A friend recently described our skin as the one accessory that we can never get rid of. This is so true. Whether you are young or old, male or female, our skin is the only skin we will ever have. Sure, facelifts and cheek implants will make it look different for a time, but those will only lift so much and will not add anything to elasticity or vitality. Unfortunately, the products that really do their job well can be pricey.
It can be hard to separate the real and important from the not in a world where skincare products run the gambit of prices and promises. First, it is important to know what products a person should an should not be using. No matter age or gender, everyone should be using a face cleanser, toner, and moisturizer twice per day. Our facial skin is much more delicate and sensitive that the skin on the rest of our bodies. Soaps that can be used on our arms and legs will dry out and even harm our skin. Toners are important because the help clean the extra stuff our face wash left behind, cool the skin, and increase moister in skin cells. Everyone should use a toner. Likewise, moisturizers are used to hold moister into our skin for the remainder of the day and, in most cases, protect the skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals. Moisterizer will also help reduce the apearance of rough and flaky skin; something that can start as young as our teens and not show up until we are in our 30's!
All of these products are the ones we can save our money on. Where we want to splurge is on the little extras. Certain issues most people have with their skin start to develop years before they show an outward sign. Because of this, it is important to start using certain skincare product before you even have signs of the problem.
In Our 20's
Skin in our 20's is [usually] looking great! The cells replenish faster, elasticity is not a problem, and very few begin seeing any form of sun or age spots this early. It is important to keep this vitality as long as possible by using a good facial sunscreen, cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, and an eye cream. Fine lines and wrinkles can start appearing around our eyes as young as twenty. By using an eye cream, we are reducing fine lines and wrinkles now, and in the future. This eye cream does not need to be the best of the best, try to find one that reduces fine lines, bags, and dark circles.
The skin around our eyes is much thinner than any other area and the pores are smaller in size as well. Be sure to use your products in this order to reduce unneeded use and clogged pores:
Day: Cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturizer, then sunscreen
Night: Cleanser, toner, eye cream, then moisturizer in the evening.
In Our 30's
By the time we are in our 30's our skin is going through some pretty big changes. Fine lines and wrinkles can start appearing on our face around our eyes and mouth, our skin may not feel as smooth, and some people will start to see sun spots. It is time to start using a skincare system that will target all of these areas. Exfoliates, anti-wrinkle eye cream, and anti-aging moisturizer will help fight all of these problem areas. The good news is that there are still areas where we can save!
If a more expensive face wash, toner, and moisturizer is not an option, you can still save on all three, just use a moisturizer for anti-aging instead of moisture alone. Then, splurge on the night cream, eye cream, and exfoliates- good exfoliates will reduce skin roughness and dulness. Skin repairs and rejuvenates at night, having a good night cream works on the cellular level to repair will go a long way as we age. Look for a night cream that reduces wrinkles, sun spots, and skin dulness for best results.
Day: Cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturizer, then sunscreen
Night: Cleanser, toner, eye crea, then anti-aging moisturizer. Use an exfoliate every other night between the cleanser and toner.
In Our 40's
The two main issues that our skin faces in the 40's is from UV exposure and decreased amounts of estrogen. This will show by reduced skin elasticity, wrinkles, and dull skin. Using a good anti-aging moisturizer in the morning and at night will reduce this, skin treatment systems will also go a long way to keeping skin younger and healthier for longer. It is time to start using a good anti-aging day cream, eye cream meant to reduce wrinkles, and a restorative product (most come in 14-day packages). Night cream, day moisturizer, eye cream, and the 14-day restorative program are all the places where splurging will make the biggest difference.
Be sure to also use the products on the neck, chest, and hands along with the face. These are the areas where we show the most age in our skin.
Day: Cleanser, toner, anti-wrinkle eye cream, anti aging moisturizer, then sunscreen
Night: Cleanser, toner, anti-wrinkle eye cream, anti-aging moisturizer meant for night, and exfoliate every other night.
Every 3-months: 2-week skin restore programs. Best to use this product at night.
In Our 50's and Older
The biggest issue for skin after fifty is thinning skin. As we age, this becomes a problem for more than just our face and is the culprit of all those easy bruises and cuts we commonly see on grand parent's arms. Using a good night cream is vital at this stage, along with a good hand cream that will retain moisture and keep those paws looking perfect! Continue with the same skincare regimen as in the 40's, but talk to your skin care adviser about ways to reduce the flattening of skin cells, loss of elasticity, and turn the skin's genetic clock back- trust me, there are products out there that do this. If you do not have a skincare adviser, e-mail me and I will be sure to help!
A skin restoring serum will also help at this stage of skin development. Look for one that uses organic vitamins, increases protein development, and repairs skin damage.
Day: Cleanser, Toner, restoring serum, anti-wrinkle eye cream, anti-aging moisturizer, then sunscreen. Be sure to moisturize those hands throughout the day as well!
Night: Cleanser, toner, restoring serum, anti-wrinkle eye cream, anti-aging moisturizer meant for night, and exfoliate every other night.
Every 3-months: 2-week skin restore programs. Best to use this product at night.