Simple, Science-Backed Skincare for Women Over 40
Sometimes, simple just works. When I think back to dish soap in a cardboard box or my grandma's herbal tea routine, I realize that she always had beautiful skin, and soap in a box cleaned the dishes just fine.
I've noticed a 'back to basics' trend. Women are choosing herbal teas instead of pills for period cramps, rediscovering calming roots to soothe inflammation, and turning to breathwork for anxiety relief. I fully support it. My husband thought I was nuts when I switched our pod detergent tabs for simple pressed ones (without chemicals) in a cardboard box. He asked if they worked... yup, they sure do.
It makes me wonder: Have these wellness "advancements" truly improved our lives, or just made things more confusing and expensive, not to mention toxic?
The Beauty Industry's Greatest Hits (On Repeat)
If any industry loves repackaging, it's the beauty industry. The only proven anti-aging ingredient, retinol, has been around since the 1970s. Add sunscreen, and you've set the gold standard. Most other products are just marketing with higher price tags.
Real innovation is rare. Most "breakthrough" ingredients are old ideas with a new spin.
When Old Becomes New: The Story Behind Hypochlorous Acid
Every so often, a genuinely effective, simple solution reemerges. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is one such rediscovery, offering an easy solution that works best for your skin.
Scientists first made hypochlorous acid in the 1800s by mixing chlorine gas with water. It was primarily used as a disinfectant in hospitals and among soldiers on the battlefields. However, hypochlorous acid solutions were unstable and lost effectiveness quickly. They cleaned wounds but couldn’t be bottled for daily use.
Today, hypochlorous acid is made by running electricity through salt water, resulting in a pure, stable formula for your skin; natural benefits in a lasting bottle.
The best thing about hypochlorous acid is how effectively and gently it supports your skin. Unlike other ingredients that may irritate or dry, HOCl protects against bacteria, reduces redness, and speeds up recovery, helping to strengthen sensitive skin.
As a medical esthetician, I found countless uses for hypochlorous acid in the clinic:
- Pre-treatment prep: Gently cleansing and balancing the skin before procedures
- Post-treatment care: Soothing skin after chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, or laser treatments
For everyday use, hypochlorous acid works to:
- Reducing redness: Whether from rosacea, sensitivity, or environmental irritation
- Restore pH balance: Ease itchy, tight skin when your barrier is compromised.
- Preventing bacterial acne: Keeps pores clear and skin balanced, without over-drying or causing irritation.
- Supporting overall skin health: Working with your body's natural defenses rather than against them
HOCl’s safety around eyes and body means you can use it on multiple areas affected by hormonal changes, not just your face. It calms irritation, supports healing, and safely addresses sensitive spots.
And here's a fun fact: Your own white blood cells have been making HOCl your entire life. Every time your skin gets a cut, your immune system releases HOCl to kill bacteria and aid in your healing process.
Why This Matters for Your Changing Skin
As we age, especially in perimenopause and menopause, skin becomes more sensitive and reactive. Previous skin care can feel too strong. Our barrier may get dry and sensitive, so we need gentler support.
Hypochlorous acid is pH-balanced, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and reinforces your skin’s defenses. It provides effective relief for sensitive or changing skin. When choosing a product, look for no preservatives, electrolyzed water (not saline) on the label, and opaque packaging to keep it potent.
The Future Is Actually the Past
Often, the smartest move is to embrace a back-to-basics approach. Effective skincare favors proven, simple solutions that have stood the test of time.
Hypochlorous acid shows how science makes time-tested, simple solutions even more effective. The future of skincare is all about trusting proven, uncomplicated essentials.
Shop Biome Aid Purifying Hypochlorous Mist: