Skin for Life!
I don't LOVE pointing out my "flaws". But if it helps to make my point, then I'm happy to step in as an example!
Look close, can you see it? There's no doubt, I have a lot of sun damage present below my neck and on my arm. I was a child of the late 60s, 70s where sunscreen was unheard of and baby oil was "tanning lotion"! As evidenced by the contrast of my facial skin, verses the other areas, it's clear to see that skin can heal and change. But it takes time, dedication and, the hardest of all, patience. I've done my best to strike a good balance between supportive skincare and gentle repair. I've avoided all "quick fix" interventions with my face like peels, lasers, needling, excessive retinoids and surgeries. Over the past 10 years I've focused on regular facials with my esthetician, skin nutrients, barrier support, effective but gentle "active" treatments like fatty chain vitamin C and other vitamins, peptides, plant based vitamin A and Avogen, a patented molecule in the 302 Drops (see Shop). Its taken time but my skin has grown younger as I've aged! Yours can too!
It's clear to see that I wasn't as diligent with the skin on my chest and forearms as I was with my face and neck. The sun damage that you see on the chest and forearms was also prevalent on my face before I began my commitment to healthy clean supportive skin care.
Here's what I did (and avoided) over time, and continue to do, and what I suggest for you:
To prevent more sun damage, I committed to using CLEAN mineral based SPF. No chemical sunscreens, ever. They are toxic and they can irritate and age the skin!
I only cleanse with gentle hydrating cleansers and cleansing oils. No soaps, no irritating ingredients, no "scrubs", no acids, no brushes = no stripping.
I added potent treatment serums to my regimen, moisturizer alone is not enough. When I say potent I mean nutrients, vitamins and things that "build" the skin without injury or irritation.
I use rotation or "cycling" with skin care products. I never use more than two serums at a time and I rotate them, using them only two to three times per week. Less is more with skin. Don't bombard it with products! It wastes the product, and your money! Plus it irritates the skin.
Everything that I do is focused on maintaining and protecting the "barrier" of my skin. This is EVERYTHING! I can't stress this enough. When you continue to break down the barrier of the skin over and over, it puts it into constant defense mode. You've been taught by the beauty industry that this is rejuvenating. This concept is short sighted. It actually causes damage and will age the skin over time. Step away from the "injure to rejuvenate" approach (see the blog in Muse Articles). I'm sorry, but in the end, it fails.
I resist exfoliation! That's right, I dont do it. My esthetician exfoliates my skin in my facial treatments about every 6 weeks or so. Its enough. We've been oversold on this one. When the skin is healthy and functional there is no need for over exfoliation.
I massage my face daily! I rotate between a fascia release tool, Gua Sha, or a Kansa wand. But more simply, I use my hands! I also stretch and work my face through various exercises throughout the day to relax and tone the muscles.
If you would like to learn more about how use slow beauty for life long healthy, functional skin, I offer a special Rejuvenating Custom Facial for new clients! It comes with home skin care kit to get you started and its included with your treatment. Its a great way to begin!
