As we grow older we begin to experience drier everything. Dry skin is common post-menopause and I am firmly in that category. You too? I have read up on the recommendations from dermatologists and I think it comes down to this:
Use a heavy-duty moisturizer liberally, find the heaviest one you can tolerate (I use oil in the morning and balm or cream at night)
Vitamin C serums are great for allowing your skin to absorb moisture better, and it also helps clarify and refine your skin texture, balance out uneven skin tone and boosting collagen, while its antioxidant properties protects skin from pollution
Retinol/retinoids are for exfoliating your skin, increasing collagen and skin cell turnover to smooth out your skin and helping with uneven skin tone and texture
And if you only want to use one product on your face, use sunscreen daily + faithfully
The following are my current favorites (just click on the product name or images to *buy)
MAELOVE Glow Maker
The best vitamin c serum I have ever used. It’s thin and it doesn’t smell great, but I don’t care about either of those things when I can see and feel it work from day one. I use it every morning before face oil and sunscreen. Start slow, every other day, and layer face oil underneath if it stings. Gradually increase to using it every morning under your moisturizer and sun screen if your skin can tolerate it. If your skin is too sensitive start by using it every few days, increasing to everyday or every other day.
Lakota Made Abla Kela (Calm) Massage & Facial Oil
A gentle oil from a wonderful shop that I apply before my morning walk. Lightly scented and comforting to use. I use if for my face and the ends of my hair. Megan Schnitker (Many War Bonnets Women is her Lakota name) is the owner and an Indigenous Traditional Herbalist. She has a shop in Mankato, Minnesota and offers her products online.
Nuxe Nuxuriance Ultra Replenishing Rich Cream
I’m choosing to ignore that they added “Anti-Aging” to this label. A term I avoid whenever I come across it. But I did see a recommendation for this cream and really like how well it works overnight. The price has risen dramatically since I bought this. I might have to start over to find a more affordable cream?
LaRoche Posay Anthelios Broad Spectrum SPF 70 with Antioxidants
This is my year of applying sunscreen everyday. I’m determined. My skin deserves it after spending years and years in the sun with no protection. I do remember using baby oil when I was a teenager. Sheesh. I heard a podcast with a skincare expert saying that French sunscreen products are superior in their formulation. So here we are. This has a white cast, makes my face look pale. I guess I don’t mind because that way I can that I did a good job applying it evenly and everywhere. Sometimes I add a tinted moisturizer to cover up the white. I notice that my skin seems more clear and less damaged so I will keep this habit.
Another french skin care brand that has become more available to buy online in the US. This is strong and took me some time for my skin to adjust. I noticed redness and flaking the first weeks using it. You should wash your face and really let it dry before you apply this at night, using only a small pea-sized dollop for your whole face. Thanks to the very thick texture (like petroleum jelly!) I don’t need to apply anything on top to moisturize. I alternate applying this with the heavy Nuxe cream every other night. This is the first retinoid product I used to cause a noticeable change in my skin. When you first start using it I suggest layering oil underneath to lessen the sting. A tube lasts a long time and is surprisingly affordable.
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
This cream is not kidding around. It is very plush and effective. And sticky, really sticky. I have to put up with the trade-off… do I want it to be long-lasting and effective or do I want it to be dry and fast to absorb? I have dry dry skin so I pick option B. Lightly scented, good for using on my whole body and even my face now and then. This is available for me at my local co-op for the best price, but also available at drugstores, Target, online.
What skin products do you use? Any recommendations? I would love to hear.
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