by Rachel Ramirez Garcia
Once upon a time (your 20’s and 30’s), your skincare regimen was easy: wash with soap and water, use sunscreen and exfoliators occasionally and sometimes fall asleep with makeup on. Now that you’re in your 40’s, you’re in a unique position when it comes to skincare: you’re in-between repair and maintenance, and years of sun exposure, lack of sleep and poor diet are now visible. However, it’s never too late to turn back the clock (even if it is by a few years) and slow down the aging process. Remember that skin is our body’s largest organ and our first line of defense against environmental aggressors, and not only is the face a focal point, so are our necks, décolleté and hands. In the first of a two-part series, learn how to take care of your “postcard to the world”, your face, with these regime and product recommendations.
Face
- Daily exfoliation- since skin cell turnover slows down as we age (every 30-40 days as opposed to every 28 days), consider using either a mild, daily exfoliating face wash or investing in a cleansing brush, such as a Clarisonic. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser, 5 Fluid Ounce (Pack of 3)
contains a fine microbead along with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamins C and E to gently speed up cell turnover without over drying. For nighttime, use a mild makeup removing face wash to remove all oils and makeup from face and eyes. One to try: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser 6.7 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)
- Eye cream –the skin under the eyes is three times thinner than skin on the face, so never skip this product, especially when using a concealer. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream, 0.5 Ounce
and Melibose hydrates the delicate eye area while gently resurfacing fine lines and uneven skin texture.
- Serum – whether it’s an antioxidant cocktail or one targeted for a specific concern (dark spots, fine lines or large pores), always incorporate a serum twice a day, especially daytime, when skin is exposed to the sun and other environmental factors. Philosophy No Reason to Hide Multi-imperfection Transforming Serum
is a multi-tasker that addresses pores, uneven tone and texture and fine lines using niacinamide (vitamin B) and stabilized vitamin C along with marine and botanical extracts.
- BB or CC Cream – you’ve read and heard all about them, and if you haven’t tried one yet, now is the time to experience not just the trend but their benefits. BB and CC creams are must-have multi-taskers that prime, correct, hydrate, add a touch of color and an SPF in one step. Added bonus: they can be worn alone or under your favorite foundation. Always choose formulas with a minimum of SPF 30, such as Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting Light/Medium 1 oz
and Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + Care CC+ Cream SPF 30, Light, 1.2 Fluid Ounces
- Retinoid serum – in lieu of an exfoliating face wash, incorporate a retinoid to help speed up cell turnover and prevent dean skin cells from accumulating on the surface. RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream, 1 Ounce
is oil-free, non comedogenic and contains hyaluronic acid to help plump up fine lines.
- Acne treatment – if your skin still tends to break out occasionally, treat only the area and avoid using all-over medicated products (such as cleansers) to avoid over-drying. Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel 1 Fl Oz / 30 Ml (Spot Healing Gel)
contains the brand’s Clearing Complex of salicylic acid and promotes results equal to a topical prescription formula.
Tips and Tricks
- For a weekly exfoliator, use granulated white sugar! The same sugar used for baking and coffee exfoliates while drawing moisture to skin. Best of all, it’s inexpensive, easy to use, and for the eco-conscious, food grade and biodegradable. Use 1-2 times a week on clean, damp face and body for 2-3 minutes to reveal super-smooth skin. For those with sensitive or easily irritated skin, use brown sugar.
- Looking for an inexpensive acne spot treatment? Take a tip from celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville: crush one aspirin and mix with water to form a paste. Use on areas with acne and let sit as a mask for 10 minutes before rinsing. Aspirin is a source of salicylic acid.
- Remember to treat internally as well as externally: take a daily collagen supplement enhanced with vitamin C, since collagen gives skin its strength and support. Collagen loss begins at age 25 and our bodies stop making collagen in our early 40’s.
Rachel Ramirez Garcia has written for Modern Latina since 2006, in addition to Carefair.com. Many of her articles reflect her interest and specialty in skin, beauty, and nutrition. Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from San Jose State University.