Let’s get one thing clear, there is nothing wrong with aging skin. I love admiring someone’s laugh lines, earned after years of smiles and happy memories. And for those of us who want to age gracefully, there are some great safer beauty recommendations that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, without all the toxic ingredients commonly used in anti-aging products.
What to Avoid
Avoid these harmful ingredients commonly found in anti-aging products:
- Polytetra uoroethylene (PTFE) is a common ingredient used in anti-aging products that can be contaminated with PFOA, the same chemical that has been linked to cancer and is used in non-stick pots and pans
- Polyacrylamide is another common ingredient in anti-aging products, and is often contaminated with acrylamide. The National Toxicological Program lists acrylamide as a reasonable anticipated human carcinogen
- Certain preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasing agents: sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol)
What to Buy
Protect & Prevent
The best way to prevent aging skin is to protect it from the sun, with mineral based sunscreens:
- Sun Stick SPF 30: I use this everyday, layered on top of my moisturizer, but under my makeup. The body stick (which can be used on your face) creates a nice layer of sun protection, and the sunscreen is easy to rub into your skin. Unlike many mineral sun sticks on the market, this one doesn’t break out my acne-prone skin, create a white layer, or create a “greasy” feeling.
- All Over Protect SPF 30: Cream based sunscreen, great for long days at the beach or lake. This product avoids oxybenzone which has been shown to destroy coral reefs and instead uses non-nano zinc oxide, a safer alternative for your body and the environment.
- Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: Pictured above, this lightweight, tinted moisturizer easily layers under foundation and on top of skin treatments (below).
- Cleansing Balm: Protect your skin from wind and dry elements, this product also repairs skin that has seen too much sun (WAY better than store bought aloe, which often doesn’t even contain aloe).
Treat & Hydrate
The Countertime Rejuvenating is my favorite line for “mature” skin, actively working to reduce dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, without harmful ingredients. I use the Rejuvenating Night Cream, Eye Cream and Cleansing Balm daily.
- Rejuvenating Night Cream: Although lightweight in application, this product addresses dry skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and has drastically evened out my skin tone! I use this product in the morning AND evening.
- Rejuvenating Eye Cream: Especially good for reducing dark circles under your eyes.
- Cleansing Balm: Oil-based makeup remover, leave-on night cream for dry skin, and for 10 different ways to use this product, read more HERE.
Recently I’ve been using advanced anti-aging products from Silk Therapeutics and have been loving the results. Silk Therapeutics is also dedicated to formulating with safe ingredients, most of their products feature silk protein which helps to deliver the active ingredients (vitamin C) along with unique tightening and firming properties. These products are good for all skin types, including sensitive skin and pair well with the products I outlined above. (More on this brand in the coming weeks!)
- Eye Revive Brightening + Firming: Simply rub this formula in between your fingers to warm up and activate the silk, lightly rub below your eyes using your ring finger. I alternate this with the Rejuvenating Eye Cream listed above.
- C Advance Intensive Serum: All you need is two drops, for this lemon grass scented serum. Rub the serum into your skin before applying your moisturizer. I like to use this under the Rejuvenating Night Cream.
So long story short? Laugh away ;)
Join my mailing list and never miss a post.
