Ben, Why Didn’t You Tell Me?01
Gentle Dry Brushing
POPCHOSE Natural Boar Bristle Dry Body Brush
A simple pre-shower exfoliation step. I picked this natural-bristle brush as an easy way to add a little extra attention to areas where skin texture bothers me.
Shop on Amazon ↗My midlife body-care edit
The Ultimate 5-Step Routine to Firm Crepey Mid-Life Skin
When the skin on my thighs, knees, and underarms started looking different during perimenopause, I went down a serious research rabbit hole. I wanted skin that looked smoother and felt like mine again. Here are five ways I approach midlife body care—from the skincare products that genuinely impressed me to strength training, which has become a big part of my routine.
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Collagen + Vitamin C
Great Lakes Wellness Collagen Peptides
An easy, unflavored addition to my daily routine. I like keeping the nutrition side of skin care simple, and collagen peptides fit right in.
Shop on Amazon ↗Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a role in normal collagen formation, so I include it alongside my collagen as part of my daily wellness routine.
Shop on Amazon ↗03
Body Butter
Stripes Rich & Tight Peptide Body Butter
This one earned holy-grail status for me. I've genuinely noticed smoother-looking skin—especially around my knees and underarms—and I love how my skin feels after using it.
Shop on Amazon ↗04
Body Oil
Stripes The Full Monty Vitamin C Body Oil
I apply this over my body butter as the finishing touch. I love that extra layer of softness and glow—it makes my body-care routine feel a little more luxurious.
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Strength Training
If there's one thing I'd encourage every woman in midlife to start, it's strength training. I began with simple equipment, and watching myself get stronger has been incredibly rewarding. And here's the gravy on top: as I've built strength in my legs, I've noticed they look firmer, too! I love what my skincare routine does for my skin, but lifting weights gives me something bigger—more strength, confidence, and a way to invest in my muscles and bones for the years ahead. You don't need a fancy gym to begin. Just start where you are and keep building.
My Pick: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells (5–50 lb)
These are the adjustable dumbbells I use. They’re a bigger upfront investment, but the wide weight range gives you room to progress as you get stronger.
Shop 5–50 lb Dumbbells on Amazon ↗Budget-Friendly Option: Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells (5–25 lb)
A more affordable adjustable option with a 5–25 lb range. The listing lets you choose either one dumbbell or a set of two—select the option that works for your setup.
Shop 5–25 lb Dumbbells on Amazon ↗