Love the Skin You’re In!
It’s been over three months since I’ve posted! Wow that’s the longest I’ve ever gone. I’ve been busy! I’m trying to make things happen in other areas of my life…so the blog had to take a backseat but I’m back! I’m just going to get right to the point, talking about something I am extremely passionate about. Skin.
I’ve always been extremely passionate about skin care but in the last few years it has hit me harder than ever. Probably because I’m not a young mom. In fact, my boys were born the year I turned 37. I know many women in their 40s who are sending their kids off to college or at least complaining about the teenage years. You know what I’ll be doing in my 40s? Just figuring out what it’s like to have them in school. If you need motivation to keep looking young..have a kid (or 2) in your late 30s. The last thing I want is to be mistaken as my kids’ grandma.
The truth is, I’ve actually had problem skin my whole life. So I attribute the skin I have today to the diligence I have had to have with my skin since I was very young. In my early teens, I suffered from bad acne in junior high and high school. I was so desperate to make it better that I got to work researching ingredients, drugs, and skin care that could help. At that time, fruit acids were JUST starting to come onto the skin care scene. I was on them like a hot potato. You name it, I tried it. I had read over and over that these fruit acids sped up exfoliation and unveiled new skin much more quickly, and supposedly, my problem skin would benefit. I have been obsessed with skin care ever since. Fast forward 25 years.. I truly believe my skin care has played a big role in keeping me looking young. Now, more than ever, I am absolutely religious about skin care. If you have any desire to slow down the aging process and affect how you LOOK (and hence, how you FEEL)… Keep reading for my “stay young” skin care routine!
Cleanser: It’s not out of the realm of possibility that I would spend 50 dollars or more on face wash at one time in my life. But what I’ve learned over the years is that this is the one product you can skimp on. No matter how fancy or powerful the ingredients, they stay on your skin for mere seconds and eventually wash down the drain. Save your money in this department. A good face wash will be geared towards your skin type (foamy gel if you are oily and more of a soothing cream texture if you are dry), and will remove dirt, oil, and makeup. I use CERAVE.
Moisturizer: Again…this one is simple…don’t spend a ton of money here. If you have dry skin get something thicker and creamier, and oily skin can do with a basic lotion. If you are really oily, skip moisturizer in the morning and only use at night. If I feel really parched and absolutely must moisturize, I use CERAVE or CETAPHIL, and for extra hydration, DORMER. Lightweight serums can be good too.
The bells and whistles:
Here we go… If you’ve been snoozing up to this point, snap out of it and start taking notes. Cleansing and moisturizing are the basics. In order to get that glow and keep you your skin looking and feeling young, you need to do more than cleanse and moisturize.
1.Sunscreen.
I don’t care if you are black, white, or purple. Invest in a good sunscreen for your face and wear it EVERY DAY. Every DAY. Got it? I use neo strata anti aging sunscreen SPF 30. I live in BC, WHERE IT RAINS ALL.THE. TIME. But I still wear sunscreen. Every day.
2.Peptide Serum
Peptides are building blocks for collagen and the latest technology allows them to penetrate your skin. I use Olay Regenerist.
3.Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that not only protects your skin from the environment but corrects any environmental damage as well. I use Obagi c 15.
4.Gylcolic Acid
A fruit acid that speeds up exfoliation and skin renewal to reveal the fresher, younger skin underneath much more quickly, this should be a staple in your skin care regimen. I use Neo Strata night repair cream with glycolic acid 6%
5.Exfoliator: we are constantly shedding and renewing skin cells, and it’s important to help the process by mechanically removing the sloughed off skin. Glycolic Acid does this but liquid and mechanical exfoliants are great too. Whether we do it manually with a grainy scrub or use a liquid with exfoliating properties, it is important to incorporate some type of exfoliation into your routine. I like Exfoliant by Aveda. It is a very weak solution of fruit acids that acts as a toner after cleansing. For a once or twice weekly mechanical exfoliation, I keep Kate Somerville’s “Exfolikate” on hand for that extra glow on special occasions.
AND FINALLY….
6.last but certainly not least, The piece de resistance, the belle of the ball, the who’s who of skincare….drumroll please…..
RETINOL.
If you are not using retinol, where the hell have you been for the last 10 years? Retinol is THE NUMBER ONE anti aging ingredient, proven time and again in clinical trials, pretty much the only skin care ingredient, that actually works to build collagen and reverse the signs of aging. You’re never too young or too old to include retinol in some capacity, in your skin care routine. If you need a soft intro or don’t have access to a dermatologist, Roc carries great over the counter products that contain retinol and will give you a gentle introduction. If you’re like me and are only satisfied with the “get down to business” hardcore appeal of prescription strength retinol, get your butt to the dr and ask for a prescription of a retin A product. Start low and go slow. Once a week is good to start, then twice a week, then every other day…as you build tolerance you can increase your usage. Your skin will flake, peel, maybe even burn, but a year from now, you will thank me. This is also where a heavier moisturizer like Dormer 211 comes in handy, it will help with the dryness and peeling that can often happen when you first start retinol.
Last but not least….I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the most important part of antiaging skincare,treating and protecting the eyes. I don’t care how old you are, you should have started yesterday. The eyes have the most delicate and fragile skin around them and tend to take alot of abuse. Squinting, rubbing, crying, washing. I use a day eye cream to smooth lines and protect, and a night eye cream to repair. I like dermalogica “total eye care” for day and roc “retinol eye correction” for night.
Regimen…the above products are in no particular order, but the rule of thumb is you want to use repairing products at night and protective ones during the day, after cleansing, you apply in order of consistency, thinnest first. Also, if you are going to give your whole routine a makeover, add/change one product at a time so you can pinpoint any breakouts/reactions etc.
Here’s my regimen:
AM:I don’t use soap, just rinse with a washcloth
Vitamin c serum
Sunscreen
Dermalogica eye cream
Makeup
PM:wash face to remove all makeup
Tone with aveda Exfoliant
Peptide serum
Retinol or glycolic cream (I alternate nights, and in the winter, if the retinol is too drying, I stick to glycolic acid)
Night eye cream
And finally, wrinkles are caused by repetitive expressions. That’s why Botox works so well, it paralyses your muscles and prevents you from making those expressions. If you have it in you..a little conscious effort goes a long way…avoid too much frowning, raising eyebrows, and squinting. Try to keep a poker face and you’ll be doing exactly what Botox does!
Just a disclaimer here that I have oily skin. All products listed here are products that I have come to find over the years, that work for ME. Always speak to a dermatologist about your own skin concerns and especially serious skin conditions and remember that all skin types have different needs. When in doubt, go to a reputable spa and get a skin analysis before you get started on a routine. Also, remember that many of these products contain minerals and chemicals-ESPECIALLY RETINOL and even glycolic acid. Always use with caution, and avoid when pregnant or nursing!!!
I’d love to hear about your sin care routine!
Thanks for popping by!