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Top Products for Aging Skin (great for altitude living)
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items Ah, the change of life! What a bunch of garbage…when you are fighting blemishes, rogue hairs, changing texture, maybe some melasma and don't have the $$ to be undergoing major treatments these products just might help. I use products from all differe...
Sections
10
Cleansing
Toner
Serums
Peels/Resurfacing/Scrubs
Moisturizers
Sunscreens
Cleansing
Sometimes double cleansing is necessary but no matter what I use an oil cleanser twice a day as it is gentle for the aging skin as well as all skin types! It breaks up oil for the oily complected girlie, hydrates for the dry skinned and helps break u...
I have been using this cleansing oil for years. A little goes a long way and the travel size does not leak in your Dopp kit. I promise!
Deep Cleansing Oil® Makeup Remover & Cleanser
A recent addition that I like a lot!
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
For the truly sensitive. A ridiculously clean product line for those with ALL the sensitivities.
Dime Cleansing Oil
While mild enough to work well on sensitive skin, this gel cleanser also works well for those with oily, blemish-prone skin. Great for the younger population as it doesn't have endocrine disruptors in it.
Gentle Jelly Cleanser - Cleanse and Soothe Your Skin with DIME Beauty
This is a two for one! The balm is great because it can be used in the double cleanse or left on as a super hydrating overnight mask.
Cleansing Balm - Purify and Nourish Your Skin with DIME Beauty
A great product for those on a budget.
Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil Face
Great for double cleansing or problematic breakouts.
DHC Cleansers
A cleanser contains no soap, sulfates, gluten, dyes, lanolin, parabens, or formaldehyde releasers. Perfect for the super sensitive to scent and most of my chronic illness peeps use this product and it's at a great price point! Good for dry skin. oily...
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Sensitive
Toner
Some say toner isn't necessary. Some say the new thing is ‘drenching’ the skin. I say do what works for you. Here's what I have used in the past and present.
Ok, not a popular product and not the least $$ BUT this french line is no joke. I was lucky enough to be introduced to this line in my 20's by a Russian Aesthetician. It changed my skin so dramatically that whenever my skin is going through a ‘stage’... https://www.biologique-recherche.com/en-us/face-care/lotions
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
This stuff is AMAZING. Gotta love a non-toxic spray that will actually fight sebum and bacteria that causes acne. I use this every morning and night on myself (great for armpits too instead of deodorant). On my the acne prone 12 & 22 year olds. M...
HOCL All-Purpose Cleaner with Hypochlorous Acid
Love this very simple toner. Rumor on the street is that this product is also amazing for hemorrhoids. Soothes and cleanses and stops the itching!
Shop Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner - 12 oz.
Serums
I've run the gauntlet in this category as I was trying to narrow it down to a solid routine. Here is what I have used and like past and present at all price points.
This was in rotation for a long time. A great Vitamin C serum to begin with.
Day Glow Vitamin C Serum
This was ⅓ of a great trifecta I used for years! The layering one after the other is great way to flood the skin. And the price is amazing for such a clean straight forward product line.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Perfect to use with the Niacinamide
Fight Deep-Set Lines with Argireline Solution 10% Serum
Step 3 in The Ordinary trifecta for fine lines.
Matrixyl 10% + HA Serum: Firm Your Skin & Target Fine Lines
This is a great all in one. Perfect for travel.
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
This is on par with Skinceuticals. Dr. Brenners serums and vitamin C moisturizer are fabulous! If you're paying out the nose for the $$ brand, stop. Buy this instead.
Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Hyaluronic Acid
Currently using this and loving it!
BYOMA
By far the Vitamin C I love the most.
BeautyStat Universal C Refiner Vitamin C Brightening Serum
I know that HA is all the rage BUT if you don't live in a humid climate then you are actually hurting your skin! a 32oz bottle is about $25 and will last 2 years! Put this on over serums or just some water to lock in moisture.
Organic Vegetable Glycerine
Provides intense hydration and protection. You can use this under sunscreen or makeup. A higher price tag but organic and sustainably grown amd harvested.
Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
Another women owned brand that I love to support. This serum is for the non-toxic eco conscious customer. This serum is lightweight and quick-absorbing. It can act as an alternative to moisturizer. It's plant-based and naturally calms helping reduce ...
Rosehip REPAIRING SERUM
Peels/Resurfacing/Scrubs
Dermal turnover is key in all phases of life but when we're older it needs to be done using a more gentle approach. The key is to find products that are gentle enough to be used regularly. These products get the job done without disturbing the biome ... Here are my current finds and faves.
This product is great when you need a reboot. Gentle enough to not wreak havoc but effective enough to see a difference in 30 days. His products are gentle yet effective. If you're skin has is undergoing a change or you've been burning the candle at ...
Universal Triple Action Daily Peel
This is a no joke product! I mean, why are we not talking about this product! First, go check your local TJ Maxx you might be able to find it there. Second, this sh&t works! Heed the label and only leave it on for 6 minutes otherwise you are goin...
Ulta Beauty
This is a MUST have especially 2-3 days after the effects of the Versed mask are showing itself. Gentle enough to slough off the peeling skin from the mask while also working on your hyperpigmentation. PLEASE use the link to purchase directly from th...
Turmeric Kojic Acid Exfoliating Cleansing Pads 30 Pack
This is a new purchase for me and my 80 year old mom. First impressions? I love how saturated they are. Seems to be easy for my disabled mom to use. I'm already flipping them over in the container (dirty side up) to make the set last longer. The over...
Medicube Deep Vita C Facial Toner Pads
Also got this for mom and me to try as she does have large pores and honestly, I'm not sure how she can even see them but she does! This is another no joke product. It cleared up the smelly 12 yer olds acne, made my mom's aesthestitician ask me what ...
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured Toner
Full disclosure I was/am a rep (not active). Now, this is a ROUGH scrub BUT if you have thicker skin/keratosis etc this is an excellent product. Just don't use a lot of force. While I currently have given this to my daughter I did use this for years.
Micro-Dermabrasion Paste for Exfoliating
Don't you love how you ‘age out’ of pharmaceuticals like Tretinoin? I mean, don't older women get zits too?! Girl, I could go on and on about this subject but here's a gentle intro into the world or RetinA. Feels like petroleum jelly/Aquaphor but wil...
A313 Vitamin A Pommade 200.000 UI
Another tried and true for daily use or to use to work up to a more heavy duty Tretinoin.
Depology Retilogy™ Retinal 0.1% Renewing Serum
Everyone should do this at least twice a year! It's so gross, fascinating and satisfying all at the same time. Wear the booties for 60-90 minutes then wait 7 days for the shedding to begin!
Exfoliating Foot Peels for Removing Dead Skin | Babyfoot
Moisturizers
For most of my life I have struggled with super oily skin. While my skin has recently changed I still have to pack a ton of options when I travel. My skin does not like humid environments so the array of moisturizers is so real.
This came in my FFF box several years ago and I am a forever fan. This is what I pack when headed to anywhere with humidity. Super light but everything an oily girl needs in an oil producing environment.
Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream
I love this stuff and when my skin needs a boost under my sunscreen this is what I reach for.
https://drbrennershop.com/ – Dr. Brenner Labs
I will forever be indebted to Natasha B for bringing this into my life and I will never be without this moisturizer! This is the only product that I have put on my face and the next morning was SHOOK. Like, well, hello there….Anyone 40+ should have t...
Pro-Firming Matrixyl® 3000 + Dynalift™ Night Mask
Sensitive to Retinols? Dry skin? This is for you! It's a retinol alternative.
Super hydrating.
Super hydrating.
Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer
Perfect for dry, mature, sensitive, and blemish-prone skin.
Intense Hydration CACTUS MOISTURIZER
Sunscreens
I grew up in NorCal swimming in an outdoor pool in the 80's and early 90's. In addition to NOT using sunscreen I also used baby oil when laid out and went to the tanning beds to get rid of my strap lines for prom. I've lived at
altitude (super sun exposure) since I was 18 and was a lizard until my late 30's. I don't even want to know what the overall damage is! WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN! This category is smaller as I found what I love and have not strayed in forever.
I don't care which one you use. Personally I use the HYALU-CICA. It doesnt' havec a thick texture and rubs in easily. Doesn't have a funky smell. Doesn't run into your eyes when you sweat. LOVE.
Madagascar Centella Air-fit Sunscreen
I don't even care that there isn't an affiliate link because this product is awesome! Always trust the Australian surfer girlies for the good recs. I'm of Italian descent and bought the light. This stuff is a complexion fixer as well. I can't explain...
Tinted Zinc Sunscreen
Other than the fact that here in the US we ar so used to spray sunscreen this is hands down the best sunscreen out there. If getting sunscreen on your small human is an act of war then just do it and do it once with this product. See my review under ...
We Are Feel Good Inc. Body Sunscreen
Smells so goooood. My Autistic human doesn't fight me with this one. The stick is amazing to cover his face and the spray always comes out evenly for quick application. The scalp is perfect for those with thining hair and that little bald spot that m...
Broad Spectrum SPF & Water Resistant Sunscreen
Chapsticks/Lip Oil
An often overlooked area. Yes, you can get melanoma on your lips! Also, don't you want to be in kissable shape 24/7? Almost all chapsticks dry out my lips (carmax, blistex, burts bees). 2 of these recs have sunscreen in them and honestly good old fas...
I'm still salty about the formula change but we must protect the bees…with that said, I have been using this chapstick since I was 20 yrs old. It is a staple in my life. It doesn't run so you can put it over lip color. It stays sooo long. LOVE
lip saver™ soothing lip balm
Just buy it. Not a huge fan of the smell of the green but I love how it goes on, love the feel and the protection. This one will run a bit so not be used with a lip color.
Lip Balm SPF 50+
All hail all things Aquaphor. I remember when this was prescription only! Perfect for winter especially right before bed. Hit your dry cuticles, your heels and if you have a runny nose your nostrils too!
Aquaphor® Skin Protection and Healing
I love that this is a young woman owned business who literally employs her family. Her product is excellent.
Color Changing Lip Oil
When you want shine and nothing else. Great as a top coat. Always present and accounted for in my travel makeup bag.
MAGIC LIP OILS
Again, don't care there isn't an affiliate link. I am not going to gate keep. I was gifted this by my dear friend, Renee, and don't let the color fool you! It goes on so sheer and is perfect for cheeks as well. I have Pixie and I am a ZERO (almost) c...
La La Leaf | Natural Lip Balm - Made in USA | Ultimate Chapped Lip Solution
It does everything it claims. From super dry hands to split ends and everything in between. I've been using it for years.
Egyptian Magic
Body
I was only concentrating on my face and then one day when I got out of the shower I noticed my knees had wrinkles. MY KNEES. Uh, no Ma'am.
Thank you Nina Poole. This smells divine!
Palmer's Firming Body Lotion
This stuff works. One day while getting a pedicure my mom looked over and asked, “Why are your legs so tan?!” Yup. No streaking. Nor orange hands and no weird smell!
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Body Lotion
I have been using this for decades. If you are wondering if it works against mosquitos and no see ums the answer is yes.
Skin So Soft by Avon
Currently using this and liking it.
Bioma Nourishing Body Oil
Also currently in rotation. I really like the sutle smell. Not as thick as Bioma so I really like this or my arms.
Saltainl Body Oil For Glowing Skin
Another Natasha B rec and I LOVE it.
Depology Retinol Body Firming Lotion
This is a small family owned farm in Nebraska. It's an amazing oil. Good for your hair as well. Keeps the bugs at bay too!
Encompass Oil | All Natural Skin Care Moisturizer
Game changer.
UJFQBH 3 Pieces African Bath Sponge Net
Do you have Keratosis? Put this on 10 minutes before you get in the shower and it will remedy the situation. Now, it won't happen at once but keep at it.
Nair™ Hair Removal Creams & Waxes
Sitting on the windowsill of my kitchen. A must have for dry skin. Doesn't make you feel oily.
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy 3.5oz
I love how small these are. Perfect for the Dopp Kit. Also love that it's aluminum free and when I do use deodorant (see notes for HCOL in Toner) This is what I use. They honestly do not make a scent I do not love.
Aluminum Free Deodorants
Eyes
The skin around our eyes needs as much attention as the rest of our face.
This has been my go to for years. I am only using another one right now because I rant out and it was a back up.
Eye Creams & Under Eye Treatments
Currently using this eye cream and I am really liking it. So far it doesn't seem to clog my pores and cause more milia.
Perricone MD Eye Treatments
These will not migrate down your face! Bonus, they actually do reduce swelling, dark circles etc.
Wander Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks
Drying Lotion (acne)
Acne happens to most of us. These are easy to use products that actually work.
Literally the OG since 1969! Does anyone remember the Super Models on MTV? I believe it was Naomi Campbell who was putting this on her face and said, “Even Super Model's get acne”.
Drying Lotion - On-The-Spot Solution for Blemishes
For those with problematic skin and or thicker skin. I use these on my hormonal Autistic 12 year old son on his acne and keratosis on his arms.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured Toner
Yes, you can clean your counters with this and yes, you can even spray fruit with it. It is non-toxic (you can ingest it) and it is AMAZINGLY gentle for removing bacteria from the skin. It won't dry you out and if you wear a mask for work I really su...
HOCL