Why Everything Feels Harder After 45 (And What Actually Helps)

There’s a quiet moment many women hit in their mid to late 40s when they think, Why does this suddenly feel harder?
Harder to keep energy up. Harder to keep skin looking like it used to. Harder to juggle work, caregiving, and life without feeling depleted.

If you’ve been feeling that lately, I want you to hear this clearly: you’re not doing anything wrong.

After 45, your body simply asks for different support. Hormones shift. Stress lands differently. Sleep changes. Recovery takes longer. Skin doesn’t bounce back the same way it once did. And when you layer in work seasons, caregiving responsibilities, and full adult lives, it can feel like everything stacks up at once.

For a long time, I thought I just needed to try harder. Do more. Be more disciplined. Push through.
What actually helped was doing the opposite. I simplified. I got consistent. And I started supporting my body from the inside out instead of chasing quick fixes.

Skin After 45 Is Not Just a Topical Conversation

One of the biggest shifts I’ve made is understanding that skin health isn’t just about what you put on your face. It’s also about what’s happening internally.

Collagen production naturally declines as we age. Hydration changes. Inflammation shows up faster. That’s why skin can suddenly feel thinner, drier, or less resilient than it used to. Supporting collagen and hydration daily has made a noticeable difference for me, not just in my skin, but in how my body feels overall.

This isn’t about turning back the clock. It’s about giving your body what it actually needs now.

Consistency Beats Complication Every Time

I’m a big believer that simple routines done consistently matter more than complicated routines done occasionally.

That shows up in skincare for me as cleanse, tone, serum, moisturize. Nothing fancy. Just showing up every morning and night.
It shows up in nutrition as protein first, hydration daily, and not skipping meals when life gets busy.
It shows up in movement as walking, gentle strength training, and yoga, even if it’s only 20 minutes.

None of this is dramatic. But it compounds.

Energy, Focus, and Caregiving Seasons

February tends to be a heavy season for a lot of women. Work is in full swing. Caregiving responsibilities don’t pause. Winter energy can feel low. This is where grace matters just as much as discipline.

Supporting energy doesn’t mean perfection. It means making choices that help you feel steadier instead of depleted. Protein in the morning. Staying hydrated. Letting routines anchor you when everything else feels unpredictable.

The goal isn’t to do everything. It’s to do a few things well, consistently.

Aging Well Is a Long Game

At this stage of life, the focus shifts. It’s less about chasing trends and more about building habits that support you long-term. Skin that looks healthy. Energy that lasts through the day. Confidence that comes from knowing you’re taking care of yourself, even when life is full.

If you’re curious, This is the (->simple skincare routine I stay consistent with,) and I’ll always share what’s been working for me honestly and openly.
And if you’re in a season where things feel harder, know this: you’re not behind. You’re evolving.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do after 45 is simplify, stay consistent, and trust that small choices truly add up.

Love, LA