Lately, ‘ve been obsessed with Asian skincare videos.  It’s hard not to envy their porcelain, taut and even-toned skin. I do think their high fiber, vegetable based diets together with a large consumption of green tea has a direct affect on their glowing skin. However, the Asian culture has been practicing holistic skincare for centuries. One tool they tout as having anti-aging benefits is the jade roller.  There must be a reason why this skincare tool has been around since the 17th century. The Chinese began using the jade roller for its healing properties.  However, over time it became a popular skincare tool used to help drain lymphatic fluid, depuff the eyes, and improve the skin’s elasticity. It’s been 2 weeks since I started rolling and I have to say I really like it.  Here’s why:

Just like that refreshed feeling of splashing your face with cold water in the morning,  the cold stone feels so good sliding across my face.  I can honestly say that it instantly helps with my sleep wrinkles and relaxes my facial muscles (I tend to hold mouth tension while I sleep). I struggle with under eye bags and the roller helps to flatten the overnight fluid accumulation.  I’ve even done a test and I would love for you to try it too (if you decide to buy a jade roller). Look at your face in the a.m. and notice any puffiness, sleep wrinkles or swelling. Next, roll just one side of your face from the center of your face to your hairline i.e., start at the center of your chin and roll to your hairline, repeat this a few times; then roll from the center of your lips to your hairline, repeat this a few times; continue rolling from the center of your face to your hairline until you have finished one side.  For the eyes, you want to use the smaller roller and go from the inner eye to the outer eye pushing the fluid toward the temple.  After you are done, go back to the mirror and compare it to the unrolled side. Now doesn’t the side you rolled look fresh, a little tighter and less puffy? NOW, DON’T FORGET TO DO THE OTHER SIDE.

Most jade rollers I’ve looked at are about $10 (I got mine at Marshalls). I’m not sure that all jade rollers are made with actual jade stone but I think using a cold stone to flatten and roll fluid accumulation after a night’s sleep makes a difference.  So why not try it especially since it’s super affordable and takes less than a minute of your day.

I would love to hear your comments.  Happy rolling!

~Skincare warrior

Warrior tip:  I keep my jade roller in the fridge so that it’s super cold!

Most of us know Vitamin C (a/k/a ascorbic acid) as a supplement that boosts the immune system and contains antioxidants. However, Vitamin C has become one of the most popular ingredients in today’s skincare products. I have seen so many skincare lines that have started carrying a “C” line.  The antioxidants found in Vitamin C can help neutralize free radicals (molecules that cause aging and tissue damage), prevent future sun damage, promote new collagen, visibly reduce signs of aging and alleviate inflammation.

As I’ve learned about the benefits of Vitamin C skincare, I’ve taken the step of adding it to my daily routine. After sampling various moisturizers and creams, I’ve found that a serum containing Vitamin C seems to be the most beneficial as it’s thinner in consistency and more easily absorbed. Similar to retinols, Vitamin C products can be harsh for sensitive skin. I suggest starting off with a Vitamin C product a few times a week and then increasing frequency to build up your skin’s tolerance.

As I mentioned in past posts, one of my favorite OTC product lines is LaRoche Posay. I really like their ActiveC10 which is thin and serum-like and absorbs quickly into my skin. One of Skinceuticals most popular products is C E Feurilic. Studies have shown that the feurilic acid stabilizes the Vitamin C and, therefore, boosts its efficacy.  Vitamin C tends to oxidize quickly and can lose its potency so it’s important that it’s properly packaged and stored. If you decide to add a Vitamin C product to your regimen, I suggest making sure that it’s in a sealed container that needs to be pumped or squeezed out to help avoid oxidation.

With Spring approaching and lighter colored foundations just around the corner, now is a perfect time to add a Vitamin C product to your daily routine to rid your skin of pigmented spots and reveal a healthier looking you. If you are currently using a retinol, I suggest using your Vitamin C product during the day and your retinol product at night.

Reminder….applying sunscreen on a daily basis is always a necessity for younger looking skin but especially if you are using Vitamin C products.
~Skincare Warrior

Warrior tip: When it comes to applying products think thin followed by thick. Apply thinner products before applying heavier thicker products i.e., serums then moisturizers then sunblock.

As I’ve blogged about previously, I consider retinol the tried and true ‘fountain of youth.’  Retinol is in a league of its own when it comes to anti-aging and is a skincare routine necessity.  However, I know many of you (including myself) who have struggled with its harsh side effects. It took years to tweak my skincare regime to be able to start and stop my use of retinol without having to deal with the side effects of dry, flaky, irritated and red skin. For those of you who swore it off because of its irritating side effects, let me share some good news….BAKUCHIOL! This exciting skincare newby is a plant-based, natural alternative to retinol. Skincare lines are now introducing anti-aging products containing Bakuchiol because it has the same benefits as retinol without the harsh side effects.

Strivectin recently released its  Starlight retinol night oil which is a Bakuchiol based anti-aging oil. Studies released by Strivectin showed that those who used the product had zero irritation while all subjects saw 100% improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture. OLEHENRIKSEN has also released  Glow Cycle Retin-Alt Power Serum which is a blend of Bakuchiol, alpha hydroxy acids and extracts that help to lighten sunspots and targets fine lines and wrinkles.

I cannot tell you how excited I am to share this news with you. If you are one of many who have had a negative experience with retinol and have sworn it off, why not consider one of these products containing Bakuchiol and start seeing your renewed skin today!  Click on this link Glowsly for a list of 10 products (including the ones I’ve mentioned above) that all contain Bakuchiol.

~Skincare Warrior

As I’ve shared before, I never like to pay full price for skincare products (or anything for that matter).  I’d rather put my hard-earned money into a vacation fund or a special night out and a memory.  I try to closely follow sales, discounts and promos.  Today (and I mean today only until midnight) you can go to https://gmadeals.com/ and get up to 50% off of m-61 powerful skincare.  This is a fantastic deal. m-61 has a line of products that are loaded with peptides, glycolic acids, plant extracts and other healthy, anti-aging propertes.  If you are looking for a serum or need a new moisturizer or looking to tuck some gifts away for your fav girlfriend, go to their website today at https://gmadeals.com/ while they are half off.  Plus shipping is free!

Lastly, I don’t get anything for sharing this w/you except the satisfaction of saving other  hardworking consumers a few $$$$.

Happy savings!

~Skincare Warrior

Have you noticed all the advertising lately using the word ‘clean’…clean living, clean eating, clean make-up? I’m seeing more and more advertising for products claiming to  be “clean” or having a new line of “clean.”

Clean products a/k/a whole products are derived from ingredients that claim to be either naturally derived, plant-based or ethically sourced and free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, phenols plus many more. The natural skincare product lines are booming! Honestly, the thought of what chemicals are in my skin and haircare products are frightening.  For years I used hair products that were sulfate free but weren’t necessarily free from other harmful ingredients. I think that due to advocates like the “EWG” (Environmental Working Group) exposing companies using harmful and even cancer causing ingredients, more companies are introducing product lines that are chemical free and using plants, oils, minerals and other natural and non-harmful ingredients.

A few months ago a co-worker introduced me to Beautycounter – – a make-up and skincare line that promises to only use high sourced ingredients and has a NO LIST containing 1,500 ingredients they strive to never use.  I’ve been using their Countermatch Intense Moisture serum now for a few months. I love the way my skin soaks up this serum and it felt good knowing that my skin was getting wholesome ingredients that I could actually pronounce.  I also bought a face wash that I gave to my daughter (a tween).  It feels good knowing she’s not washing her face with chemicals plus she’s learning to be conscious about healthy and whole skincare. It’s scary to think about the chemicals we all absorb each and every day by using engineered products. I’ve now slowly substituted my skincare, make-up and hair products to “clean” products.

I hope this gives you some food for thought about what’s in the products you and your family use.  Here are a few clean sourced product lines you might want to consider: MyChelle Dermaceuticals (available at Kohl’s), Burt Bees, Neutrogena and SIMPLE.

~Skincare warrior

Just as the trees and temperatures change with the seasons, so does our skin.  Our skin is one big porous organ that absorbs like a sponge.  In the winter our skin is affected by the lack of moisture and dry indoors and tends to dry out.  In the warmer season our skin sweats more.  Our skin is undoubtedly affected by the seasonal changes.

Just as you change your clothing type for the seasons, you need to change your skincare products and routine.  If you are noticing a change in your skin when the seasons change, here are a few suggestions to help get your skin back on track:

– Wash your face more often.  With the warmer weather and being outdoors more, we sweat more and need to wash our face more frequently.

-Add a retinol.  If you are one of the people who find using a retinol in the winter too drying, now is a good time to add it back to your routine.

-Switch to a lighter moisturizer.  Just as warmer weather calls for lighter clothing, our skin needs a lighter coating.  Switch from your heavy winter moisturizer to a lighter moisturizer.

– Exfoliate:   Exfoliating will help get rid of dead skin cells and help your skin to absorb your products.  Choose a gentle exfoliator especially if you’ve been out in the sun and your skin is sensitive.

-CONTINUE TO USE SUNBLOCK:  As I’ve stated throughout this blog, I’m a big believer in wearing a broad-spectrum SPF every day of the year.  When spending time outside in the warmer weather, it’s important to wear your sunblock (especially if you are using a retinol or acne product which can cause extreme sensitivity to the sun).

We can’t control everything, but we can help  control the changes that take place to our skin during the change of seasons.

~Skincare Warrior

Warrior tip:  Sunscreen has a shelf life.  Start the season off with newly purchased sunblock and throw away that bottle that’s been tucked in the bathroom closet or beach bag since last summer.

 

Here it is….InStyle’s Best Anti-aging products of 2018.

Let me know which ones you have tried. I’d love to hear your feedback.

Skincare Warrior

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Moisturizing is an essential step to any skincare routine.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard my facialist say, “oh I see you’re dehydrated” just from looking at my skin.  Just like our bodies need water to stay hydrated, so does our skin.  A major component of our skin and body is water. I like my moisturizer to do double duty so it’s not only moisturizing but giving me added benefits.  Moisturizers can be a great source of multi-benefits.  I am a big believer in moisturizing both morning and night no matter what your skin type.  I’ve used over-the-counter moisturizers that I’ve liked just as much as high-end moisturizers.  So long as it has the right ingredients and it’s doing what it claims, I will use it. 

For quite some time now I’ve been using Environ’s AVST moisturizer (see my post on the ENVIRON product line).  If you are new to using a moisturizer containing retinol, I suggest starting out with Level I or II and working your way up ENVIRON’s STEPSYSTEM allowing your skin to build a tolerance to the increased levels of retinol. 

Also keep in mind when choosing a moisturizer, what other products you are currently using.  For example, if you are using a moisturizer that contains a form of retinol, then using Retin-A in the evening may be overdrying your skin. 

A few other product lines that I have used often and really like is LaRoche-Posay (available at CVS). I really like their Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with sunscreen and Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar Original moisturizer for all skin types.  It’s filled with anti-oxidants and lactic acid and really exfoliates  the skin keeping it moisturized. 

~Skincare Warrior

Warrior tip: Thinking of skipping your sunscreen today because it’s cloudy or rainy? Even though the sun isn’t shining those harmful rays are still penetrating the clouds. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen daily and your skin’s appearance will never catch up to your age.

 

Exfoliating involves the removal of the skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface. Your skin can shed 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells per minute naturally.  Many people think they only need to exfoliate 1 or 2 times per week but if your skin is shedding 30,000 cells per minute, how much skin is ready to be exfoliated after a night’s sleep.  Recently, Christie Brinkley was asked what her secret was to her youthful skin and her response was, “I exfoliate my skin every single day.”  Exfoliating is such an important part of my skincare routine.  The thought of all that dead skin on my face and then using my daily products on top of it makes me feel as if I’m wasting my products (and money).  I believe that in order for those products to penetrate through those dead layers you need to exfoliate.  Years ago St. Ives Apricot Scrub was the ‘go to’ exfoliator.  Today there’s a plethora of products including masks, peels, treatments and creams that all help to exfoliate the skin.  Truth be told I only recently started to exfoliate my face daily.  I had been given a gift from a co-worker who I often discussed aging with (so I wasn’t offended when she gave me an exfoliator as a holiday gift).  It was Clinique’s daily micro-exfoliant.  I love how soft, gentle and tiny the beads are and how smooth my skin feels  after use.  I feel as if it’s my ‘skincare’ prep before putting my products on each day.   Also, an added benefit of exfoliating is that it stimulates collagen.

Two of today’s most popular facial treatments  are microdermabrasion and chemical peels – both help to exfoliate the skin.  Even after just one microderm treatment your skin is better able to absorb products and make-up goes on so much better.  Another product that is an exfoliatior is AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid).  I love SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA cream.  After just a few uses I see my skin start to peel more quickly and reveal smoother skin.  I can’t stress enough the importance of wearing sunblock when using AHAs.   

    

It’s never too late to start a daily exfoliator but be gentle especially if you are dealing with acne or broken skin as it can be irritating.  

~Skincare Warrior

Warrior tip: Want to save a few extra dollars, mix some sugar, honey and lemon juice and place it in a little jar and keep in on your vanity.  It’s a great inexpensive exfoliator.