In Winter and Always

It’s not easy being an older woman in our society, where youth is really revered. Especially in the U.S. where our commercials are so ridiculous. Did you know that we use teenage models to sell aging products? Or air brush the heck out of actual older models.

So I have mixed feelings writing about this, but it’s because I feel so strongly that you are beautiful at every age that I’m prompted to write it. And it’s the ideal time to think about my age, as I just turned 59 last week!

My age, and growing older, has never really bothered me. I think because when I turned 40, I had a one year old daughter! I never had time to worry about it or take much time with my looks. But now I am noticing more pain points; things I’m not thrilled about. For me personally, those are lines around the mouth, dark eye circles, and crepeyer hands than I would like. 

Girls today take such good care of their skin (e.g. the popularity of Ulta), but if you’re from my generation, we liked to soak up the sun, and knew pretty little about things like the benefit of vitamin C or night cream. I do take care of my skin SO much more/better today than I ever did, not only because of those pain points, but it just feels good to have healthy habits. Taking care of your body includes your skin, and I’d love to share some tips and products that really work for me. Mature skin needs special care, especially in the winter, and this is my simple routine. Try it!!

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Morning! I splash cold water on my face and really get it into my eyes and nose, and swish some water around my mouth (I do not use any type of soap on my face, like ever). After patting dry, I use a vitamin C spray or gel. Morning is when you’re looking to energize and hydrate your skin. And even days I’m not leaving the house, I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-aging Perfector. 

This is my go to every day cream, because it has everything you need in one tube. Sunscreen, retinol, tinted color. So it is fighting aging and protecting your skin from the sun, while acting as an overall foundation by hiding imperfections and blemishes. If it’s a special occasion and I want a more made-up face, I might add a concealer first, but you honestly don’t need one with this cream. I usually stock up on a few of them, that’s how much I love it.

Evenings. On non-showering nights, I take off my fabulous day cream with micellar water. If you haven’t tried this stuff, please do. You will not believe how much dirt comes off on the cotton ball! Garnier has a number of varieties; I like this one with hyaluranic acid and aloe. I then splash my face with water, and use night cream (I like CeraVe right now) and under eye cream as a night-time ritual.

I actually have a basket of all sorts of creams by my tv! I have many of the Gold Bond brand varieties, because I just can’t resist how they’ve thought of every body part and need. And a good number of their products cater to aging skin, which is awesome. It kind of depends on what I think needs some extra love- but I have their foot cream, neck and chest, overnight retinol (this is a favorite), and crepe corrector. They even have creams for certain conditions like eczema and diabetes. I’ve found keeping this basket in sight while I’m relaxing helps me remember, “hey, I’m not doing anything right now, maybe I should moisturize!”

When I’m finally ready to head into bed, I moisturize my hands with some plain Vaseline. As I’ve mentioned, hands are another pain point right now, (especially in recent years when I have beautiful engagement and wedding rings!) and regular hand creams have done nothing for me. I find the Vaseline more effective, and think they look a little better in the a.m. I also apply it on and around my lips for some extra moisture while I’m sleeping.

Extra Stuff. Once or twice a week I do a little extra for my skin- a face mask and retinol peel. I’ve tried my share of face masks over the years, and am really liking the kind with turmeric right now; I do notice a bit brighter skin tone after using them. And the peel has a great exfoliating component, which it’s important to do occasionally. 

Showers. I take my showers in the evenings to make sure I have plenty of time for moisturizing. I also prefer to let my hair dry naturally, since like your skin, it can be dry, so you don’t want to overwork it. Before I shower I do a dry brushing, an Ayurvedic practice that’s supposed to help with circulation. In the shower I use a mild cleanser, and go for CeraVe because it’s so mild. I follow showers immediately with a body oil. A really great one is Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil. It helps improve the look of scars and those stretch marks (hello, those of us who have had children) too, and with regular use, it works!

Baths. I love them, and always had a routine to take them Sunday nights before the work week started. There’s something really satisfying about having your groceries and meal planning finished, and clean clothes for work outfits. Having a clean body fits with this vibe too. I call my baths ‘working baths’, because I’m doing stuff that needs doing. Shaving, body scrubs, hair conditioning treatments. My daughter bought me Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil for Mothers Day this year, because I am constantly complimenting her on how gorgeous and smooth her legs look! I do really love it! Because it’s an oil, it just works so well. My legs won’t ever look like a 19 year old’s but they aren’t bad for 59!

I hope you find some of these tips and products helpful! I want you to feel great about your mature skin and care for it with love. I’m interested in the skin care routines and products that work well for you too! Leave me a comment!