My skincare motto is to eliminate all unnecessary steps, not use useless cosmetics, and save that money to visit a dermatologist.
My U-zone tends to be quite dry, so I don't do a second cleanse (since I wear light makeup, there is no need to over-cleanse). I've noticed that when I cleanse too vigorously, my skin definitely feels thinner and more sensitive. Instead, I pay a little more attention to cleansing my T-zone.
For the base, use tretinoin plus any ampoule, and finish with a moisturizer.
I am currently just over 40 and have been using tretinoin for over 5 years, and it definitely works! Compared to my friends of the same age, I don't have any noticeable fine lines yet.
As mentioned above, keep makeup as light as possible. Minimize base makeup (use only a sunscreen that provides a slight tone-up), and for point makeup, just pencil eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, and colored lip balm.
I paid attention to blemishes to keep the base makeup light.
I had 1 session of Erbium YAG laser + 30 sessions of toning laser (at 1-week intervals initially, then at 1-2 month intervals) to completely clear up dark blemishes, and I always carried sunscreen and a hat.
I have been taking a break from toning laser treatments for over 6 months now, and I am maintaining my skin with no noticeable blemishes using only tone-up sunscreen.
Other than that, I wash my hands or use hand sanitizer before applying cosmetics... that is about the extent of my care.
I'm thinking of starting Thermage (Density) soon.