Thursday, February 21, 2013

anti-aging secrets

Everything about me is changing. Which I've always felt is a very, very good thing as long as the most important changes are happening where it really counts...marriage, faith, friendships, wisdom, work...all that good stuff.

After 50, my skin started changing. It’s lined and a little softer. It’s also much drier. I've been trying to figure out the best thing for my skin all of this winter. I use a prescription Retin A , so that definitely contributes to the dryness. I find that the moisturizer and makeup that I've been using just isn't quite right anymore.


Here's one thing  I know:  it’s all too easy to get sucked into the whole product market where every manufacturer/end user has the best product and swears by its effectiveness.


I confess, yes, I am a Birchbox lover just like thousands of the rest of you. I do love me some surprise products in the mail….I can’t help it!


Allow me share a few of my little secrets.
Forget all the anti-aging claims that are out there. My brother-in-law is a plastic surgeon. He tells me the only truly proven anti-aging topical is Retin A…prescription strength. I wish I had started it years ago. The over the counter stuff may have some good properties, but there is nothing to beat the percentage that you can get with a prescription strength. He says, “Why send in a boy to do a man’s job?” I know that I’m lucky to be able to get that generic prescription instead of spending lots of big money on a whole host of other creams and serums, day and night this and that. For me, it was a great solution, and after a year of using the prescription strength, I feel like I really see a difference in my skin,…it just keeps getting better while at the same time, mostly due to hormonal changes, it's getting drier.

via pinterest

 I also believe that another true anti-aging effect can be achieved with appropriate hydration. Drinking lots of water and using a good moisturizer. I started using 100% Argan Oil as a serum/moisturizer and I LOVE IT! My daughter uses pure Jojoba oil and she loves it.
via pinterest


And the last secret? Joy from within can take years off your face.


What about you? Do you have a regime that you swear by? I’m really interested to know if anyone uses any of the cosmetic oils that are available and what your thoughts are.

12 comments:

  1. Where do you buy your 100% Argan Oil?

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    1. I am currently using Zinn Argan Oil that I purchased at Ulta.

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  2. Retina A for me, too. Just been on it a few weeks, I had to use a script for pigment damage and acne. Dr. said if I tolerate it, then will go with a stronger script - bring on the strongest! I will have to try the Argan Oil. Thanks for the tip.

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    Replies
    1. Lori, I'm sure your dr. told you that you have to wear sunscreen because you will have a greater sensitivity to the sun. For the winter, I go between the .05 and .01 percent. And I don't use it every night in the winter, because it leaves my skin on the drier side.

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  3. So, how does one go about getting a RX for Retina A?

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    Replies
    1. I would think you could just ask your GP or go to a dermatologist. Unless you have a doctor in the family!

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  4. I have Arran oil for my hair!
    Moisturisers are a real problem for me. I have a tested/doctor confirmed sensitivity to cetyl alcohol. It is the creamy emollient that is in almost everything. It's very difficult to find lotion, cream, or conditioner without it. At least now that I know, I can quit wasting money on stuff that just makes my skin red, puffy, and spotty!

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  5. My skin is very sensitive. Just about anything will make me bright red. Years ago I used to get a weekly facial using Yonka products. I've had a huge problem with dryness and flaking since I was a teenager. The Yonka products worked wonders.

    Now I'm in my 50's, no longer working, no longer getting those weekly facials. I've pared my routine down to washings with Cetafil that I buy at Costco, followed by spraying my face with Yonka lotion (pink for sensitive skin). I buy the lotion at amazon.com. I call this lotion my "youthful spray."

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  6. My skin is extremely sensitive and I had trouble with painful dryness for a really long time. Last fall, I started using olive oil to remove make-up and moisturize and it works like wonderful with no chemicals. After it worked so well, I started using it all over and my feet are now incredibly soft.

    I recently read on Advanced Style about Ingmari Lamy, a model in her 60s who uses olive oil as well. She looks gorgeous. I eventually switched from olive oil to grapeseed oil because it's a little lighter. My skin is better than it's ever been and this is the least expensive beauty product I've ever used. Mixed with sugar or salt it makes an excellent scrub.

    http://www.advancedstyle.blogspot.ca/2013/02/ingmari-lamy.html

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  7. JOy from within..you are so right!
    I think I must wear lipstick or I look TIRED. My sis in law taught me that.
    I need frequent haircuts with my hair short...inspired by you. I lOVE getting my hair cut.
    I stay OUTTA the sun.....have for years....

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  8. To quote Annie: "You're never fully dressed without a smile." I have ultra-sensitive skin and am prone to rosacea, and I gave up all conventional products a few years ago. Everything I use now is either all natural or organic--I figure, if you can't eat it or need a chemistry degree to figure out what's in it, it can't be good for your skin.

    My favorite moisturizer is 100% raw organic shea butter + a little jojoba oil and a natural immortelle serum from Garden of Wisdom.

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  9. After trying too many overpriced cosmetic counter moisturizers, I happened upon Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme and haven't looked back. It's very inexpensive, has virtually no scent, and has never irritated me. I put it on immediately after getting out of the shower, especially in winter, and never have that icky dry feeling or blotchy red skin. (God, this feels like a commercial--I assure you no one is paying me.) Love the stuff.

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