As I round the bend into my 35th year next week, I realize I’ve been thinking and discussing on a multitude of levels about aging, and the process of aging especially as a woman. Looking back when I was 20, the thought of turning 30 seemed to be the end of the earth, let alone 35. But here we finally are and I think my 20 year old self would be jealous of my 35 year old skin. It’s taken me about 20 years but I feel I’m finally getting the hang of what works for my sensitive skin. Yep, without a doubt there are changes in my skin and body with age, but I find now I have consistency in what my skin looks like and how it acts. Here’s some of the things I’ve been doing for years and some of the new things I’ve been trying since the New Year:
- I keep it simple. There are a zillion different products out there and it’s easy to get enticed when walking through the drugstore aisle but I keep my base skincare routine simple and the same. If I’ve found an eye cream, lotion or cleanser that works for me I stick with it and try not to shock my skin with a million different products.
- I’m religious about my routine. Morning and night, I’m doing the same routine. I always use a serum, eye cream and lotion (changes if it’s day or night). Makeup is always removed and lotion with UV is always put on before I leave the house.
- I look at the ingredients in my products and stay away from:
-Parabens
-Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfates)
– Polyethylene Glycol or PEG compounds
Not sure what to look for, or want to know how toxic your skin care products are? Download the Think Dirty App. The app scans the barcode of any beauty products and gives a rating and detailed breakdown of ingredients, certifications and health info of products in your bathroom currently, or maybe something you are contemplating buying.
- I started taking vitamins and minerals that help skin, joint, bone and hair. Biotin, Vitamin E, Zinc, Chlorella and of course Vitamin C.
- I started taking Marine Collagen back in January and love it. Many of the skin issues I would see in the winter months such as, excessive dryness, dullness and even rosacea or acne seemed to be kept at bay. My hair and nails also seemed healthier. I will continue with the collagen routine- you can find it many places online and in health food stores.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses- Yep I often look like a celeb rehab guest but this is my norm if I head outside but honestly there are lots of great options for self-tanners these days and my skin still gets the benefits of vitamin D from the sun without the damage of UV rays.
- I never drink enough water- so to keep myself interested in boring old H20, I bought an infuser and now I can add all sorts of fruits or veggies to naturally flavour my water. Throw in some frozen watermelon and mint and I’m enticed to drink way more water in a day.
I guess I’m of the mindset of prevention versus remediation. It’s not to say down the road I wouldn’t think about potential treatments but at this point I’d rather try and focus on putting better things on and in my body. Aging and wrinkles are inevitable and I’m not trying to avoid that, just trying to make better choices as I go forward.
You look fabulous!
Thank You!