Anti-Aging

I found my first wrinkle when I was 24.

It was a small laugh line, but nonetheless, it was a wrinkle. And it freaked me out. I was too young to have any signs of aging on my face, and while a smile line is considered a "good" wrinkle to have (as opposed to frown lines), it sent me on a mission - I was going to start taking better care of my skin, even if it was for vanity's sake.

I have used some variety of anti-aging skincare since that time - almost 10 years! I've tried a lot of products on the market - expensive department store stuff, items you can buy at the drugstore, and even products from those skincare lines they only sell through a sales representative like Arbonne or Mary Kay.

What I have found out is that it doesn't matter whether it's an expensive brand or a cheaper brand, or what the marketing campaigns say, the product has to contain a few specific ingredients for it to work: retinol, antioxidants and sunscreen. Here is why they are important:

1) Retinol is an animal form of Vitamin A, which when applied to the skin helps stimulate the production of collagen (what makes skin look even and plump) and elastin (what makes skin look smooth and tight).  Used regularly, it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and create smoother skin.

2) Antioxidants are Vitamins C and E (in combination with each other). Vitamin C protects skin against free radicals, stimulates collagen and can lighten dark spots. Vitamin E works with C as an antioxidant and an additional skin protector.

3) Sunscreen - do I need to explain how important this is? With all the skin damage I've seen in my lifetime, having a product with sunscreen is a must. It protects from harmful rays that can accelerate the process of aging.

My favorite anti-aging products to date are:

RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

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 This is the best night cream I've used and it's one of the drugstore finds! Retinol works best at night and a thin layer of this cream all over my face has reduced the fine lines I have around my mouth, eyes and forehead. This stuff is affordable and it works!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream

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 This is an award winning day moisturizer -it contains retinol, sunscreen (SPF 15), vitamin E and vitamin B5. It is lightweight and has never made me break out. I actually use this as my sunscreen for days at the beach or lake (I reapply multiple times). Another drugstore find and it works!

MAC Cosmetics Fast Response Eye Cream

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 This is a more expensive product, but it's one of the best ones I have tried - it helps with puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. It contains caffeine and works very quickly. If I run out of this eye cream, I normally RoC's Sensitive Eye Cream which contains slow release retinol so it doesn't irritate your eyes.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

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 \I use this as an everyday lotion on my chest and the backs of my hands in the spring and summer (on the days when I'm not at the pool or lake). My mother had skin cancer and some of the worst spots were on her chest and the backs of her hands since those areas are exposed to sun, but tend to not get the same protection as the face. This formula is dry so I can wear it with regular clothing and it won't leave greasy stains or smell.

Mary Stu, Crystal and me at 24 years old (and me with short brown hair?!? who am I?!)

And us at almost 34 years old! Dare I say we have aged well? (For me it's thanks to all those products.)

 I will totally admit that I am vain when it comes to how I look - not so much that I will ever get plastic surgery or spend our grocery budget on serums and creams; but I think taking care of my face, skin and hair is important. It makes me feel better and I can attest that since I started using good products and sunscreen regularly that my skin looks and feels better!