17.05.2025

My Honest Beauty Practices at 37: What Really Helps Me Stay Radiant

Over the years, I’ve cultivated habits that support my well-being — not just to “look good,” but to feel grounded, healthy, and alive in my own skin.

Here are the beauty principles that truly work for me at 37:

It All Starts With Acceptance

As cliché as it may sound, everything shifted when I stopped fighting age. I let go of the desperate need to look perfect all the time.

After 21 years in the fashion industry and 11 years in aesthetics, I’ve learned something important:

True beauty starts with ease and a kind relationship with yourself.

When you’re not at war with your reflection, you unlock energy for deeper things — like joy, purpose, and peace.

Emotional Health is the Foundation of Beauty

I’m learning to care for my nervous system by reminding myself:

There are no “urgent” tasks. Rushing rarely leads to wise decisions.

In my 30s, I’ve found that inner calmness is the most powerful “botox” — it softens your face and radiates from within.

I Practice Sleep Hygiene

I start winding down around 8 PM:

  • I pick up a book instead of scrolling
  • I try to sleep by 11 PM
  • I use deep breathing techniques to relax

Even on weekends, I aim to wake up at the same time (around 8 AM). A consistent sleep rhythm helps restore my natural biorhythms — and it shows on my face.

Daily Skincare Beats Occasional Treatments

Cosmetic procedures are helpful, but long-term results come from consistent daily care — morning and evening.
Evening rituals help me unwind, while morning routines prepare me for a focused, confident day.

I Prioritize Facial Massage Twice a Week

I try to massage my face, neck, and shoulders at least twice weekly:

  • Lymphatic drainage for puffiness
  • Jaw and scalp relaxation before bed
  • Quick lymphatic activation every morning (just 5–10 minutes)

These small practices make a big difference in how fresh and lifted I look.

Food Became My Medicine

After 30, skin becomes extremely responsive to what we eat.
But strict restrictions only cause stress and backfire.

So instead of banning “bad” foods, I simply focus on adding more good ones:

  • Raw vegetables and root veggies
  • Omega-3s and antioxidants
  • Fermented foods and bioflavonoids

Food should nourish you and make you happy — not be a source of guilt.

I Choose Skincare Based on Skin Condition, Not Age or Trends

Skin is dynamic — it changes with seasons, stress, hormones, sleep, nutrition, climate, and life phases like pregnancy or menopause.

Real skincare is not about rigid routines. It’s about flexibility, awareness, and tuning in to what your skin needs right now.

I Prefer Gentle Over Aggressive Treatments

As we age, our skin’s recovery resources naturally decline.
Invasive procedures can stress the skin and turn recovery into a challenge. I now favor non-traumatic, nurturing methods that respect my skin’s rhythm.

I Quit Alcohol — and My Skin Thanks Me

Giving up alcohol drastically improved my skin, digestion, and reduced puffiness.

Yes, a glass of wine may feel relaxing — but it dehydrates your body, throws off your water balance, and causes swelling that can last up to 3 days.
Chronic puffiness can trigger inflammation and visibly age the skin.

I Stopped Using Abrasive Scrubs

Back in the day, I used everything from salt to coffee and even baking soda to scrub my face. Ouch.
Now, I opt for gentle chemical exfoliants — like acids or enzymes — tailored to my skin type. The result? A smoother, calmer, healthier complexion.

I Swapped Ice Cubes for Warm Compresses

Cold can cause blood vessels to spasm and leave skin stressed.
If you love the cooling effect, try cooling gels or soft compresses instead.

Personally, I prefer warm compresses:
They stimulate blood flow, relax facial muscles, and support skin renewal without shock.

I Give My Skin Time to Rest

More procedures ≠ better results.

After 35, regeneration slows down. Your skin doesn’t just need stimulation — it also needs downtime to recover and rebuild.

I Don’t Use SPF Year-Round in Estonia

In Estonia’s long grey seasons, I don’t see the need for heavy-duty SPF daily.
A mineral powder or tinted moisturizer with SPF offers enough protection for mild sun exposure without overwhelming my skin.

I Lift Heavy Weights — For My Face, Too!

I train with weights 2–3 times per week. Strength training helps preserve muscle mass, which naturally declines with age.
And here’s a bonus: muscles support your facial structure, too.

Strong muscles:

  • Improve circulation
  • Enhance lymph flow
  • Reduce puffiness
  • Keep skin firm and glowing

Final Thought

These aren’t rules. They’re habits that came from trial, error, reflection, and listening to my body. Beauty isn’t something you “achieve” — it’s something you tend to, like a garden.

Want to explore what your version of radiant, natural beauty looks like? Let’s grow into it — together.

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