Skin aging is no joke. Even at 33, I’ve already noticed a precipitous drop in my skin’s elasticity and brightness. It also doesn’t heal as quickly as it once did. Deep breaths.
On my birthday, I committed to being kinder to my skin. But where to start?
The first thing I did was to replace my nubby washcloths with these microfiber cloths from Amazon. They are much, much, much gentler on my skin. They’re super soft for when my skin needs a break at the end of the day. They also resist staining, so you can use them to remove chalky masks and makeup and they’ll still be bright white.
Last month, I read an article about switching to silk pillow cases to prevent skin damage. When I asked my new dermatologist about it, he insisted the article was nonsense. Yes, silk isn’t better for your skin than cotton. But if you care about your skin, he insists you should only be sleeping on your back. As a dedicated stomach sleeper since the age of two, this poses a problem for me.
My derm suggested switching to a cervical support pillow. He insists that more neck support will help me adjust to sleeping on my back. He also says that sleeping on my back may help my acne. Boy, I sure hope he’s right.
One more easy switch? I added a humidifier to my bedside table. I usually use it when the change of seasons leaves my skin feeling parched but now, it’s a year-round solution. Need a humidifier that’s not hideous? This Cool Mist Humidifier is the way to go.
Any tips for protecting your skin that don’t require expensive creams or serums? I’m all ears.
We’re supposed to wear hats, right? Could you do a post on styling hats? I never feel like I can pull them off.
Seconding Lindsey’s hat suggestion. Hats also help to protect my dye job.
I’ve been trying to boost my intake of Vitamin A – Dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, apricots, etc. Smoothies are a great and tasty way to do it.
I focus a lot on what I eat. Protein to repair skin, vitamins and minerals, trying to cut back on sugar which contributes to aging, using an SPF in the sun and only using foundation that has it. Anti-aging serums and creams on my oily skin makes me break out.
I’ve found that cutting way, way back on the amount of stuff I put on my skin has really helped. I was struggling with some skin irritation and acne a few months ago when my boyfriend said “You know, you do a lot to your skin,” so I dropped back to a few simple, gentle products and my skin looks a lot better. I might look into the microfiber cloths, though!
Yes! I have dry, sensitive, acne prone skin. I was using great, basic products (CeraVe hydrating cleanser, CeraVe “in the tub”, Paula’s Choice moisturizer that’s color/fragrance free and great, Paula’s Choice BHA, etc.) but then my husband pointed out how much I’m actually fussing with my face. I’ve basically stopped everything except eye makeup remover (I use coconut oil) and micelar water, and my skin has cleared up radically! Like, from hormonal cystic acne to I feel fine not wearing base makeup most days.
Also, unfortunately, drinking less booze and more water helps too. (boo)
Also, the skincareaddiction subreddit can be a great resource.
You both make a great point. My husbands skin is consistently excellent, and he does NOTHING to it. Yet we feel the need to use so many products our skin doesn’t know if it’s coming or going. I have also found less is more.
The doc may think it’s nonsense, but I felt a difference in my skin when i slept on a silk pillowcase and love it. My grandmother swears by hers. You can get one around $10 on amazon. I’d give it a try!
NUTRITION is the key… try collagen/gelatin supplements daily!!
Its not going to help facial skin but I’m a big believer in dry brushing. The skin on my body in particular looks sooo much better. I do think its an uber effective exfoliator. I use a $9 brush (Yerba) from a local coop food store before I shower and often follow up my shower with a favorite oil (sweet almond, apricot, or coconut).
1) On the inside, water, water and more water – it is the best help there is.
2) On the outside, you can get microfiber baby face cloths, whit=ch are soft and gentle, and perfect for travel because they are smaller and lighter than regular cloths and pack really small. (Actually, that’s how I discovered them – I was looking for something small for travelling.)
Belle – any recommendations on towels to dry one’s face? Should the microfiber cloths be used for drying as well?
I’ve heard of using baby towels, but could never find them to buy.
Thanks!
Satin pillowcases are gentler to both the skin and hair. Less friction. I’ve used one for years.
1. Tie your hair back when it gets greasier
2. Always wash your sunglasses (I have 4 pimples on the bridge of my nose to prove that this is a thing)
3. Never pick or touch your face
4. Exfoliate!!!!!! I do this every morning.. actually my whole beauty routine is here
5. Use the right products and keep using them so your skin gets used to it.. switching it up doesn’t work
OH!
6. Eat well / better. Junk food makes you break out, or .. it does for me anyway.
7. Wear hats / SPF
8. Be gentle on your skin (I have to work on this)
Salmon pills, natural cosmetics (none of the icky ones with chemicals) and yoga (inversions really get the blood flow going to your skin!)
1) I actually like silk pillowcases, but more for hair. Using an old t-shirt to dry my hair instead of a towel and switching to silk pillowcases bought on Amazon were game changers for my wavy hair. No frizz now.
2) Vitamin C serum– I’ve tried the expensive Skinceuticals CE Ferulic but prefer the $20 one from Timeless (It’s $25 but you can usually find a $5 off coupon). Vitamin C makes a big difference in my skin.
3) Glycolic pads to exfoliate. I can’t handle retinol, and was so afraid of irritation that I was late to the glycolic acid game. It makes a difference. I’ve bought the expensive ones and these are just as good for $20 for 50. I only use them at night: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NMOS058?psc=1
4) Sleep– this is the hardest!
5) It sounds old fashioned but I get it from my mom– she’s much paler than I am and blisters in the sun so I’ve grown up with wide-brimmed hats, sunblock and covering up.
Especially on long drives, I make sure to wear long sleeves, even if it’s just for the drive.
6) I like wine but don’t really booze it up as much as I did in my 20’s. I definitely feel it the next day, even if it’s two drinks. I try not to drink more than twice a week.
It may not help your skin, but the silk pillowcase is better for your hair, especially if you are looking to get more than one day out of your style.
Facial massage! Lisa Eldridge has the best tutorial on YouTube. And I swear it always looks like I’ve just gotten a facial after I follow her routine! It makes a world of difference and feels amazing – plus it’s free.
I used to think back sleeping wouldn’t change anything, but I’ve seen significant improvement in a laugh line on the side of my face I typically sleep on, when on my stomach. I’ve been a dedicated stomach sleeper since I was a kid, so I put a pillow under my knees to make it a little more comfortable and still turn my head to the side. I love the humidifier idea. The Midwest does not joke about dry winters and bipolar summers.