noticing the early signs of aging—fine lines, dullness, or uneven texture. Hormonal shifts and increased stress can affect the skin. This is the decade to introduce exfoliation (preferably chemical, like AHAs or PHAs) and boost hydration. Strengthening the skin barrier becomes more important, so look for products with ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid.
In Your 40s
Estrogen levels start to decline, which impacts collagen and elastin production. The result? More visible wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of firmness. Skin may also appear dull due to slower cell turnover. Retinol becomes a standout ingredient here, as it helps refine texture and stimulate cell regeneration. Layer your products carefully—hydrating essence first, followed by treatment serums, then nourishing creams.
In Your 50s
Skin becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive. You don't need an army of products, but you do need smarter ones. Richer moisturizers that provide lasting hydration and barrier support are key. Ingredients that promote elasticity, like peptides and ceramides, should be at the forefront of your routine.
In Your 60s and Beyond
At this stage, moisture is everything. With the skin barrier naturally weakening over time, it's essential to use products that nourish and fortify. Look for dense, emollient creams and protective formulas that restore the skin’s resilience. Hydration, barrier repair, and gentle treatments take center stage.
Diving Deeper: Three Essentials We Love to Share
Our skincare routine has become something of a ritual—a quiet, bonding moment between my mom and me. We may be in different stages of life, but we’ve found three essential products that work beautifully for both of us, just in different ways.
We usually begin with the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Barrier Essence, a silky, milky toner that we both adore. In the morning, I use it as a refreshing first step to prep my skin for serums and SPF. It helps hydrate and soften without any heaviness. My mom, on the other hand, reaches for it in the evening. She loves how soothing it feels after a long day, especially as it helps her skin absorb the rest of her products more deeply. It’s the kind of product that fits seamlessly into any routine—light enough for me, comforting enough for her.
Next comes the 5 Ceramide Barrier Cream, our mutual go-to for restoring the skin barrier. I apply it after exfoliating or when my skin feels a little dry—it’s rich, but never greasy, and brings everything back into balance. For my mom, it’s more of a daily staple. As her skin has become drier with time, this cream delivers lasting moisture and reinforces her skin’s natural strength. The ceramides and squalane work together to lock in hydration, which is exactly what she needs. It’s one of those products that just makes sense no matter your age.
We finish with the Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum treatment, a product that bridges our needs beautifully. I use it to stay ahead—supporting collagen, smoothing texture, and keeping breakouts at bay. My mom loves it for its gentleness. Traditional retinol can be harsh on mature skin, but this formula, blended with bakuchiol, gives her the benefits without irritation. We both appreciate how it softens fine lines and evens out tone, but what’s even better is how confident and radiant it makes her feel.
Bonding Through Beauty
Sharing a skincare routine has brought my mom and me even closer. It’s more than just products; it’s a connection. Whether it’s shopping for new serums, exchanging tips, or doing a mask together, skincare has become a shared language of care.
There’s something special about giving back to the woman who gave you everything. Watching her enjoy products I recommend, seeing her glow with confidence, and hearing her excitedly talk about what’s working—that’s the real beauty.
So this Mother’s Day, consider starting a new tradition. Share your skincare favorites, explore ingredients together, and carve out moments of calm in your routines. Because glowing skin is wonderful—but sharing the journey is even better.
The Right Amount Is the Perfect Amount
No matter your age, the best skincare routine is the one you can maintain and enjoy. Whether you're introducing your mom to retinol or learning from her consistency, there's beauty in balance. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and always choose what feels right for your skin.
And remember: it’s not about looking younger. It’s about feeling good, taking care of yourself, and enjoying the process—together.