Looking in the mirror I see the post-holiday pallor setting in. Late nights, rich foods, and too many glasses of wine have taken their toll on my appearance. Ugh. But, now that the holidays are over I am ready to dive back into my healthy routine and hopefully see more promising results. Like many of us, I make New Year’s resolutions. As the next calendar year passes by I am even more resolute to turn the clocks back when it comes to my aging self. Anti-aging is now a common word in my current vocabulary as well as within this blog. It seems everyone wants to look younger, healthier and more rested, myself included. With that in mind, I purchased the most recent issue of New Beauty magazine entitled “The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Aging.” This particular magazine issue spoke to me since it is jam-packed with words of wisdom from a few people whose job it is to combat aging– doctors, celebrities, makeup artists and aestheticians. Some bits of advice were universal across all of the four groups: wear sunscreen, drink a lot of water, and get more sleep; but, there were a few pointers that were new to me and seem like sound guidance. Below are some of the specifics tips and product recommendations that I gleaned from this particular publication. Consider this the Reader’s Digest version with the referenced products below (all of the items pictured were mentioned within the article and recommended by the professionals.)
Dermatologists & Plastic Surgeons agree on these two major anti-aging powerhouse products: retinol, and antioxidants. The number one recommendation to fight the signs of aging being retinol. They suggest using it every day, year-round to see the benefits. Retinol helps reverse sun damage, improve skin tone and texture, fight lines and wrinkles and build collagen. Next up, antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting free radical production, which can damage the skin. With daily use, they can reduce discoloration, provide the skin with hydration, brighten skin tone and minimize wrinkles. Top antioxidants are vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C & E, resveratrol, niacinamide, and coenzyme Q10. And finally, use moisturizer! Moisturize like a maniac. Find a moisturizer with peptide serums that smooth out wrinkles and fine lines too. Teeth whitening strips were suggested by dentists to look younger as well.
Celebrities chimed in with products they use to look younger and red carpet ready. Drew Barrymore is obsessed with the moisturizer Augustinus Bader, The Rich Cream. Leslie Mann swears by her ReFa Carat Face roller and Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops. Eva Longoria is a self-proclaimed sun block bully (I can relate). She says it’s time to get serious about sunscreen! Miranda Kerr swears by her pregame facial treatments. However, nothing turns back the clock like a skilled makeup application.
A few celebrity makeup artists weighed in on the tricks of the trade. Prime face with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. Wet your makeup sponge for seamless blending. Invest in a good tinted moisturizer. Take off the day with a good cleanser. Use cream blush and highlighter for a natural dewy appearance.
Facialists and spa directors recommend to relax, recharge and refresh! Most of these pros say the “best glowing skin prescription can’t always be dispensed in a jar or bottle.” Try LED light masks at home or in a spa. The red lights help to reduce wrinkles- who knew? Microneedling is recommended to push the facial serums deeper into the epidermis, increasing their effectiveness. They also encourage more meditation, facial massage and the calming effects of chamomile, rose and honey. Page 104 of the magazine had this final tip: “Don’t stress about growing older- it’s inevitable. There’s a difference between aging gracefully and aging helplessly. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, think happy thoughts, enjoy your life.” Easier said than done, but I am willing to try (after my retinol).
