You can tell the season by looking at my hands. Really, you can. Now that I’m older, I’m also seeing a difference in the skin on my face. The moisturizers I used before aren’t quite keeping up with the effects of the cold. So I’ve made a few adjustments and so far so good. I should probably also mention that I’m well into my 40’s, have combination skin for the most part, and still see an occasional breakout. Tell me, when does that go away?
I visit a dermatologist to treat the occasional breakouts. She prescribed Tretinoin Cream and it makes a huge difference in the quality of my skin. We are fortunate to have good insurance so refills are under $10. This stuff not only helps with breakouts, but also fine lines, age spots, and skin texture.
Cleanser – Because I use a retinol, my skins tends to be a little more sensitive to soaps. I’ve made the switch to cetaphil cleanser and my skin seems to approve. No more raw, flaky skin. It doesn’t lather (I like a good lather), but I’ve gotten used to it.
Make-up Remover – Tugging on the eyes is never a good thing. After I splash my face with water, I use Clinique take the day off. It can be used on the eyes (lids & lashes) and lips. It doesn’t tug and leaves no residue.
Exfoliating Scrub – I use this more often during the summer and only use this occasionally during the winter. When my skin begins to look dull, apricot scrub makes a noticable difference! My skin looks brighter and the fresh skin is revealed.
Facial Cream – Until recently I used cetaphil lotion (cream during winter) as my daily moisturizer. This winter it just hasn’t been enough so I switched to Kiehl’s ultra facial cream and love it! I use this cream twice a day, under my make-up then again at bedtime after cleansing.
Eye Cream – I’ve tried several eye creams and like this one the best. I use it twice daily over facial cream. A little goes a long way! I’ve also tried to stop sleeping on my side as much and can tell a difference in my appearance in the morning!
Midnight Recovery – I’m a huge fan of Kiehl’s products! Mr. is in the industry and brings home samples for me to try. I rely heavily on recommendations and reviews before investing in new products, so freebies are such a treat! I’ve loved everything he has brought me from Kiehl’s and have been using their products for a couple of years now. This is one of my favorite products (also mentioned here) and I use it when I need a little extra moisture at bedtime over the facial cream. I love how it feels on my skin and it smells amazing!
Lip Balm – My lips are extra dry during the winter. I apply this the minute I get out of the shower and reapply throughout the day. It works great under lip color without being too sticky or shiny.
Aqua Glycolic – My dermatologist shared this product with me. I was noticing a goose bump texture on my neck and chest which comes from being an old lady sun exposure. Aqua glycolic lotion is great to use for reducing sun spots and improving skin texture. It isn’t on the shelves at the drugstore so you have to ask for it in the pharmacy. I have been using it since July and can definitely see an improvement in my skin. *Note, if you use this product, be sure to always use sunscreen.
About those hands, this hand cream is doing the trick! If you have a skin care product you can’t live without, please share in the comments. I love recommendations!
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thank you for this! i have been looking for a good moisturizer- i feel the same about my skin… and when i wake up in the morning ( i must furrow my brow at night) i have a wrinkle in between my eyes… and i know the dryness makes it so much worse. and girl, let's not even talk about my hands but if you need anything sandpapered, i can use my bare hands. maybe even exfoliate my face with them.
Well. I have met you in person and never even noticed the wrinkle! Your skin looked radiant to me. The Kiehl's hand cream really is a good one. Mr. was hiding it from me because it is also his favorite :).
Hi Rene! I'm also well into my 40's (I'll be 45 this Saturday!! What?!?! 🙂 and started having some issues with Rosacea about 2 years ago. My skin is now hyper sensitive so I'm always very cautious about what I use on it. I used La Mer for several years but the price is a killer so I've been trying other options. I haven't used Kiehl's for quite some time (except the hand cream which i use everyday and LOVE!) so wondered if you have any thoughts about the gentleness of the face cream and night serum. Often if they're strongly scented I have trouble. Thanks for the list and any thoughts!!
A friend once told me that growing old isn't for the squeamish :). Isn't it nice how everything starts to change as we age? I find the face cream to be very gentle and it is unscented. The midnight recovery is also gentle, but has a lovely lavender scent. Hope this helps.
Happy birthday!
I am a decade older than you, have used all Clinque products since I was a teenager and love them. Lately noticed around my eyes looked baggy in the morning. On a whim at the drugstore I purchased Loreal Revitalift eye cream. I swear the next morning the bags were GONE!!!! I was shocked. I have never had anything work so fast…the next day!!! Just had to tell you ( and no I do not work for Loreal. LOL ) 🙂
Thank you! I have used LÓreal products (specifically eye products) before and liked them. I'm finding though that my skin gets used to products and I have change things up from time to time.
That may be why the Loreal worked so fast. My skin needed a change from Clinque. Whatever the reason, I am loving it. 🙂
Hi! I am brand new to your blog! I am trying to catch up on posts, but had to comment….my dermatologist recommended Cerave', and gave me enuf samples to decide for myself, and I love it. And, my husband loves it, and he won't use ANYTHING! Well, wouldn't use anything until now. It is non greasy, but also helps with texture and lines. And, best of all, easy on the budget. It has the Hyrulanic (SP?) acid in it and other recommended stuff for all skin types. I used to use a variety of other creams, and $$$ ones too, and this is my keeper. They also have a face wash that is great. Everyone's skin is different, but you won't bust the bank trying these out, that is what I liked too! Rosie
Thanks for sharing! Our dermatologist recommended Ceravé for our son who has acne prone skin and said that cetaphil would be too greasy for him. Ceravé isn't moisturizing enough for me (at least during the winter). Glad you found something that works for you & that isn't too expensive.
Always love these types of posts. I started using Cetaphil after you recommended it and love how my face feels. I too wish it lathered though. I'm not familiar with Kiehl products but will have to try them!
You will love Kiehl's Gina! Not sure if you can find it in Greensboro. I always order online or have Rick pick it up for me.
I love Kiehls products and definitely will try that hand cream. Sounds like a winner! I have very sensitive skin and very dry at this time of the year. I ran out of my regular moisturizer and picked up Clinique Moisture Surge and am pleased with it. I use Yarrow Oil on my face first before applying my moisturizer and it seems to help seal in the moisture. I am a big fan of the Eminence Organic line and also Skin Ceuticals. Love the Skin Ceuticals Eye Balm. It is a little pricey but has really made a difference in my "aging" skin around my eyes. Great post Rene! I am always interested in new beauty products.
I am going to give some of these a try! I love getting recommendations. I am with you I hate invest in anything new without them!!
Hello! I was wondering if you would share what Retinol product you use. I am 43 and its so hard to tell from the ingredient list if the product has retinol in at as they have so many different names for it. I was hoping to stick with a drug store product if possible; I was using Rodan and Fields but I am tired of over paying for products that I am sure I could find in the drug store. Thanks!
Susan, It's Tretonoin Cream .25 prescribed by the dermatologist. Hope this helps.
Renee,
I too am in my mid forties and have noticed the same thing (minus the breakouts). I felt my face just looked "blah". I ordered Philosophy's Microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel pads and use once a week. They have made SUCH a difference. They are pricey, but REALLY work. I am very particular about my skincare regimen and these are a must. I ordered from QVC b/c they have a 30 day money back guarantee if you don't like them. Hope this helps!