Skincare and Serenity!

Ladies, I think I've found it - a winning formula for fighting wrinkles and feeling better about growing older.  I'm happy to say that with age has come a little wisdom, and I'd like to share what's working for me.  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 embracing the fabulous fifties, soon to be spectacular 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 common irritants, and because the formulas are protected, the ingredients 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 you see results.  
• Eat lots of "beauty foods"  like salmon, tomatoes, walnuts, oatmeal, carrots, kiwis, green vegetables, olive oil, and chocolate (woohoo!)  The caveat with chocolate is the darker, the better (70% cacao or more.)

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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 good choice (sold at most drug stores) is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.  There's a foaming cleanser too - but I'm suspicious of anything that foams!  Always remove makeup and go to bed with a clean face, but a simple splash with water is all you need in the morning.

Moisturizers
For the times when your skin is feeling 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 really is a dream!

Another good drug-store moisturizer is CeraVe PM.  Although this is their evening moisturizer, it works beautifully under makeup.  It doesn't contain a sunscreen, which should always be worn during the day.  Dermatologists advise an SPF of 30 or more if spending more than a little time outside.  Apply sunscreen after moisturizer, and if you're using a serum, this goes on before your moisturizer.

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.  

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.  The trick to making untinted mineral sunscreen blend into your skin (and not leave you looking like a ghost) is to use it over a facial oil.  Mad Hippie's antioxidant oil works perfectly under their facial SPF sunscreen.

Anti-aging Treatment
A retinoid product is your best bet (short of surgery) to fight against wrinkles and aging.  Retinoids come in several strengths: start with the weakest (0.25%) and only use once a week or every other day until your skin adjusts.  Only use at night time and apply after your moisturizer if you have super-sensitive skin.  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.  Skin Medica 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 take a relaxing bath.  If you like to spend time in the tub, try having a honey facial at the same time.  (Just spread a generous blob of raw or Manuka honey on your face and leave on for about 20 to 30 minutes.  It's a fantastic moisturizer, gentle exfoliant, and can even promote collagen building. 

There's been quite a bit of excitement over turmeric lately. Its active ingredient (curcumin) has been shown to have anti-cancer properties when applied to the skin.  As someone who's had a couple of bouts of basal cell, I'm going to start adding a little of this powder to my honey mask (along with a heaping spoonful into my daily smoothie.)

​Love where you are!
I'm so grateful to have reached the ripe (not old) age of 58.  Yes, we may have been "prettier" in our twenties and thirties, but I like what goes on in my mind so much more now!  I'm never going to welcome crows feet, age spots, and all the other "interesting" things that pop up.  However, I love having a lifetime of experiences to draw upon.  And finding happiness in the simple things, and not worrying so much about what people think of me... well that looks pretty darn good too.  So let's embrace this next chapter of our lives - wrinkles and all.

Skinmedica and Colorescience products are available at some spas and physicians offices. Derma E and Mad Hippie can be found in many health food stores.  Clinique is sold at Ulta and most department stores.  If you're having trouble finding anything, please check the website links at the bottom of the page to buy online.

Disclosure time!
I have no affiliation with any of the skin care products mentioned in this blog - I just love using them. 

If you'd like to check out a couple of other items I've added to my beauty regime (including the BEST silk pillowcase), please check out my fab beauty finds here


* This is a revamped version of a previous blog that I had to delete as several products had been reformulated or discontinued. And there have been new discoveries!

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

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