Anti Aging-what really works?
The A word. The big “A”, ya know…Aging. Yes as a 40 something, you definitely know what I am referring to. I keep talking myself thru the “aging gracefully” process. So with all the anti aging products on the market there has to be a way to slow that process down, right?! And of course if all else fails there’s always Botox and fillers. Personally I’m not opposed to them but I’m not ready just yet.
Step up the skin care game
Turning 40 a few years ago I knew I had to step up my daily skincare game. Not having many regrets in life, I would however like to have a nice long talk with my younger early 20 something self. I’d definitely stress the importance of moisturizing, drinking lots of water and using that sunscreen. A few simple but really important steps to keeping that healthy elastic-y youthful glow. So if any of you young 20 somethings are reading this, boys and girls, I implore you to start that real anti-aging process now.
Fine lines or fun lines
I’ve been noticing crows feet, and some minor laugh lines since my mid to late 30’s. More recently the “11” right on my forehead above the bridge of my nose has joined me and those laugh lines have gotten a little more defined. I like to say, it’s just proof that even though I had RBF (Resting Bitch Face) since I was like 16, I really wasn’t bitchy. I actually was pretty happy and always having fun. I like to chalk up these laugh lines to some pretty awesome nights I’ve had with some amazing friends. And I don’t really plan on stopping the fun anytime soon, so I have to find another way to keep these lines at bay.
While there are so many skin care products on the market, where do we begin and how do we choose. I like to go with what actually works and what’s affordable. I won’t always buy something because a star is recommending it. I read all the reviews and talk to my friends who really believe in something. Sometimes the inexpensive ones are great and sometimes you might have to splurge too.
Do the research
The only way to figure that out like I said is to read the reviews and try them out for yourself. These are just some of the products I use in my daily anti-aging routine, none of these are sponsored and these are my true and honest opinions. These are products that I’ve stuck with and haven’t let me down yet. I’m always open to trying new products so there will be more to add here, but these are some of my current favorites.
What is Hyaluronic Acid
Whenever I think of this product, I hear Eva Longoria in the Loreal commercial saying it.. HI YA- LUH- RONIC Acid. It’s pretty catchy marketing and have been tempted to try the Loreal brand. I have tried quite a few others that were highly reviewed and disappointing to me. So I’ve been sticking to what really works for me. HA (abbreviation for Hyaluronic acid) is actually a naturally occurring molecule that we have in our skin already. I’m not a scientist so I can’t give the full molecular breakdown but HA helps us retain moisture in our skin to give it a plump and healthy look. It helps to retain the moisture in our face and as we age as the naturally occurring molecule decreases. That’s why it’s a good idea to start using one asap.
Does is help slow the Anti Aging process
HA has multiple skin benefits. It is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and in addition could potentially speed up wound healing and help relieve joint pain. I use it as part of my daily skin care routine and follow it up with a moisturizer to really lock in the benefits of this product. Currently my favorite HA is Rodan and Fields Active Hydration Serum . I’ve tried many serums and I haven’t found any quite like this one. It goes on so smooth and silky and doesn’t pile the more you rub it in like some others do. If you don’t know what piling is, it’s what happens when you rub a product in and as it dries it starts to feel like it’s peeling on your face and in your hands.
I love this product because it just dries to a smooth finish and you can feel it absorbing into your skin. It feels like a silky water. It keeps my skin hydrated all day long, even when I forget to put on moisturizer. This is definitely not cheap at $112 a bottle but it’s for my skin so it’s worth the splurge for me. If it’s something you do try and start to love, you can find yourself a consultant at R + F and sign up for their rewards program. For about $20 a year, become part of their perks membership and you basically get a discount on all products and free shipping over $80. That’s literally the only thing that sucks for me about this is having to pay shipping. I’m Amazon prime spoiled!
THE POWER COUPLE
Another part of my daily skin care routine is Sunday Riley’s Power Couple. It comes with Good Genes, which is a lactic acid and a night serum called Luna oil.
The Lactic Acid helps to also keep the skin moisturized and when you use it regularly as directed, it stimulates collagen renewal. It gently helps to plump up the fine lines and brighten skin. I use this about 3x a week as part of my anti aging routine. For me it’s a very gentle product but it’s always recommended to do a patch test to make sure you don’t have any reactions or irritations.
The second half of the power duo is the Luna night oil is a night retinol serum that you use before bedtime, it is free from parabens and phthalates and is also vegan. What I love is that the power couple is available in a mini version so you can basically sample before going full product. I also found these via a friends recommendation and I love them.
THE POLISH
Another absolute favorite is Dr. Lancers The Method: Polish. At $75 for 4.2 oz, it’s also pretty pricey but it really goes a long way. I use this product about 3-4 x a week and only a pea size portion is all you need to get the perfect exfoliation going. This product is part of a 3 part routine but I just use the Polish a few times a week as my pre wash to exfoliate dead skin. It’s a powerful exfoliator with natural minerals and enzymes. You can absolutely feel the exfoliation working, it has a light sand texture and it leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean and smooth. It has a gentle lavender smell that’s very light and subtle. And if you follow them on their Instagram they often run pretty decent sales.
Stop and smell the Roses…
Looking for a new skin cleanser? After I tell you about this one you will be. First of all this smells so good. Like a fresh cut bouquet of roses. It’s so light and the floral scent is definitely not overwhelming. This is a K-Beauty cleanser. I don’t know too much about K-Beauty or the many steps involved, but I do just really love this product.
It’s and oil to foam cleanser. It goes on as an oil to break down all the makeup on your face. And then foams up into a gentle face wash to cleanse all the make up off. Personally that’s not why I use it since I very rarely wear a face of make up. I actually use this in the shower as my daily face wash. It’s so gentle and leaves my skin feeling fresh and soft.
I’ll be honest when I say I’m not a crazy face washer. I hate the idea of blindly splashing water on my face and having it all drip down my arms. It’s like a crazy pet peeve of mine. So I usually use a baby wipe if I do have make up on. I know that’s bad, but I’ve been doing it forever and honestly my skin is pretty clear. But regardless, this stuff makes you look forward to washing your face, drippy arms and all! Definitely a must try. Mamonde Oil to Foam Cleanser available at Ulta Beauty $21 for a 6oz bottle.
