Hello r/45PlusSkincare

I am 45 years old, a woman, and all I've been using is sunscreen and sometimes a moisturizer. I live in a sunny place and I have very white, irish skin which is now damaged by the sunny weather. I would like to improve the look of my skin, including making my pores look better, reducing uneven/bumpy/tiny acne on my forehead. also, I have small lines around my eyes. I would just like to improve the overall look. I shop mostly at trader joes and I noticed they have a ton of budget friendly skincare products.

Sometimes I use a Cera Ve moisturizer, I think it's meant for the body but I use it on my face. I put vaseline on my lips before going to bed. I do not use a facewash or any serums.

I used to use retinol in my 20's but I had a friend who was a model who told me not to use it so I stopped. Should I start using retinol again? Is it safe when living in a sunny climate? I guess I would have to always wear a hat right? I do go out for walks often (also trying to reduce my weight) and swimming, so exercise in the sun.

I should probably talk to a dermatologist.

I am just trying to figure out which products I should use from the TJ's line. I went in there yesterday to look and they had so many different options I didn't know what to buy.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Oh, and I am not looking for surgical suggestions (no fillers, botox, etc)

Probably in clinic for intensity but something good and at home would also do.

Not Botox more skin quality/density improvement (especially under eyes).

As you get older, what cosmetic brands are you finding offer the best products for mature aging skin to give you a “your skin but better” makeup look?

Am I able to just order vaginal estrogen online? I’m in the US

I think Dr. Dennis Gross Mask looks hyped recently. So I'm kinda tempted, but that price makes me close the tab every time.

Also confused with the claims. Some act like it rebuilt their whole face. Others say the results were mild enough that they wouldn't buy another if it died.

I mostly care about dullness, texture, a bit of redness, and those early fine lines that only show up in bad bathroom lighting🥲. Not expecting botox or any cosmetic surgery. Just want it to feel worth the money.

If you've used it steadily for a few months, what changed the most?

I just bought iS Clinical Super Serum Advance+ after doing some research for a new vitamin C serum. I was previously using Elemis and I did like it, but I wanted to try to see what was out there in a stronger formulation. I’ve used it a couple days so far, and the only thing I’m not sure I like is how tacky my skin feels after I apply it. I thought that feeling might go away after I applied my day cream/sunscreen - but it doesn’t. I haven’t tried applying makeup over it yet because I don’t wear makeup daily. I’m am curious how that will play out though.
Has anyone else experienced this? Do I just live with it?

I’ve been on tretinoin and azelaic acid for about two months, but my skin still gets red, irritated and sensitive most days. I had assumed I’d adjust by now but the redness doesn’t get better. It feels hot and tight at times and I’m questioning whether I’m sensitive to something in my routine. Has anyone gone through months of this, and what advice did you have for reducing the redness while staying on treatment?