Remember being a teenager in high school and thinking 40 was old? I distinctly recall being 15 or 16 years old and thinking Id have it all figured out by the time I was 25. In my mind, Id be a proper grown-up by then in the career of my dreams and married with a baby25 seemed so far away. For the record, I knew nothing at age 25 and felt anything but grown-up. But oh, how quickly time passes. Here I am, a year from turning 40, Ive been married for 12 years, and our son just turned 11. Even now, I cant say with confidence that I feel like an adult. My husband and I still turn to each other with a quizzical expression wondering how we both got here. Im sure many of you reading this can relate.

Of course, the old adage still rings true, and you are only as old as you feel, but even if I dont feel like it, the mirror tells me a different story. Its a daily reminder that time will have her way and you cant stop her. And dont get me wrongIm all about aging gracefully, but I want to look good while I do. For me, its all about taking care of my skin health. Ive been on a cleanse-tone-moisturize-sunscreen routine since I was 14 years old (thanks, Mom!), and its slowly developed into monthly facials, lasers, and a few injectables.

With my big 4-0 coming up, I wanted to try a few buzzy skincare treatments to help turn back the clock a little and make sure my skin looks 100 when the day finally arrives. Read on to find out what Idid along with my honest thoughts, and feel free to DM me at @skinlexicon if you have any questions!

I have already written about my experience with under-eye fillers and lip filler, and I loved both, but Im definitely very careful about who I see for injectables and what filler I use. Most people have some apprehension about trying fillers because there are a lot of examples where it has gone wrong.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people walking around with filler that you can see and recognize that it was done badly with an unnatural result, says Nancy Samolitis, MD, FAAD, of Facile Dermatology + Boutique in Los Angeles. Because of this, many people have the misconception that all filler treatments will look this way. When the appropriate filler product is used with the correct technique, injected at the correct depth in the correct amount, it should not be visible or look unnatural. This was the case with my experience having a liquid facial. Samolitis chose different types of filler and Botox to suit specific areas of my face to ensure a natural look that still had movement and didnt look stiff or overdone.

There is still a lot of confusion around when/where/how fillers or Botox are used, so I asked Samolitis to settle the debate once and for all.

Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are all different brands): "This is what's known as a neuromodulator," Samolitis explains. "That means it binds to a specific receptor in a nerve ending that prevents the nerve from communicating with a muscle, therefore reducing the muscle activity. These products are used to reduce wrinkles that are associated with certain facial movements/expressions. This is most commonly used for areas such as the frown line between the eyebrows (aka the "elevens"), forehead lines, and crow's-feet lines. It can also be used for upper lip lines, chin dimpling, and lines in the neck.

Newer techniques are using these products to create lift by relaxing muscles that are natural depressors in the face and neck. For example, that muscles that pull down on the brows or the jowls can be relaxed to create a very slight lifted look. Even more exciting and new uses for these products include injecting micro-droplets into the skin (instead of the muscle) to reduce oil production in pores, reduce sweating, shrink blood vessels to reduce redness/flushing, and smooth skin texture. There may even be some benefit for treating acne and rosacea, but this is still being studied.

Fillers: These products replace volume. The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar molecule that is bound into a gel-like injectable and placed into various levels of the skin and deeper tissues to replace tissue that we have lost with aging or enhance tissue that we don't have naturally. Certain thicker fillers are used more appropriately on bone and in the fat compartment in the face to create contour (for example, volumizing and contouring the cheeks, temples, and jawline).

"Fillers that are smooth and [bouncier and more elastic] are used for smoothing and plumping lips and around the mouth where there is a lot of movement," Samolitis explains. "If a thicker filler is used in these areas or injected superficially, it can create an unnatural stiff or overly plumped look. Finally, very thin, almost watery, fillers are used to create a hydrated effect in the top layers in the skin or fill in very fine lines or acne scars."

Samolitis used various types of filler and botox around my face during the treatment, and in most cases, she says we need a combination of the products described above to create a harmonious overall result. Signs of aging in the face are usually a combination of volume loss including bone resorption and decreasing the size of the fat pockets that give our face its characteristic shape and thinning of the skin leading to fine lines and texture change, she explains. Injectables should also always be combined with skin rejuvenation techniques including a good skincare regimen, sun protection, and in-office procedures like micro-needle or laser resurfacing. She tells me any medspa that only provides injectables is doing the patient a disservice by not treating the skin and educating the patient on sun and environmental damage. Hear, hear.

The other bonus of getting filler is that it actually helps to create more collagen. The injection creates a tiny wound and a stretching of the cells called fibroblasts in the dermal layer of the skin. This stimulus initiates a cascade of wound-healing signals that ultimately lead to new collagen production. Obviously, this is on a very small scale, but often repeated filler injection in the same area (most commonly the lips, a fine wrinkle, or acne scars) will lead to longer-lasting results over time.

Of course, injectables arent cheap but the good news is, you dont need to get them that often. Botulinum toxin averages three to four months while filler can be anywhere from three months to several years (it depends on the type of filler, area treated, amount of filler used, and the person's metabolism).

If you havent heard ofThe Beauty Sandwich yet then Id suggest checking it out on Instagramstat. The creator,Ivn Pol, is ringing in a new age of noninvasive and nontoxic beauty treatments with his unique skin-tightening methodand the Hollywood A-list are lining up. As a long-time fashion and celebrity makeup artist, Pol wanted an alternative way to reduce the look of wrinkles without needles and saw an opportunity in the market for a natural alternative to "looking our best" and staying young. So he developed The Beauty Sandwich, a unique and customized combination of advanced radiofrequency including monopolar, bipolar, and infrared RF. The method organically plumps and builds collagen to give a filler-like appearance, and Im obsessed!

So whats the magic sauce? Why does it work? While there are a lot of devices out there that show improvement in resurfacing and remodeling the skin, Pol has found that the secret to delivering lasting results is through combining or stacking one procedure on another, just like a sandwich. Pol stacks two radio frequency (RF) devices on top of each other. The first is a monopolar system called Pellev, which means the RF (radio frequency) can penetrate deeply until the tissue reaches a certain temperature. This deep energy (which feels like heat to the client) tightens the skin while at the same time stimulates the fibroblasts, which are the workforce cells that produce new collagen and elastic fibers in the skin.

The second is the eMatrix system, which is a bipolar RF device that limits its energy to the upper levels of the skin. This too stimulates the fibroblasts as well as causes some superficial exfoliation. The combination of the two creates The Sandwich, which gives an immediate tightening effect with the long-term stimulation of the fibroblasts. Add some great topical skincare, and youll get that radiant glow were all after.

But, of course, the big question is, how much does it cost and how long does it last? While the results are case by case, Pol tells me he typically recommends six to eight treatments with touch-ups before big events, but the results can last up to a year or more. They range in price from $850 to $1400, so its not exactly cheap, but when you think about how long it lasts, its comparable to filler, and its completely natural and safe. This is the natural alternative to have a filler-like appearance to the skin, says Pol. I think of The Beauty Sandwich as weight training. We are strengthening and toning the muscles to help with collagen stimulation which plumps and lifts the skin, contouring the face and defining jawline.

As you can see from the pictures, the method shows visible results after just one session, and that continues two weeks after. In fact, I had the post-treatment glow for up to three days after the procedure, but it is the gift that keeps on giving. Pol says four to 15 days after the treatment, your bodys natural reaction to heal comes into play as fibroblasts become present, and the collagen rebuilding process begins. And it continued to do so days, weeks, even months after treatment.

But aside from the aesthetic results, the biggest transformation Pol has seen is in the way women feel about themselves after a series of treatments. That boost in their self-esteem, the voicemails I receive when they love what they see, that empowerment is why I created The Beauty Sandwich, he tells me. I have always believed that beauty comes from within. It starts from the bed and the sheets you sleep on to what you ingest. Same goes for what you put on your skin.

I have been seeing celebrity estheticianMatthew Miller for monthly facials for at least the past year. He is one of my favorites in the L.A. area and definitely the most reasonably priced that Ive found here, too. So when he told me about his new treatment,DermalStem Regeneration, my ears pricked and I immediately booked an appointment with him. In a nutshell, this treatment is an amazing alternative to micro-needling without any pain or downtime. While I was there for the anti-aging effects, it can also help other concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and dry skin.

So what is it? Well, DermalStem Regeneration is another treatment that stimulates the growth of, you guessed it, collagen. Firstly, a Bio-Brasion wet/dry microdermabrasion is used to exfoliate the skin. Then he uses a dermastamp to create microchannels on the skins surface. These microchannels allow a serum derived from bone marrow stem cells to penetrate deeper into the skin. Yes, I said bone marrow stem cells! This game-changing serum is packed with next-level growth factors that trigger the skins natural renewal process and promote the formation of collagen and elastin to provide firmness and elasticity. Read: Sign me up! This is quickly followed with a hyaluronic acid serum and 20 minutes of LED to accelerate healing and reduce redness. Both of these together give you the benefits of physical and chemical exfoliation without the irritation or downtime.

Youll see results instantly with this facial, and it just keeps getting better even up to a month post-treatment as the bone marrow stem cells continue to work. You do need to give your body time to produce the collagen to heal the skin after this one, so theres no need to rush back in straight away or sign up for multiple treatments, but Miller says you will see a noticeable difference after three of these. So how much does it cost? The treatment is pricey at $475, but I really do see the value in this one. You can get discounted rates when you buy in bulka three-pack series is $1210, while a six-pack series is $2280.

As I mentioned earlier, I am very picky about who I allow to inject my face. I have seenJennifer Herrmann, MD, twice now for both under-eye fillers and lip fillers, and her work is very subtle and natural. So when I wanted to try the PiQo4 laser to remove a few dark spots, she was my first port of callshe also turned my own blood into an anti-aging serum.

So what is the PiQo4 laser? According to Herrmann, its a picosecond laser thats used to treat unwanted pigmentation and tattoos. It uses energy to target pigment particles, shatters them, and then your bodys immune system helps clear them away, she says. Because it hits its targets so quicklyat picosecond burstsit converts laser light energy into sound almost instantly as it interacts with targets, generating very little heat in the process. This results in less unwanted damage to surrounding tissues, fewer side effects, increased safety for darker skin, and less pain and downtime for patients. In a nutshell, this game-changing laser can pinpoint dark spots and treat them individually without having to treat the entire face. And it works!

But its not just for people with hyperpigmentation like me. You can also use it to remove unwanted tattoos, sunspots, brown spots. In fact, its one of Herrmanns favorite lasers for diffusing brown spots caused by the sun. She also used a fractionated setting on my skin to treat summer sun damage, and it only took one treatmentmy skin is so much clearer and more even. And it only took a week for the dark spots to completely disappear, too.

How many treatments you need all depends on what is being treated. Discrete brown spots can clear in a single treatment, while tattoos can take more than 10 treatments. Prices begin at $250 per session, which is a small price to pay for clearer, healthier skin.

For my fourth treatment, I went to see the much-adored Camille FieldsTyLynn Nguyen is a regular. When you meet Fields, its easy to see why influencers, models, and celebrities book months in advance to have their faces in her magical hands. Fields has been in the industry for 20 years, and her own glowing skin is proof that her treatments and skincare philosophy works. Shes all about strengthening your skin from the inside outSakara and The Beauty Chef products sit proudly alongside her skincare recommendations

Speaking of which, Fields is an officialBiologique Recherche salonthe beloved French skincare line that has a global cult following. Aside fromits groundbreaking, science-based line, Biologique Recherche offers a series of specialty treatments to enhance the effectiveness ofits products, and the Le Grand Soin is the crown jewel. During this treatment, Fields uses specialty boosters, co-factors, masks, serums, and the world-renowned Remodeling Face Machine (the ultimate for firming and lifting the facial muscles), as well as lymphatic and sculptural massage, LED light therapy, and ultrasound. By the end, your face is taut, clear, bright, and glowy. (I have the pictures and videos to prove it!)

All of this will set you back $550, but if you are looking for a treatment that provides long-lasting, skin healthboosting results, this is itmy skin was transformed. But, of course, total skin health is about so much more than just one treatment. As Fields explains, Our skin is just a reflection of our internal health. To truly address the root cause of any skin concern, we have to first look within. Incredible changes can occur when we respect and understand the physiology of our bodies.

Below, I'm sharing the skincare products I used daily to maintain my glow. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite, ride-or-die formulas.

Cosmedix Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser ($39)

I love an exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells to keep blackheads away and keep my skin feeling smooth and fresh. Both of these are also incredibly gentle on the skin and never irritate or dry my skin out. I'm obsessed with Cosmedix's new foaming cleanser. It's a salicylic acid foaming cleanser, but it's so gentle and doesn't have any parabens, which I love.

Cosmedix Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep Toner ($38)

I'm a big fan of using acids, and this one has both of my favorites,salicylic and lactic acids. I have been using this toner for at least 10 years now, and it is truly one of my hero products. I love how it removes excess oil or residue (including makeup) to reveal smooth, clear skin. It can also be used as a spot treatment for breakouts, and I've even used it in lieu of a cleanser when I forgot to pack it on a work trip once. It's really an amazing product.

IS Clinical White Lightening Complex ($145)

I was gifted with this product about two months ago and have been using it every day since.I do think that my skin overall is brighter and firmer. It's really lightweight (a waterlike essence consistency) too, which I like because I use a lot of serums, and if they're too heavy, it can pill, which I loathe. It is also paraben-free.

The other brightening cream I LOVE isSkinMedica'sLytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum ($154). This product really works to help even skin tone and manage pigmentation.I'm super obsessed with even skin tone, so I have several brightening serums in my regimen, includingCosmedix X-Cell($71), which also has niacinamide and microencapsulated Retinol. I love mixing it withitsvitamin C crystals for an added boost.

IS Clinical Super Serum Advance ($155)

This one is also lightweight, but I love it because it has a really high concentration ofL-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a whopping 15% to be exact. I also love theCosmedixVitamin C Crystals ($32), which you can combine with any serum or moisturizerVersed also has onefor $20.

Cosmedix Refine RX ($78)

I have been using retinol for years, so I can handle the highest-strength version from Cosmedix, but if you're just starting out or have sensitive skin,the brand hasa range of retinol, so you can work your way up.Serum 16($80) is a good place to start.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178)

There are a lot of hyaluronic acid serums out there. I mean a lot. But after trying almost everything out there (well, not all, but a lot!), I consistently come back to this one. It works, plain and simple. I recently started testing out the IS Clinical Hydracool serum after my friend and celebrity estheticianCandace Marinorecommended it. It's packed with hyaluronic acid and feels incredibly cooling to the skinI'm already a convert.

Cosmedix Cell ID ($110)

My estheticianMatthew Millerrecommends this serum to almost everyone. It has really high levels of niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps tomanage acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles. This is a really nice everyday defense serum.

IS Clinical Active Serum ($138)

I mix a few drops of this with the IS ClinicalSuper Serum Advance($155) and the White Lightening Serum ($145) morning and night straight after I've toned my skin. I've been doing this for a few months now, and I can honestly say it instantly tightens and brightens my skin. I have definitely noticed a difference. I really love how fresh it makes my skin feel toothe results are immediate. Not sure how I ever lived without it.

Cosmedix X-Age ($160)

I have been using this moisturizer for about a year now, and I notice the difference in my skin texture and overall appearance when I stop using it. This is worth the $$. It has encapsulated vitamin A and a ton of antioxidants to help improve the texture and elasticity of aging skin. I just really love it. I mix it with my face oil every night for added hydration and dewy skin.Humidify($90) is also lovely when I want something hydrating but lightweight.

DMK Seba-E Oil ($0)

I was first introduced to this face oil through Matthew Miller, and I have been hooked on (actually, I think it's safe to say obsessed with)this face oil ever since. I love to mix it with my moisturizer and even reapply it throughout the day for dewy, glowy skin. It can be mixed with makeup too.Mara BeautyAlgae + Moringa Universal Face Oil ($72) is also really beautiful and great mixed with makeup as is the new face 100% organic oil byKohza Numbers(touted as a daily supplement serum withvitamins A, C, and E). It's super lightweight and looks insane when mixed with foundation. I just love it; I just DEW!

Cosmedix Eye Doctor ($130)

This magical eye cream is hands down one of the best out there. I promise. It is like eye cream and a highlighter in one.TheOpti-Eye Crystal ($95) (which is slightly cheaper) is also great and one ofthe brand'sbest-selling products. But I personally prefer the Eye Doctor because it has retinol and feels more targeted to my anti-aging needs.

IS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50 Plus ($45)

This is almost like a mousse in texture. It's light, not too oily, and mixes into the skin without leaving a white residue but also keeps my skin dewy. I love the size of the bottle, and I use it for my face and body. It's paraben-free and doesn't have any active chemical ingredients. Side note: My husband had a terrible reaction tooxybenzone and avobenzone, so if you're sensitive, please look out for that ingredient and avoid sunscreens that have it.

IS Clinical Copper Firming Mist ($35)

I have triedso many face mists, but this is by far my favorite. It does feel firming and is a great spritz to set makeup. I also really loveCosmedixMystic ($42). It smells so good and is incredibly hydrating.

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