Anti-Aging Tips for Sensitive Skin…

Skinfix Products: Hydrating Lotion | Moisture Boost Serum | Foaming Oil cleanser

Anti-Aging Tips for Sensitive Skin

I haven’t done a beauty post is quite a while, but I thought I finally would after getting so many questions about my skin. I’ve never mentioned it on this blog before, but I am actually 43 years old. Routinely people tell me that I look at least ten years younger than my true age. I attribute my youthful look to many things (genetics, sun avoidance, a healthy diet and lifestyle). My skincare regimen plays an important part in this and I thought I would talk about what I actually do to keep my skin looking younger.

Skinfix sent me several products several months ago to try. I am always leery of trying new skincare products because my skin is so incredibly sensitive. I have tried many products and had to stop them because my skin became so red and irritated. So when I was sent these products from SkinFix I was dubious, but I decided to give them a try. Skinfix is known for their natural products that are designed to restore a healthy skin barrier. I will say I am very, very impressed! My skin never looked so smooth and healthy. When I actually ran out of the products, I decided to buy them again on my own, as I was sold on their effectiveness!

The first product I use to clean my face (after removing my makeup from the day with these Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes) is the Foaming Oil Cleanser. I like this cleanser because it is gentle on my face, yet it removes all traces of makeup and dirt. I have found this cleanser to be less drying than previous moisturizers I have used in the past. My skin feels so soft and hydrated after using it!

Almost immediately after washing my face and drying it. I use the moisture boost serum. The older I get I have found that not only do I need to use a lotion, but a serum as well. My skin is so dry, and the serum is almost immediately absorbed into my skin as soon as I apply it. I like the Skinfix serum as it is made with natural ingredients including aloe, seaweed extract, and jojoba oil. My skin has never felt so plump and moisturized since I began using the moisture boost serum. It is important to moisturize as soon as possible to lock in all moisture.

Right after applying the serum, I use the hydrating lotion. I like this lotion as it is free of parabens, synthetic dyes, and perfumes (all of which irritate my skin). The hydrating lotion is made with many of the same natural ingredients as the serum (aloe, jojoba oil, seaweed extract) and it adds an extra layer of moisture that my skin definitely needs. I use the serum and hydrating lotion both in the morning and nighttime.

Sunscreen: Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen |  Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream

The Benefits of Sunscreen and Retinoids

The final step in my skincare regimen differs between the morning and the nighttime. Over and over again I have heard from countless dermatologists that the key to keeping skin looking younger is to use a good sunscreen and combine that with a good retinoid. Sunscreen and retinoids are the only research-proven products that work as anti-aging products. One does not need to spend a lot of money on expensive creams to maintain healthy skin, but choosing the right products are important.

How Retinoids Work

Retinoids are basically high-dose Vitamin A. They were originally found to treat acne, but because of the effects they have on the skin at the cellular level,  they also work to increase collagen and cell turnover to make skin look healthier and younger. They also decrease sebum production from the skin, which in turn can make the skin dry, red, and peeling. Retinoids can be hard to get used to initially, so it is best to use with copious amounts of moisturizer and start out using them every other day. Retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy, as they are a known teratogen. I didn’t start using any retinoids myself until I knew I was done having children (which was only very recently).

There are two basic forms of retinoids available, all-trans retinoic acid (available via prescription) and the less potent retinols (available over the counter). For the longest time I was using prescription tretinoin, but over the summer I began spending a lot of time outdoors and my skin became horribly sun-sensitive (red, peeling and irritated). I had to stop using it because my skin became so irritated. Not wanting to stop all together, I asked my friend Christine of 15MinuteBeauty.com what over-the counter retinol she recommended. She told me she personally uses RoC Retinol Corexion Sensitive Night Cream. So I decided to buy a tube and I am happy to report my skin is no longer red and irritated, even after spending many hours outdoors in the sun.

I use retinoids only at night, after applying serum and moisturizing lotion. Because my skin is so sensitive I still only apply my retinol product every other night.

Which Sunscreen to Choose?

It has been engrained in us that sunscreen is important to prevent sunburns, wrinkles, and skin cancer. There are so many sunscreens available so where do you begin? Any basic sunscreen will work for your body, but your face deserves extra attention. Working in healthcare, I have heard so many dermatologists recommend Elta MD so that’s what I use. Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is designed to calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to breakouts, rosacea and discoloration. This sunscreen is perfect for my sensitive skin! This sunscreen also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, ingredients which encourage the appearance of healthy-looking skin. Ella MD sunscreen is both lightweight and silky, and is the last thing I apply before foundation in the morning.

I hope you have found this post helpful. This regimen really does keep my skin healthier and younger-looking and hopefully it will for you too.

*This post contains affiliate links.

*Thank you Skinfix for partnering with me on this post. All opinions however are my own.