Photo courtesy of Eminence
We live in a time and place in which we are judged on the superficial evidence of age, irrespective of its benefit: the accrued experience which yields increased wisdom, insight and compassion. So yup, I embrace anti-aging products that work and as a person of integrity I can tell y’all: these do.
When it comes to skincare, I honestly have to say I don’t always set the best example: I don’t drink enough water and — sin of deepest skin sins– I sometimes go to bed without cleansing. For the purposes of this article (and to stop my beloved editor from cringing, which is an aging activity) I vowed to change.
I have found the cleanser that I can commit to for life: Green Clean by Farmacy. The package accurately describes it as a “makeup meltaway cleansing balm”. Meltaway, a word new to me, is exactly what this beautiful green goo, that contains oils of sunflower and ginger root, and exfoliating papaya extract, does. You don’t have to rub, scrub or exert any effort at all. This cleanser is filled with phytochemicals like Cichoric Acid that come from Echinacea Purpura. It’s farmer grown, it’s hydrating and it works, so gently.
Available: farmacybeauty.com and at Sephora stores
Baré’s Ambrosia Soothe Serum from Australia boasts exotic sounding ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Tasmanian Pepper Fruit and Pichia ferment. It’s soothing, emollient and readily absorbed. Though gentle and mild, it’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help unblock clogged pores, moisturize and deeply nourish. This hard working wonder feels indulgent, luxurious and comforting. A small amount will do you a remarkable world of good.
Available: http://www.Barealchemy.com
Kate Somerville Clinic Reserve, +Retinol, RetAsphere Micro Peel
The age-vanishing regimen of +Retinol Firming Eye Cream, Clinic Reserve and RetAsphere Micro Peel by Kate Somerville is particularly efficacious.
I was worried about using an eye cream with retinol but +Retinol Firming Eye Cream is emollient, doesn’t sting or irritate and wipes away crepey under eye lines. Plus, the product packaging is genius: a small amount comes through a cooling applicator tip that you can use to both apply the product and massage it in.
Kate Somerville calls Clinic Reserve her magic cream and it does seem to perform miracles but its effectiveness is rooted in science. Though ingredients include oils of moringa, jojoba, macadamia seed, grape seed and olive husk, this rich, concentrated cream has a non-oily texture that soothes and smoothes with intense hydration. I’ve been using it twice a day and my face feels soft and looks mighty fine. I also love this packaging: push down on the lid and just the right amount of product is released.
In addition to using these two products a.m. and p.m., I apply RetAsphere Micro Peel every other night. It’s a leave-on peel that works while I sleep. The product gently infuses pure retinol into the skin without causing redness or irritation and includes 10% Glycolic Acid to resurface tired texture. Et voila, I like what I see in the morning mirror: visibly reduced pores and yup, vanishing wrinkles. For reals.
Available: http://www.katesomerville.com
Skin is 64% water. If, like me, you don’t drink enough water, PCA’s Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum is just what the doctor ordered to hydrate dry, parched skin. The refreshing texture is soothing, plumping and instantly hydrating. The product doesn’t just sit on the surface but penetrates deeper and actually increases skin’s own hyaluronic acid production so the hydration is long lasting. It seems so simple: Use this serum after cleansing and before moisturizing and you are doing right by your future face. If you only add one anti-ager to your daily ritual make this the one.
Available: http://www.pcaskin.com
Eminence Bamboo Firming Fluid, Bamboo Age Corrective Masque
If you want a natural alternative to retinol, use Eminence’s Bamboo Firming Fluid and Bamboo Age Corrective Masque. The Firming Fluid features key ingredients like chicory root and tara tree combined with bamboo, coconut, neroli oil, carrot extract and green apple stem cells to tighten and firm in minutes. I can attest: wrinkles and crow’s feet visibly soften within weeks.
In addition to using the Firming Fluid daily, I use Bamboo Age Corrective Masque 1-2 times a week for ultra-hydration and skin strengthening. Key ingredients include an anti-aging stem cell complex of argan stem cells and nutmeg seed to improve the look of skin density. The masque is refreshing, relaxing and delivers results. I kid you not: within days you will experience a 25% increase in collagen production. Within about two months you will see a visible reduction in wrinkle depth (yeah, oh yeah) and an improved look in skin density. And that is what I call aging corrected.
Available: eminenceorganics.com/us
