Morning Routine |Anti-Aging Skincare

Thanks for all the interest in my skincare routine and for all the compliments on my skin! At my age it’s really great to hear. . . and it confirms that I’m on the right track with my skincare. I’m breaking my skincare into two posts so this is the morning skincare routine for anti-aging, moisturizing, and protecting.

There are so many “anti-aging” skincare products available today that it can make your head spin! How do you decide what to buy, what works, and how much to spend? As a former sun worshiper, I have damaged skin, but I always thought it looked pretty good until I turned 50. Then I noticed the spots and wrinkles starting to form. I started running out and buying every product that promised to erase them, and was pretty disappointed. Without a basic knowledge of active ingredients it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing every claim.

The “cosmeceuticals industry” is mostly unregulated and advertisers can say whatever they want so I decided to start educating myself about active ingredients. The active ingredients I look for are:

• Vitamin A or Retinoids
• Vitamin C or L-Ascorbic Acid,
• Vitamin B5 or Niacinamides
• Antioxidents
• Peptides

These have all been proven with independent clinical research to “reduce wrinkles”, “build collagen”, “improve texture”, and “lighten discolorations”. In addition to the anti-aging actives skin also needs gentle cleansing, moisture and sun protection.

My Morning Skincare Routine Step-By-Step:

Wash: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Contains moisturizing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerine.

This non-foaming cleanser thoroughly cleans skin without stripping the natural moisture barrier.

Dry: Pat skin with a soft cloth like the microfiber “Turbie Towel” leaving skin slightly damp so more water can be absorbed and trapped on the surface with moisturizers.

Anti-Aging Treatment ~ Antioxidant Serum: Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Serum

Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants because of it’s ability to be absorbed by the skin. This lightweight, watery serum also contains Vitamin E and Ferulic acid which have been shown to increase efficacy of the vitamin c by 8-16 times. Apply 4-5 drops to face, neck, chest and backs of hands, avoiding the eyes. $5 Off at Timeless Skincare use this link: https://www.timelessha.com/discount/HOTANDFLASHY ($5 discount will automatically be applied at checkout, no code needed)

Anti-Aging Treatment ~ Peptide Serum: Timeless Matrixyl 3000 Serum

Matrixyl is the combination of two peptides (palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) which have been shown to increase collagen stimulation andfirm skin while reducing inflammation. This serum is 20% Matrixyl with moisturizing & soothing aloe, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Apply 3 drops to face (including eyelids & lips), neck, chest and backs of hands. This is a clear viscous liquid that spreads and absorbs easily leaving no greasy film. $5 Off at Timeless Skincare use this link: https://www.timelessha.com/discount/HOTANDFLASHY ($5 discount will automatically be applied at checkout, no code needed)

Anti-Aging Treatment Neck ~ Vitamin A Oil: Aura Cacia Rose Hip Oil

My neck became very red, irritated and itchy from using prescription tretinoin on it so I’ve had to switch to a less effective, but less irritating vitamin A source. Rose Hip Seed Oil is a great natural source of Vitamin A so it can help with wrinkles over time. Apply one pump to neck and chest only.

Moisturize & Nourish ~ Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer

I use a separate moisturizer and sunscreen to really double up the hydration and protection. I continue to use CeraVe PM for my day lotion (the PM just means that it doesn’t contain sunscreen) because of the great ingredients. It’s got ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. I read some research recently about niacinimides and all the great things they can do for aging or acne prone skin so I’m way into them this year! Niacinamide is a vitamin B3  derived anti-oxidant that scavenges free radicals, it improves the skins barrier function, it’s anti-inflammatory, and it reduces wrinkles! I apply CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer all over my face, neck, chest and backs of hands.

Sun Protection ~ All Mineral Sunscreen: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral 50 Tinted Sunscreen

I’ve been on the hunt for an all mineral sunscreen lately because I find that the chemical based sunscreens irritate my skin and contributed to my acne. I grabbed the tinted version of this by accident, but I gotta say, I really like it! The tint hides the usual white cast from mineral sunscreens, but it’s sheer and fairly natural looking although still a little shiny.

Protect Lips ~ SPF 30: Blistex Five Star Lip Protection spf 30

Lips need sun protection too! Keep lips soft and hydrated.

Shopping Links:

Timeless Skincare:

$5 Off at Timeless Skincare use this link: https://www.timelessha.com/discount/HOTANDFLASHY ($5 discount will automatically be applied at checkout, no code needed)

Drugstore.com

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion*

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser*

La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral 50 Tinted Sunscreen*

Blistex 5 Star Lip Balm SPF 30*

Amazon.com

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser* 

Aura Cacia Rose Hip Oil* 

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer*

La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral 50 Tinted Sunscreen*

Blistex Five Star Lip Protection spf 30*

 

*All products featured in this article were purchased by me. There are no up-front paid product placements in this post. There may be one or more affiliate links marked with an *. This means that if you use the link and purchase a product I receive a small commission on the sale. It does not cost you anything extra, and you are free to purchase products where you wish and are free to use the links or not as you wish.