The EXACT steps I took to transform my tired perimenopausal skin at 45 – and the budget K-beauty musts I’m using daily for an instant glow

For years, Canna Campbell spent thousands of dollars chasing glowing skin and trying to undo decades of sun exposure.

But these days, the Sydney mum-of-three says her approach to beauty in her mid-40s is far less about chasing youth and much more about being smarter with the treatments and products she uses.

The 45-year-old financial educator, who is navigating perimenopause, has revealed the treatments, ingredients and skincare philosophies she credits with helping her skin look healthier, firmer and more radiant than it did a decade ago.

‘I’m not trying to look 24 years old,’ Canna told the Daily Mail.

‘I’m focusing on self-love and preserving some TLC for myself whilst juggling the mounting responsibilities and pressures that we all face today.’

Her journey into cosmetic treatments began partly out of curiosity, but also because of how dramatically skincare technology has evolved.

She said she was fascinated by the idea that modern treatments could undo some of the damage and ‘regret’ many Australians accumulate after years in the sun.

From a surgery she calls ‘the best decision’ she ever made to a newfound obsession with affordable Korean skincare, these are the five beauty secrets she swears by.

1. Blepharoplasty transformed her tired-looking eyes

Of all the cosmetic procedures she has undergone, Canna said eyelid surgery made the most dramatic difference.

After years of feeling self-conscious about heavy eyelids that made her appear permanently exhausted, she decided to undergo blepharoplasty with an ophthalmic surgeon.

What she initially thought was purely cosmetic turned out to be partly functional, after discovering she had actually lost some peripheral vision due to excess skin.

‘Honestly, it was the best decision for me,’ she told the Daily Mail previously.

The surgery, combined with a slight brow lift, refreshed her appearance and restored some vision.

‘People kept asking if I was okay or telling me I looked exhausted, and eventually it started to make me feel that way too.’

2. A professional peel erased years of pigmentation

Another game-changing treatment was Cosmelan, a professional depigmentation peel designed to tackle sun damage and stubborn pigmentation.

Canna first underwent the treatment around eight years ago and said the results were remarkable.

Years spent living in Australia and enjoying the beach had left their mark, but she found the peel dramatically improved her complexion.

Even after multiple rounds of IVF, pregnancies and breastfeeding, she said the benefits lasted for years.

3. Laser treatments delivered decade-long results

While not all laser treatments lived up to expectations, Canna credited one particular course of treatments that changed her skin completely.

‘Most laser treatments I tried barely touched my sunspots,’ she said.

‘But when Dr Natasha Cook treated my skin years ago it was a complete game changer.’

She estimated the results lasted almost a decade before her pigmentation slowly began returning.

‘I think that’s incredible considering everything my skin has been through since then,’ she said.

4. Affordable K-Beauty products have become her latest obsession

While she once spent heavily on skincare, Canna has now embraced Korean beauty products, favouring results over luxury price tags and enjoying experimenting.

‘Not only is it budget friendly, but it focuses on long-term prevention rather than quick fixes – a lot like the power of investing small amounts consistently over time,’ she said.

As a working mother, she said regular salon visits are often unrealistic, so she prefers keeping effective products at home.

‘Having a few power tools in my bathroom cabinet to use in-between treatments has definitely added value to my life and bank balance,’ she said.

She believes many women are becoming more strategic with their spending amid rising living costs.

‘We’re being more considered and intentional in the way we shop,’ she said.

‘Cutting down on impulse purchases, researching, comparing prices and waiting for sales.

‘A lot of women still want to take care of themselves but are being savvier about what will be most effective for their skin goals.’

Among her current favourites were products containing retinal, peptides, PDRN (derived from salmon sperm DNA) and collagen.

However, the products that had her hooked weren’t the most expensive for glowing results – COSRX PDRN Exosome Peel Off Mask ($31.14), Matrixyl 10% Boosting Shot Ampoule ($19.75), Abib Retinal Eye Patches ($22.95) and FULLY Green Tomato Acid 20 Exfoliating Wash Off Serum ($30.78).

5. Facial massage and red light therapy keep her glowing

Rather than relying solely on in-clinic procedures, the busy mum has incorporated a number of at-home rituals into her routine.

Despite trying advanced procedures, Canna said her non-negotiable daily skincare routine is relatively simple for summer and winter, but daily LED light therapy and facial massaging considerably helps between appointments. 

‘Facial massage improves blood flow and glow, and sometimes it results in a very nice accidental power nap,’ she said.

Now 45, Canna said ageing well is less about chasing youth and more about feeling comfortable and confident in herself when she walks out her front door.

And for women in their 40s considering cosmetic treatments, she said patience and research are essential.

‘Don’t do anything impulsively. Talk to people who’ve had the treatment, understand the risks and costs, and make sure it aligns with what you actually want to achieve,’ she said.

As the founder of a financial education platform, Canna is very careful about how she approaches the cost of cosmetic treatments.

She insisted she never finances procedures and always saves for them first.

‘Approach it the same way you would any investment – only commit once you truly understand what you’re getting into.’