At 56, I finally discovered less is more, and my skin never looked better! If you are like me, your “skincare” drawer was full of half used bottles of serums, masks, and various creams. Trying something new, loving it and then switching to the next hottest thing is a way of life for women over 50.
We are all in search of the next jar of hope, never an easy quest. Once we find products we wind up applying too many at once. Wishing for the perfect combination, and never really knowing which products are working. Take the radical approach and simplify your routine, sticking with the basics will save you money and keep your skin looking fantastic! After 4 weeks, I can honestly say my skin has never looked better (except for when I was in my 20's).
In the Morning
Cleanse - Why use a cleanser in the morning? Water alone removes only about 65% of oil and debris from the surface of the skin. I want a clean canvas with which to apply my moisturizer and makeup. My cleanser of choice is Keyano Lavender Milk Facial Cleanser It works for all skin types and contains Green Tea extract to help with my redness
Eye Cream - Since we are streamlining how many products we choose, I like an eye cream that you can use morning and night. My problem is puffiness, especially in the morning. It is even worse after just 1 glass of wine at night. NIA24 Eye Repair Complex, it penetrates quickly and minimizes puffiness around the eyes.
Moisturize with an SPF cream - Many of my friends use tinted moisturizers with some SPF protection, though not enough to protect you fully from the aging effects of the sun. Replinix By Topix Sheer Physical Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+ penetrates your skin after a couple minutes allowing your makeup to go on flawlessly. Always apply to any part of your body that will be exposed to the sun, including your face, neck, and the back of your hands.
In the Evening
Cleanse - Same as in the morning, apply your Keyano Lavender Milk Facial Cleanser
Serum - A serum is best used at night to fully penetrate our skin while we sleep. This item is the most expensive product in my routine, and worth every penny. Vivierskin Grenzcine Serum tones, firms, hydrates and leaves my skin glowing! Let it absorb into your skin while you brush your teeth before you complete your routine.
Eye Cream - Same as in the morning, apply your NIA24 Eye Repair Complex.
Moisturize - This product, like our serum, works all night. Glytone Age-Defying Antioxidant Night Cream was a 2013 Healthy Beauty Award Winner in Self Magazine. The peptide complex and antioxidants help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while fully moisturizing your skin.
Bi-Weekly Exfoliation - At our age, Retinol and Retin A can be too harsh and drying. DCL G20 Radiance Peel Pads are convenient and using them just twice a week provides the perfect amount of exfoliation. Just sweep them on your face, neck, chest and back of hands, wait 5 minutes and shower off. It's like giving yourself a micro peel at home and will save you money at the dermatologist.
In the end, keeping your skin looking radiant and healthy is not as complicated as most skincare companies would have you think. Try consolidating your abundance of beauty products into the simple 6 that work. Cleanser (1), Eye Cream (2), Daily Moisturizer (3), Evening Moisturizer (4), Anti-Aging Serum (5), and Exfoliator (6). Less is More!