Podcast Summary: My So-Called Midlife with Reshma Saujani
Episode: Your Midlife Skincare Routine with Sunday Riley
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of My So-Called Midlife, host Reshma Saujani delves into the complexities of navigating midlife with her guest, Sunday Riley—founder and CEO of Sunday Riley Modern Skin Care. The conversation explores societal perceptions of aging, the challenges of entrepreneurship in midlife, and essential skincare routines tailored for this life stage.
Challenging Societal Views on Midlife
Reshma Saujani opens the discussion by reflecting on her recent vacation with her 22-year-old niece, Maya, highlighting the often invisible status women experience as they age. She states:
"I never opted in to being invisible." ([08:32])
Sunday Riley echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the cultural emphasis on youth and the struggle to maintain visibility and empowerment in midlife:
"Youth is equated with power in our culture. But we can say, screw that. There's so much beauty, there's so much power in midlife and beyond." ([07:14])
Sunday Riley’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Transitioning to her entrepreneurial path, Sunday shares her humble beginnings and the pivotal moments that led to the creation of her skincare brand. Starting in her 30s as a mother of two, Sunday recounts her shift from focusing on fixing others to prioritizing her own ambitions. She reflects:
"I am my own savior in this situation. No one's going to come in and save me." ([25:28])
Her journey underscores the importance of self-investment and embracing one's unique skills, even in midlife.
Balancing Business and Family Life
Sunday candidly discusses the challenges of managing a successful global skincare company while raising four children. She highlights the relentless demands of entrepreneurship:
"It's a continuous struggle... Every day is still really chaotic." ([12:21])
Reshma relates this to her own experiences building organizations like Girls Who Code and Moms First, acknowledging the intensified difficulties that come with midlife responsibilities.
Skincare Routine for Midlife
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to skincare, where Sunday Riley shares her expert tips for maintaining healthy skin during midlife. She emphasizes the critical role of sunscreen:
"Sunscreen. Or like sun protection, big hat. I don't care what you do. I'm actually wearing this long sleeve black T-shirt... The sun doesn't touch me." ([42:11])
Sunday elaborates on the challenges of finding effective sunscreens, advocating for high-quality European or Asian products over American brands due to better stability and efficacy.
She also outlines her comprehensive skincare regimen:
- Vitamin C: Applied twice daily to support collagen production.
- Retinoids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting skin renewal.
- Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide: For hydration and improving skin texture.
- Ceramides: To maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, especially important as natural ceramide production decreases with age.
Key Skincare Recommendations:
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Morning Routine:
- Cleanse the face.
- Apply a stable form of Vitamin C serum.
- Follow with sunscreen, reapplying every two hours when exposed to sunlight.
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Evening Routine:
- Use retinoids to support collagen building.
- Apply AHAs like lactic acid to remove impurities and enhance skin radiance.
-
Daily Hydration:
- Utilize hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep the skin hydrated and resilient.
"Vitamin C is critical... without it, you're in trouble." ([43:11])
Personal Growth and Building Relationships
Beyond skincare, Sunday reflects on personal growth and the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships in midlife. She shares strategies for intentional friendship, inspired by Jane Fonda’s approach:
"Practice intentional friendship... 'I want to be your friend.'" ([53:25])
Sunday emphasizes the necessity of making time for oneself and others to foster a supportive and fulfilling personal life.
Closing Thoughts and Advice
As the conversation wraps up, Sunday offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs:
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Don’t Overthink It: Take the plunge and learn as you go.
"Don't overthink it because you'll... just doing it." ([56:17])
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Seek Professional Guidance: Ensure that contracts and legal matters are thoroughly reviewed.
"Make sure your contracts are reviewed and that you advocate for yourself." ([57:16])
Sunday’s insights blend practical skincare tips with profound reflections on personal and professional life in midlife, offering listeners a holistic view of thriving during this transformative period.
Notable Quotes
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Reshma Saujani:
"Is this a woman’s version of a midlife crisis? She’s determined to figure it out..." ([00:00] Introductory Description)
-
Sunday Riley:
"I never opted in to being invisible." ([08:32])
"I'm my own savior in this situation." ([25:28])
"Vitamin C is critical... without it, you're in trouble." ([43:11])
Conclusion
This episode of My So-Called Midlife offers a profound exploration of midlife challenges and triumphs through the lens of skincare and personal growth. Sunday Riley’s expertise provides actionable advice for maintaining youthful, healthy skin, while her candid discussion on balancing entrepreneurship and family life resonates deeply with listeners navigating similar paths. Reshma Saujani masterfully facilitates a conversation that is both inspiring and practical, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to embrace and enhance their midlife journey.