Skincare and Serenity!

Ladies, I think I've found it — a winning formula for fighting wrinkles and feeling better about growing older.  My ablutions (love that word) have never been simpler, and I no longer have a drawer full of skincare products to dig through.  I'm feeling ready to face my sixties, which my mother said was her happiest decade.

But before I open my box of goodies, here are a few guidelines:

• Avoid synthetic fragrances. These are the most common irritants. And because the formulas don't need to be disclosed, you really have no idea what you're rubbing into your skin.
• Keep things simple and within your budget. Products take time to work, and you don't want to give up before seeing results.
• Eat "beauty" foods like salmon, tomatoes, walnuts, oatmeal, carrots, kiwis, green vegetables, olive oil, and chocolate. The caveat with chocolate is the darker, the better (70% cacao or more).

So, without further ado, (drum roll please) the winners are:

Cleansers
Derma E Pycnogenol Sensitive Skin has been my go-to face cleanser for many years. The upside is that it's very gentle. The downside is that it's very gentle! For this reason, you may need to do a double wash (or use a wet washcloth) if you're wearing heavier makeup.

Another excellent choice is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. I like the non- foaming version, as I'm suspicious of anything that foams! Although you should always remove makeup before going to bed, a simple splash with water is all you need in the morning.

Moisturizers
Derma E has just come out with a new CBD line. And the De-Stress Calming CBD Serum is fantastic! It's fragrance-free, anti-inflammatory, and works well under sunscreen or makeup. I also like it for night-time use as it's a non-irritating base for other creams or treatments.

One drug-store brand that always receives rave reviews (and that I like too) is CeraVe PM. Although this is an evening moisturizer, it wears beautifully under makeup.

Dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 or higher during the day. Apply sunscreen after moisturizer, and if you're using a serum, this goes on before your moisturizer.

When your skin feels a little irritated (or downright angry), nothing works better than Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Cream. Yes, it may feel like you're smearing a creamy pat of butter on your face, but it soothes like nothing else and is the gentlest face cream I've ever used. It's not the best for wearing under makeup (it's so rich), but for night time, it's a dream!

Sun Protection
Colorescience has an array of sun protection products. All are tinted and go on beautifully. Choose from a primer (I love Calm ), or something from the Sunforgettable line, which includes a handy powder with SPF 50.

When it comes to your neck and upper chest, you may not want to go too far down with a tinted sunscreen as it can transfer onto your clothing. Unfortunately, many untinted mineral sunscreens can leave you looking ashen or ghostly. One brand that keeps this to a minimum is La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light (untinted).

UPDATE:
I've just started using SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield, SPF 35 — and I'm in love! This is truly the holy grail of mineral sunscreens. Although it looks white when you first apply it to your skin, it disappears completely in about a minute — and feels like you have nothing on your skin. I wear this over the SkinMedica Replenishing Cream (which I bought at the same time) and can already tell, will be a favorite too.

The only downside to Skin Medica is that you have to jump through a few hoops to get it. It's not sold over the counter and has to be bought from an authorized seller (to ensure you're getting the genuine product). To find one in your area, go to their official website at skinmedica.com

Anti-aging treatments
A retinoid product is your best bet (short of surgery) to fight wrinkles and aging. Retinoids come in several strengths. But start with the weakest (0.25%) and use once a week, or every other day until your skin adjusts. Only use at night time, and if you have super-sensitive skin, apply after moisturizer. Your complexion may look worse and peel like crazy before getting better but hang in there as it'll be worth it in the end. SkinMedica Retinol Complex is a worthy splurge.

Alpha hydroxy acids are excellent exfoliators, but they can be a little harsh for sensitive skin. Clinique's Turnaround Accelerated Renewal Serum contains a gentler acid (polyhydroxy) which hasn't bothered my skin at all - and feels lovely!

Pamper Yourself
Don't forget to indulge in a little pampering too. Take that meditation class, enroll in yoga, or just relax in the bathtub. If you enjoy spending time in the tub, try having a honey facial at the same time. To do this, Just spread a generous blob of raw or Manuka honey on your face and leave on for about 20 minutes. It's a fantastic moisturizer, gentle exfoliant, and it can even promote collagen building.

Love where you at!
I'm so grateful to have reached the ripe (not old) age of 59. We may have been prettier when we were younger, but I like what goes on in my head so much more now. Having a lifetime of experiences to draw upon, finding happiness in simple things, and not worrying about what people think about me feels pretty darn good! So let's embrace this next chapter of our lives — wrinkles and all.

* This is a revamped version of a previous blog. Several products had been reformulated or discontinued, and I found some new products.

Derma E sensitive skin cleanser with pycnogenol​
Colorescience skin perfectors
Colorescience store locator
Skinmedica Retinol Complex
Skinmedica store locator
Clinique turnaround accelerated renewal serum

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