anti-aging skincare on a budget
it’s safe to say our culture is obsessed with aging. but the truth of the matter is that aging is unavoidable. that’s why this blog and social channels are dedicated to aging with grace, strength, and beauty. as we age (and we’re all aging, even newborns), it’s important to make healthy choices that affect our physical and mental well-being. the good news is it’s never too late to start! especially when it comes to skincare. even if you have neglected a skincare regimen your entire life, you can begin today and expect results. and skincare needn’t be expensive. today, we’re taking a look at anti-aging skincare on a budget.
but first, let’s talk about five key reasons our skin ages and several things we can do to mitigate aging.
Collagen breakdown
collagen is the connective tissue responsible for the firmness of our skin. when we hit our thirties, our bodies begin to lose collagen. loss of collagen leads to wrinkles and dull skin. and our skin becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic.
Exposure to UV radiation
damage from UV exposure ranges from premature wrinkles to dangerous skin cancer. the degree of damage depends on the intensity of UV rays and the length of time your skin has been exposed without protection. unfortunately, growing up in the seventies, i did not incorporate sunscreen into my routine. instead, i baked for hours in the sun with baby oil causing numerous sunburns…
Oxidation
skin oxidizes just like a penny or a car. oxidative stress starts with free radicals found in the environment like air pollution, smoking, even pesticides. hello, 21st century.
Inflammation
there are all sorts of causes for inflammation, but the chief culprit is stress and a poor diet, which causes your body to produce hormones that affect insulin levels.
Glycation
eating too much sugar is another cause of inflammation. sugar molecules bond to skin and break down collagen and elastin.
now that we’ve taken a look at different reasons why our skin ages, let’s talk about what we can do to take care of our skin. here are a few tips for incorporating into our routine besides anti-aging skincare on a budget.
Protect your skin from the sun every day
Apply self-tanner rather than get a tan
If you smoke, stop
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
Drink less alcohol
Exercise most days of the week
Get a good night sleep
anti-aging skincare on a budget
and now, let’s focus on those anti-aging skincare products on a budget. it’s important to create a skincare regimen for morning and evening. our skin is our largest organ, so it’s of utmost importance to take care of it. and, no, you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to skincare. there’s an anti-aging skincare product for every budget.
- cleanser
- anti-oxidant to fight off free radicals from pollution and foods
- sunscreen to prevent any further sun damage
- moisturize
three or four times a week, i use retinol at night
twice a week, i exfoliate my skin
once a week, i use a masque and/or a peel.
retinol, sunscreen, and vitamin C are non-negotiables in my skincare routine. here’s why. retinoids are the class of vitamin A derived ingredients that include retinol, which is a milder version of retin A. some of us have sensitive skin and can’t tolerate retin A but hopefully can use retinol, which helps increase new cell turnover and activates natural collagen production, leaving us with firmer brighter skin. anti-oxidant vitamin C penetrates your skin, increasing the production of collagen (notice how collagen production is the most important factor in keeping our skin in tip-top shape), reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and brightening our skin tone. before i put on my makeup, i use sunscreen on my face, neck, chest, and hands.
Cleansers
Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
RoC MAX Resurfacing Facial Cleanser
Moisturizers
Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer (SPF 30)
Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Night Moisturizer
L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Sunscreens
Vichy Capital Soleil Body and Face Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Light Face Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Face Mineral Sunscreen
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body
Retinoid / Retinol:
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
Exfoliating Products:
L’Oreal 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser
L’Oreal Bright Reveal Peel Pads
Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Ultrafine Scrub for Sensitive Skin
Vitamin C Serums
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe Skin Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
RoC Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum
Thank-you,Beth!
What do you use for the eye area?
I’m a big fan of the Clinique 3-step system (I use system 2) and though a department store brand, it is actually quite reasonable. The system includes a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer and once you buy the system once, you can replenish with each product individually. I supplement with Clinique’s cleansing balm to remove make-up and use Rx tretinoin from Curology. That said, I think Neutrogena and Aveeno cleansers are excellent and I used RoC moisturizers prior to Curology.
Hi Beth, for about 6 months now I’ve started to use Simple protect and glow range as my skin started to react to everything I was using. So I gave the Simple range a go and I’ve been so pleased with it. I’ve also incorporated a sunscreen everyday which I never did before unless I was on holiday, its made a huge difference. My skin is so much happier now xoxo
This is an extremely informative post! I’ve been starting to take much better care of my skin since I hit my mid-forties and beyond. I found that retinol works wonders for brightening up my complexion. However, certain age spots or sun damage is beyond OTC and needs a laser! I also do love a good sheetmask, and my trick is to buy them at my local Asian market which are so much cheaper than single packs, plus you can find interesting skin products there that you won’t find anywhere else. I also love the Clinique line and stock up at Ulta or Sephora whenever there is a sale going on.
I found especially with COVID and wearing masks that my pores have gotten so blocked and I am even getting acne again. I’ve been trying to be diligent about washing my makeup off every night (the “Magic Eraser” towel is amazing) and also spot treat with salicylic acid products to get rid of the maskne.
I love any Skincare tips and tricks!!
As an esthetician, I’m particular abt my skin. After I apply my nightly routine, I always put CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream over it. Nothing compares!
Wonderful tips and advice on skincare . Very timely as we are just approaching Spring here in Australia.
Would love to compliment you on your hair Beth,it is looking fabulous. We are in lockdown in Sydney since the end of June and badly in need of a hairdresser!
I started using the Clinque 3-step system when I was in my 30’s and it worked well then. As I got older I amped up my routine to include retinol. I love going to spas when vacationing and I was introduced to some higher end retinols. I have also tried Retin A. I feel that Retin A is effective, but can be extremely drying. With the retinols you can use them everyday with good results and at a great price. I used to use the same brand for everything – cleanser, toners, etc., but now rotate and don’t stick to just one brand. A must is Vitamin C serum and retinal with collagen. I also use a night time moisturizer with retinol. With all the reasonably priced products available today it’s not necessary to break the bank, but consistency is the key. In addition to the items mentioned above, I do a once a week manual exfoliation with a battery operated machine from Olay that I have had for years. I also give my husband facials! I recently saw a friend from my hometown that I hadn’t seen for about 7 years and she said – you still have that porcelain skin. Such a nice thing to say. We cannot stop the hands of time, but maybe we can slow it down. My daughter is now in her 40’s and has cranked up her skin care. I love this post – what’s that old saying you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Thanks, Beth! Love all you do.
I enjoyed today’s blog. I used Retin A for about 25 years until my face became too sensitive while getting chemo and I have not been able to go back to it. Recently I discovered bakuchiol and I am really enjoying it with no side effects. Just thought I would mention it for those who are sensitive to retinol.
What .ca one use to rid face of many age spots
Love your post and your skin looks fabulous. I took my skin for granted but trying to be better. Using sun screen most days, washing off makeup and using retinol at night. Someone did consistency was the key, I agree.