What's your anti-aging routine?

[alootikki]

What do you do (if anything) to prevent wrinkles and other skin damage later on?

I use a good facial sunscreen every morning, but other than that - I have no clue. Do you use eye creams? Does anything actually work? Is it all just marketing from the beauty companies??

I'd love to hear routines and product recs!

[artist]

Live in the moment, laughter, and you're as old as you feel! :)

Other then that, wear sunscreen?

ETA:
I'm 26 and have been mistaken for being under 18, so I guess I have no idea for good anti-aging products, but if you have ideas on how to look older, let me know!

[tenofcups]

I've been using a moisturizer in the morning and a heavier one at night since I was in high school. Mom taught me that... :)

Don't remember exactly when I started using eye cream, but it was also years ago and also at the suggestion of my mother. She's not remotely obsessed about looks, but she does take care of herself and she taught me how to as well.

I used Clinique for many years, but eventually felt that it was geared to someone younger than me so I moved to Lancome when I was in my late 30s. Why? Cause that's what mom uses (seeing a theme here?! ;) ). Anyway, my mom is 66 and looks wonderful so I figure I might as well follow her routine and hope her genes kick in as well.

I think I'm doing something right because most people peg me as a good 10 years younger than I am.

[HeatherFL]

I'm 30 and most people tell me I look much younger. I've gotten 21 (HA!) but the average is 24-25. I use Aveda (www.aveda.com) products. I love them and I get facials every 6-8 weeks to cleanse so that the products can actually do their work!

My routine:

Morning
1) I wash my face with Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
2) Then I tone with Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
3) I moisturize with Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion which is SPF 15 (and is oil-free)
4) Then I put my Tourmaline Charged Eye Creme around the eye area

Night
I repeat the same as above, except for step number two. Instead of using Toning Mist I use Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant-this is a liquid that you put onto a cotton ball or cotton pad and smooth over your face and throat. It's non-abrasive and you can use it everyday.

VERY VERY rarely do I ever go to bed with make-up on. I admit it's happened a few times, but I avoid it at all costs. I also don't drink a lot of alcohol, drink a lot of water, try to get enough sleep and stay away from cigarette smoke.

eta: I also use the Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque once a week.


~H.

[wendalah]

Having just turned 35, this is something I'm definitely thinking about, big-time! My problem is, I still get zits here and there. So I have to be careful about what products I use. (Zits and wrinkles. Hooray! :rolleyes: My mom still breaks out occasionally at age 66!)

I wash my face twice daily with regular formula, nonscented Neutrogena. I use an exfoliating scrub puff when I wash in the morning. Lately I've been trying drugstore-brand glycolic peels three times a week and have noticed a slight effect from them. (The one I'm using right now is RoC, but I've tried L'oreal too.) I'm getting ready to go for a stronger, dermatologist-offered formula since I like what the drugstore brands are doing and want even more of a result.

About 3 times a year I go for a pro facial and this year I started adding microdermabrasion to my facials. Definitely love what that does for my skin.

I quit laying out in the sun in my 20s, but I do get a little sun on vacation. I use a strong block on my face and chest.

And that's about it! OH--and I always, always get at least 8 hours sleep. It's the most important thing you can do.

[greenbunny]

I keep a portrait of myself in the attic.

No, seriously, one thing I've started to pay attention to is to use my daily SPF moisturizer on the backs of my hands. Those ladies with tight, smooth faces and liver-spotted old hands freak me out. I don't want to look like that!

[Hello Kitty]

Lately I've been trying drugstore-brand glycolic peels three times a week and have noticed a slight effect from them.
Yes! Okay, I'm young-ish, but I started doing Glycolic Acid peels to get rid of some flaky skin - they did a great job at diminishing some fine lines/wrinkles in my forehead. When I run out of the stuff I have (can't remember the brand) I'm going to buy a stronger solution to keep touching things up.

[ysolde]

I am 38, and have been using SPF 30 all day, every day, since I was 25. I am consistently told I look about 30.

I also use a day cream, eye cream, and night cream. And I use Prevage.

Every few months, I get my forehead botoxed (slightly), as well as right between my brows.

[daydreamer]

I have sensitive skin so my routine is to avoid strong abrasives. I can't use 'anti aging' products because they burn my skin. I use Cetaphil and when I think I need more of a scrub, I use Aveeno cleansing pads and I also use Aveeno ultra-calming moisturizer. It helps that I have good genes as well. I'm 44 and most guess 30 to 34 ??? I hope they don't think I'm immature for my age.:rolleyes:
I have my 1st vertical 'line' between my eyebrows, so now I'm thinking botox...
P.S. a little plumpness helps with wrinkles too;)

[Asha]

I am 38, and have been using SPF 30 all day, every day, since I was 25. I am consistently told I look about 30.

grrrrr...not me. i've been wearing sunscrean since i was 18, and i look older than my age. i think a lot of it has to do with genetics.

i've recently started using a nightly moisturizer with Q10, and that seems to help. this year i've also started wearing a hat when i know i'm going to be outisde for a long time. i try to exercise somewhat regularly, so at least if my face doesn't keep up, my body will.

i think for my 30th i want to get my teeth professionally whitened. that might help me look a bit younger.

[wendalah]

Y'know, I really have no idea how old I look. I can say, though, that I do have wrinkles and sunspots that I'm concerned about.

[rachrich]

i try not to think about aging...ick.
Actually, I wash my face with your everyday facial soap. and almost everyday i exfoliate with a scrub that sometimes feels like sandpaper.
Like another poster said, I use a heavier lotion at night for some deep overnight moisturizing since my skin is dry.
I know I should take better care of my face, but people tell me i look so much younger than I am that I kind of forget about the fact I really am getting older.

[Asha]

Y'know, I really have no idea how old I look. I can say, though, that I do have wrinkles and sunspots that I'm concerned about.

i just assume i look older bc people always guess that i am older than i am.

[alootikki]

I'm almost 30, and people often think that I'm in my early 20s - which is not really a compliment :rolleyes:

So no one really uses eye gel? What is that stuff supposed to do, anyway?

My skin is normal/oily, so I'm hesitant to use heavy lotions. wendalah, maybe those glycolic peels are something to look into! Not that I've noticed any fine lines yet, but just want to make sure I'm taking all the preventative steps I can....

[HeatherFL]

So no one really uses eye gel? What is that stuff supposed to do, anyway?


My Tourmaline Charged Eye Creme (http://www.aveda.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY10562&PRODUCT_ID=PROD5895) is actually more of a gel. Here's what the website says it does:

Brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness and energizes skin.

• Promotes radiance around eyes
• Refreshes with lime and organic petitgrain essential oils
• Protects with powerful anti-oxidants
• Silky formula dries matte—not shiny
• Wears beautifully under makeup
• For all skin types

~H.

[tenofcups]

So no one really uses eye gel? What is that stuff supposed to do, anyway?

I do use eye cream. I'm not sure if you mean something different by eye gel? My impression of the eye creams are that they're a little heavier and provide better moisturizing for around the eyes, which is where wrinkles usually start. I think the one I use is also supposed to "plump up" the area so that the appearance of wrinkles is diminished (I think; don't really remember the details).

[Asha]

So no one really uses eye gel? What is that stuff supposed to do, anyway?


my derm told me they are a waste of money. they don't do anything that a regular moisturizer won't do.

[cosmic]

Vitamin C cream seems to work really well. My favorite is by DDF.

[Ole Miss Bride]

Eye cream is a crock.

As for my anti-aging routine? Sunscreen.

-Betsy

[HeatherFL]

I am going to disagree that eye cream/gels don't work. They are meant to moisturize in addition to the other things they do. I've noticed a big difference around my eye area and in my skin since I actually started a regimen. The thicker the cream/gel the better is what I've been told by different facialists and make-up artists.

I also think it depends on what dermatologist you go to. Some think Retin-A is the devil. Others write prescriptions for it like it's going out of style. Also many products work for some people and not for others. I can't use Cetaphil. It has broken me out and dried out my skin. Two of my friends swear by it. Same with Neutrogena & Clinique products. I can't use them. I have friends that love those products.

LOL hey, if in my mind it works then maybe by some pyschosomatic process I have improvement. But it's definitely there!

~H.

[bellezzadolce]

Question for HeatherFL's Avatar HeatherFL: If you don't mind me asking, what your skin texture like(oily, dry, combo)?

I would love to try the Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant, but I'm dry. Do you find it to be drying?

[lilo]

I'm in my early 30s and most people think I'm in my early 20s, which is somewhat flattering I guess although my mom looks very young for her age too so I think it's mostly genetics. :)

That being said, I do try to follow a good skin care regimen now that I'm older although I think the biggest piece of advice to stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen on your face, neck and hands every day, drink a lot of water and get at least 8 hours of sleep.

My skin is fairly sensitive and oily so I try not to use a lot of heavy skin care products, especially my eyes. I use an eye cream from Olay called Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream that I like. I've also heard great things about Kiehl's absinthe eye cream. I also get glycolic peels from the dermatologist every few months (luckily my insurance covers them so I only pay $10 for them. yay!) and get a facial every month. For me, the less I do to my face, the better. I only scrub my face with cetaphil and a little bit of baking soda when I need it.

I read recently in a magazine (Allure maybe?) that the over-the-counter anti-aging creams, gels, etc. can only help the aging process by about 30%. Which is still a good number I think! If you really want to 'turn back the clock' on wrinkles, you would have to go to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for some of the many, many procedures that are out these days.

[HeatherFL]

Question for HeatherFL's Avatar HeatherFL: If you don't mind me asking, what your skin texture like(oily, dry, combo)?

I would love to try the Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant, but I'm dry. Do you find it to be drying?

It's seasonal for me. Winter/Fall I tend to get more dry. In the summer/late spring I tend to be more combo. Since it's a gentile liquid formula I don't find it drying at all. I think it helps that I moisturize twice a day too. :)

~H.

[keiranzma]

No clue how old I look.... (I'm 34)
Right now I use Cetaphil cleanser, and olay moisturizer. I switch it up from the pricey and not so pricey stuff from time to time. I like Origins, Skinceuticals, and and Prescriptives. I have never had too many skin issues (knock wood), so my main thing is how to maintain that *glow*. I never sleep with makeup on ( keep those makeup remover pads right next to my bed for those drunken or lazy nights), and I use sunscreen like it's going out of style.
My mom looks AMAZING at 69, so I am hoping I'll follow suit. :)

[bellezzadolce]

Thanks for your input, HeatherFL!

[berry]

lilo How did you find a derm that does the peels? I don't have a dermatologist and want to find someone who can do these as well.

[lilo]

berry: I guess I was lucky because I've used the same derm. for years and she was actually the one who suggested that I try getting glycolic peels at their office. I know that you can get peels done at spas as well (I've been to the Elizabeth Arden Spa in NYC and it's really nice. I bet they would do them) BUT the strength of the glycolic acid will be lower and of course you'll have to pay out of pocket.

You know, you might want to post a inquiry on the NYC ladies thread (if there is one) for the number of the infamous facialist, Maria. A lot of the WC brides LOVED going to her and she might do peels as well. Another suggestion is to ask friends or co-workers for a recommendation of a good derm. if you want to go that route. I'm sure most derm. in NYC do peels in their office.

[HeatherFL]

No clue how old I look.... (I'm 34)
I never sleep with makeup on ( keep those makeup remover pads right next to my bed for those drunken or lazy nights...

Great idea!

~H.

[Leia]

I also use the Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant and like it quite a bit. My skin can be combination and I found it helped all around.

Speaking of dry - HeatherFL - do you use the Aveda hydrating mask? I am forever considering giving it a try.

[HeatherFL]

I use this one right now and I LOVE IT, but in the winter I might try to the hydrating, since we're in Florida it doesn't get as dry so my skin becomes more combo than it does dry:

Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque

http://a248.e.akamai.net/www.aveda.com/images/products2/large/av_A2GR_162.jpg

Smooths and refines skin immediately—for a healthy glow between facials. Finely powdered tourmaline—one of nature's most energizing minerals—boosts skin's energy, while natural exfoliants help skin gently shed dull, lackluster surface cells—revealing new radiance.

• Soothes and hydrates skin, with shiitake extract, avocado oil and muru butter
• Helps protect, with anti-oxidant lycopene, from tomatoes

[bellezzadolce]

I purchased Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant last weekend and I've used it every night since. I've seen a difference in the texture of my skin on the problem areas I have.

[HeatherFL]

I'm so glad to read that! :)

[citylove]

Twice per day:

Wash face and neck with gentle cleanser
Use toner to remove excess makeup/residue
Apply BHA exfoliant (lotion for me)
Apply zit cream where necessary (I haven't had a full zit since I starting taking care of my skin, just areas where one might develop)
SPF 30 moisturizer during the day on face, neck, upper chest (Olay for me) and light moisturizer at night
I also use an antioxidant concentrate serum (a drop or two) with my moisturizer.

3-4 nights per week I use an 10% AHA exfoliant on sun-damaged areas (shoulders and arms, mostly)

I have fair skin, freckles, and a family history of melanoma, so I take special care with the sun for two good reasons: to look good as I get older and to make it till I'm older :)

[princesse]

Genetics do have a lot to do with it unfortunately, or fortunately in many people's cases. As for the lotions and potions I'm a big fan of the Patricia Wexler skin care line. Lately in addition to the face I have been trying to pay attention to my neck and like someone else said, the back of my hands. I saw a picture of Goldie Hawn and noticed that while her face is amazing, her hands are wrinkled as a prune.

The Wexler line...
AM cleanser, regenerating serum, SPF 30 moisturizer, eye cream

PM cleaner, 2 step microderm (nightly or 2-3X/week), serum, night cream, eye cream.

The serum is very smooth and silky and the whole line is terrific. It has a great smell and has really made a difference in my skin.

[wendalah]

Genetics do have a lot to do with it unfortunately, or fortunately in many people's cases.

Tell me about it. My mother is 66 and I don't think she's ever used sunscreen. AND she's a sun goddess who baked in the sun all her life. Her skin is really in great shape. Ditto my oldest sister who is 44 and also abused sunbathing to a terrifying degree. They both have minimal wrinkles and minimal sun spots. Meanwhile, I started getting my little sun damage funsy-wunsy popping up around age 31...sigh.

[akacharlotte]

Don't forget about your elbows! I'm 33 and I usually get a range of 23-27 from strangers regarding my age.

However, my SO has a friend who if asked how old he thinks a certain someone is he asks to see elbows. You can't bend them either. They have to hanging straight down! He is damn good at guessing a woman's age by her elbows. It's freaky! So remember to exfoliate and moisturize your elbows really, really well.

As far as my anti-aging routine goes I need to step it up. I wash morning and night with Cetaphil. I use a Neutrogena moisturizer in the morning only. It's a new one. I can't remember the name. I need to work on my hands though. They look wrinkly to me.

I have the deep furrow between my brows. I've always had it though. It's from squinting. I'm noticing more sagging skin rather than wrinkles though and the dreaded double chin!

[vwinkel]

i think for my 30th i want to get my teeth professionally whitened. that might help me look a bit younger.

A friend of mine is a dental hygenist and she got me the Crest Whitestrips Supreme from the dentist's office. It was around $40 for the box (she might have had a discount), but they worked great! Before you spend hundreds, you might want to try those.


On a separate note - I use lotion, but not enough. I need some new products. However, here is my dumb question, do you get botox from your dermatologist?

[ysolde]

I get botox from a dermatological spa. It's a dermatologist's office for beautyonly, not for things like skin cancer and the like. My regular derm also does botox, but I rather like the atmosphere at the derm spa.

[ummserious]

I definitely think looking older or younger is partially genetic. I am 31 and have been mistaken for looking a whole lot younger (actually, embarrasingly low sometimes) but I do have some small wrinkles. I think I just have a young face so if I'm not dressed up or if I'm not wearing a little make-up then I don't look my age. My mother looks pretty young at age 56 and she never had facials or used much more than sunscreen and staying out of the sun. I am a bit more obsessive about my skincare regimen, not sure why because I didn't learn it from her.

In the morning I cleanse, use a toner, serum, and moisturizer/sunscreen.

In the evening I also cleanse and then use a different moisturizer. I recently decided to try the glycolic products by B. Kamins-- just started last week. Its the kind where you do it every other night for 2 months and then take 2 months off just using the repair cream.

I get a few facials per year and do some masks and scrubs on my own in between. I generally don't do the relaxing facials, just bare bones.