Beauty Wednesday: Skincare and Aging
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So here's a fun question: how has your skincare routine changed through the years? For the older readers, when did you notice that you needed to add a little “somethin somethin” to your routine? Do you think particular brands matter, or is it just important to do something? (For example: does a particular brand of eye cream work better than the others, or does your eye area just need extra moisture and any eye cream will work as long as you're consistent?) (Pictured: wrinkles – part I, originally uploaded to Flickr by kroszk@.)
How My Skincare Routine Hasn't Changed As I've Aged
For my $.02: For the most part, my skincare routine is roughly the same as it was when I first settled onto it at as a pre-teen. Most mornings, I wash my face with Basis, and (once I'm out of the shower), I follow up with a light moisturizer with SPF in it (usually Neutrogena's basic one sans retinols, but I'm still finishing a container of Kimberly Sayer
that I bought during my pregnancy because it had proper zinc oxide instead of chemical SPF).
How My Skincare Routine HAS Changed As I've Aged
Things I've added over the years:
Acid Exfoliants
Around age 25 I tried an exfoliant with beta-hydroxy acid in it and noticed that people immediately started complimenting me on my “glowing” skin; since then I have tried to use one once or twice a week. (Annoyingly they keep discontinuing whichever one I like — my pet theory is that perhaps research is moving so fast that the skincare companies keep coming up with new, better products. Here's my latest favorite mask.)
I kept reading that you aren't supposed to use retinols while pregnant, so for that time period I used an exfoliating glove and/or St. Ives Olive Scrub. I'm in the market for a new exfoliant right now, actually.
Occasionally I'll buy a moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients in it (such as Neutrogena's Healthy Skin or Age Defense) and use that once a week instead of my regular, plain moisturizer.
Also around age 25 I started buying special eye cream, mostly for when I get out of the shower but occasionally for before I go to bed at night. Right now I'm using Clinique All About Eyes
, but I've used Aveeno's in the past. I'm wondering if, at 35, it's time to splurge on some eye cream, and get Creme de la Mer or perhaps the Caudalie one. Update: here's my latest favorite.
Before bed I try to apply a special lip cream. My all-time favorite is Caudalie's or Laneige, but I also like the new Neosporin one (which I originally bought for my husband!).
Before bed I remove my eye makeup, but don't wash my face unless I've been wearing foundation (which is next to never). If I do wash my face I remoisturize. Right now I love this one.
Skincare Things I've Stopped Doing As I've Aged
Stuff I no longer do: Toner/astringent. I used this a lot during my teen years but don't any more because it seemed too drying. I also used to use a lip exfoliant pretty regularly, which I almost never do now — it may be because I tend to wear lighter glosses and tints instead of heavier lipsticks, but it may also be because of my nighttime lip routine.
I also never try new products unless I'm in the market for something particular — I credit my generally good skin to my consistent routine (and good genes). As you can tell, I'm a big fan of drugstore skin products.
How about you guys — what is your skincare routine like? How has it changed over the years?
I’m 40, with oily but sensitive skin.
This is what I use:
cleanser: Shiseido pureness with Olay Pro-X brush in the shower (mornings) and Origins zer0-oil cleanser at night
moisurizer: Clarins bright plus day lotion SPF 20. I use this morning and night. It’s really lightweight
I’m only consistent with cleanser and mositurizer.
Other products I sometimes use:
– L’oreal youth code serum (day) – recently started using this
-Neutrogena healthy skin retinol/salicyclic cream (at night) – it’s excellent
-eye cream (for under-eye circles): Olay definity or Shiseido white lucent
I’m 25 and still get hormonal breakouts. I also have VERY dry skin. I use Olay Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Acne Control twice a day. I think it works better than any cleanser I’ve ever used (and I’ve used A LOT). It’s good for those of us who still breakout but are concerned about preventative anti-aging products too. I use it with a Clarisonic MIA. I also use just the $7 Olay moisturizer with SPF twice a day.
I use Kate Somerville exclusively. I love, love, love her products. My brother works in the skin care world and got pretty deep into learning about the science of this stuff. He claims that all of the fancy products are basically the same as drugstore stuff with the exception of Kate Somerville.
I got my mom hooked on it and didnt see her for three months when she started. I saw her for the first time and seriously thought she had had work done.
Its expensive but I love it.
(FWIW, Im 32, have good skin on the dry side, and wear minimal makeup.)
Here is a question about dry skin — my face is fairly dry, but it is manageable with a good moisturizer. However, I cannot get my nose under control. Between the dry air and the occassional tissue from blowing my nose, its a mess. I’ve tried using heavier exfoliating lotions (like am lactin) on just my nose, but it still winds up kind of dry and peely. Any recommendations?
Have you thought about getting a humidifier for your bedroom?
neutrogena norwegian formula hand cream. i know it’s supposed to be for the hands only but the ingredients are non-irritating and not pore clogging. it’s very rich in glycerin, it’s great for chapped skin in general (also, it’s super cheap!). i would avoid exfoliating lotions if it’s very dry and peely, you need to moisturize and not peel off the epidermal layers.
if you like something more “natural” there’s also LUSH ultrabalm, which is just a blend of jojoba oil and natural plant waxes – it’s kind of like a non-petroleum petroleum jelly.
i second the comment below re: the humidifier – you can also go green and save electricity by hanging your laundry items in your bedroom at night – thicker pieces like towels and jeans will gradually release moisture into your room, and you won’t have to shell out for a humidifier (clunky and often ugly).
I’m 39 and get compliments on my skin all the time. I’ve been using the Arbonne RE9 line of products for the last 3 years and love them.
I’m 24 and I’ve been using retinol products (over the counter) for 2 years. Neve too young to start? I recently read somewhere that when you stop using them that it actually is even worse for you skin?! So once you start you should stop. I suppose I will have to once I get pregnant. (likely MANY years from now)
Anyone know of any websites that expose how much retinol is in products since it isn’t required on the label?
I also use BROAD-BASED sunscreen, retinol eye cream, exfoliants etc. I have some pretty bad sunburns in my teens and had some pre-cancer on my face (both parents have also had skin cancer removed) so since then I’ve been extra diligent about trying to protect and slow down any damage I did by baking in the tanning bed in my teens. (how silly of me!)
In the morning, I wash my face in the shower with bare minerals purifying facial cleanser, which I ADORE. I’ve been using Stila’s tinted moisturizer as my face lotion, but I’m not crazy about it, and will be switching back to kiss my face olive and aloe sensitive skin lotion once I’m out of the tinted moisturizer. I’ve also used plain jojoba oil as a moisturizer, but I don’t really like the way it smells (very nutty), and it’s kind of messy.
At night, I take off my makeup with Pond’s chamomile and white tea face wipes. I used to be so incredibly lazy about taking off my makeup, but those face wipes smell so amazing that I look forward to using them. I’m 28, and I may be at an all time record of number of consecutive nights of removing makeup. I also stay out of the sun.
I’ve been knocking around the idea of getting botox for the first time lately… just a tiny bit between my eyebrows to prevent the angry-looking wrinkle that is starting to form. It’s not that I’m angry, I just scrunch up my forehead when I’m thinking, concentrating, driving, skeptical, etc.
I have that little wrinkle too! But I used to play tennis and spent many many many long hours squinting into the sun. I think I developed it at about 16!
This is timely as I’m sitting here at my desk scratching and rubbing my painful and red face. I think it’s resisting my recent move/change in climate/failure to wash. I just let water run over my face in the showed although I have a sephora face scrubber thing (the little pink pad) and I think I still have some face wash hanging around somewhere. I lotion every morning. I almost never wash at night (such a pain! Water gets everywhere!) but I don’t wear face makeup except on special occasions, after which it’s about 50/50 whether I remember to wash.
Also, I’ve been noticing how old my hands look. I just turned 30 and I think it’s time to get serious. However, like 1L and Goal for 2012, I am on a weight loss kick as well and have significant weight to lose. I think I need a whole life makeover!
Going to check out that clairsonic thing though, see what it is, and the Paula’s Choice.
An actual question, how long can you keep these products? I saw the other day someone commented that you shouldn’t keep your mascara longer than 2 months! I have had some of mine for years! (Not all at the same time.) I have some face scrubs/face washes, etc for several years, can I still use them?
And a constructive comment, I did actually used to use an Alpha Hydroxy Acid face wash thing my mom gave me, but when I went to the doc she made me go to the derm to get some pre-skin-cancer cells burned off my face (you would think I would be better about this, I know!) and the derm told me the AHA was not good for my skin type and she gave me some samples of something else. I liked those, but they were expensive and you needed a prescription and I didn’t want to have to go in again to get the prescription. So I don’t know what they were, but just because someone recommends something doesn’t mean it’ll work for your particular skin!
Mascara can usually be kept for 6 months I believe.
A few weeks ago I got a job and as a treat went and got myself a splurge makeup item at a dept store. I had $20 of gift card so I wanted to get something that was stupid expensive that I would never normally pay for but that I would consider with a $20 discount. In talking with one of the reps (at Dior) they told me that most packages actually have a little indicator on the box that says how long you should keep if it’s been opened. I felt like such an idiot for never noticing but there it was. It clearly had a container, with the lid off and the number 6 right over it for 6 months. I’m not sure if face washes have this too but worth checking!
The ONLY proven skin cream to prevent and treat wrinkles is tretinoin – which is prescription Retin A. (Generics are available now.) It takes awhile for your skin to get used to this, but it is the single cream that has been scientifically studied and proven to help aging skin. I use Nonie of Beverly Hills 10% alpha hydroxy cream during the day, which is really gentle and moistuirizing with all natural ingredients. I’ve never identified an eye cream that has made a bit of difference. But the final long-term anti-aging secret really is botox, but you need to find a good practitioner and work with that person to get the right balance of treatment, which can take a few times. (It really is an art.) Yes, it has immediate effect, but, more importantly, the longer you use it the more effect it has. Also, the clarisonic Mia is wonderful for anti-aging as it strips your outermost layer of skin and stimulates collagen growth, all while clearing up your skin and making product more effective.
I upgraded my eye care routine to add moisturizers with retinoids after I had a baby and started functioning on much less sleep (and it was really starting to show in my skin) I have found that as I get into my mid-30s, adding retinoids has helped keep my skin clearer and in better shape.
I’m also in my 50s and would like to concur with this comment. Face creams make only the tiniest difference. Really, save your money – you’re going to need it soon for the dentist.
Ageing well really is almost entirely lifestyle.
I’d add to your list of essential habits, anon:
Save wine for the weekend
Find some form of meditation.
Sorry, that comment belonged to Anon’s list of good habits above.
I still don’t use an eye cream, and I’m 42 – everything feels greasy and irritating and it honestly doesn’t seem to do much for me. However, I’ve never had a problem washing my face at night or taking off my makeup – I can’t go to sleep without washing my face and getting rid of all makeup! This may be due to having fairly oily skin and being paranoid about breakouts.
The biggest change I’ve made as I’ve gotten older is that I used to try to blast my skin squeaky clean, but have figured out it actually produces less oil when it’s not stripped. I think it’s all incredibly individual, though – for instance, acids – salicylic acid, fruit acids, BHAs – do NOTHING for my skin at all. However, my skin likes seaweed-based stuff and sulfur-based stuff (for breakouts). It also handles oil-cleansing well. Mostly I rotate between various stuff, and I love to try new brands/products (for me, buying this stuff is a pleasure/luxury). Recently I’ve been using Mario Badescu stuff (his acne products are wonderful) (yes, I still get acne. Sigh).
I do moisturize more now than I used to, but I don’t use anything particularly designed for aging skin.
oooh skincare! My favourite topic….I’m 37 and started using literally a drop of foundation just 2 weeks ago (1st time ever). But I am a skincare junkie.
– wash face 4x daily (when i wake up, shower, get back home, evening shower)
– exfoliate 2x/3x weekly (loving Ole Henriksen)
– Clinique serum + Bliss moisturiser + Kiehl’s sunscreen before work
– eye cream + SKII moisturiser at night
I am thinking of upgrading to La Mer (i only get this if i have gift cards/vouchers etc as it’s too spendy for me).
Since i spent nothing (till now) on foundation/concealer etc, I feel like skincare can be my splurge! Plus the way I’m going, 1 bottle foundation will probably last me 1 yr….
Has anyone had any luck with Mario Badescu products? I’m going for a facial tonight and would like to try out some of their products if anyone has any recommendations…
Oops, comment below was supposed to be a reply to T…
Yes! I’m a big fan of Mario Badescu products. Mind you, I mostly adore their acne treatments, because they have a lot of sulfur-based products that happen to work really well on me (but don’t get them near sterling silver…), which may not be a concern for you. (If it is, their pink lotion – Drying Lotion? Buffering? I forget the name – is rightly beloved.) I also like their facial cleansers, in particular the Enzyme Gel and Seaweed Soap.
I like that they have quite a range of products with a variety of key ingredients, so you really can find what best suits your skin. It’s not an uber-natural line, but I think the ingredients are a decent mix of natural and chemical. And as non-drugstore brands go, I think their prices are quite reasonable ($20 for an 8 oz cleanser; around $15-17 for various acne treatments, which last well. Of course the more specialized stuff is more expensive).
Unfortunately I haven’t used any of their treatments or serums or the kinds of things you’d be more likely to encounter in a facial, and whether the products I like would work for you depends on whether we have similar skin (mine is combo, tending toward oily – mostly when I over-clean it – with hormonal breakouts, occasionally sensitive). But I like the line very much.
Thank you so much for the info! I also have oily prone skin. I prefer very, very natural products, so I’ll have to take a look at their ingredients. If they have a great makeup remover I think it’s probably worth a try, then following up with a good natural cleanser and moisturizer. I haven’t been able to find many reviews on this line so I appreciate your help!
I’m convinced the best advice you can find on the ‘net is from Paula’s Choice. I like her products, too. I tried her basic line some years ago and thought it was OK, but not necessarily worth the effort of having to order it. Her Resist line though, is awesome. It’s faded my brown spots and cleared up the clogged pores I had in my t-zone.
At 43, I’ve just added a prescription retinoid. I’ve had some flakiness that went away with a good AHA, but what I’ve really noticed is the increase in oiliness. Hopefully that will go away.
My AM routine:
Cetaphil or Replenix Fortified Cleanser
PC Resist Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion with 7% AHA
City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25
PM:
Cetaphil or Replenix Fortified Cleanser
.025% tretinoin gel
PC Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer
I’ve got to say, Shiseido anti wrinkle creams really work. I’m more than a little worried that someone’s told me they’re made from sharks though?!
Tip for everyone: stop using anything that says Sodium Laureth (or laurel, or coca) Sulphate on it. That stuff is used as an industrial cleaner for a reason. It’s replaced almost all natural soap on the shelves because it foams better and because it doesn’t leave soap remains on your sink, but it goes much deeper into your pores, washing out the natural protective layer of your skin, causing skin problems of all kinds in the long term. Get real nature soap without SLS (you’ll have difficulty finding it, I’m warning in advance).
I think as long as you have a skincare regimen, and it does not irritate the skin, you should be able to use what you want but keep it simple. Wash, tone (optional) and moisterize. Within the week, use a mask and exfoliate your skin. Make sure the moisterizer have an SPF of 15 at least. I rather have good clear skin than wear heavy makeup.
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