The warnings from friends start early. “Oh just wait until you turn 40…”
What is going to happen when I turn 40? Will I wake up on the morning of my birthday and won’t be able to see well? Will I suddenly have random hairs growing from my chin? Will I now pee when I cough? Is that weird “spare tire” suddenly going to appear around my middle? Let me tell you, the answer is YES. Not immediately, but it will happen. Can you do anything about it? Absolutely!
You can get readers for your eyes, a good pair of tweezers, a powerful magnifying mirror, do kegels, and start exercising. These are all essential, but what about your overall appearance? How do you slow down the aging process?
The key is good skincare. If you were lucky enough to start using skincare early, you were smart. The best wrinkle is the one you never get. The problem is that most of us have probably been able to get away with washing your face with a bar of soap and using the same moisturizer on your face that you do on your body. As we age, that will not cut it anymore. So where do you begin?
The first step is to wash your face. Your skin is your largest organ and you need to take care of it. This means washing twice a day. Why, you ask? In the morning, your face is covered with sweat, oils, and germs from your pillowcase. At night, you need to wash off the dirt, grime, pollution and makeup that your skin has encountered throughout the day.
Another important tip is to never sleep in your makeup. Many studies show that sleeping in your makeup ages your skin between 8-10 years, which should be enough motivation to get you to the sink.
A tip for buying products is to be sure to buy quality skincare. Invest in your face because it is the one thing you cannot hide. Skincare is not a quick fix. It took many years to get that sun damage, acne, wrinkles, etc., which means it will take consistent use to see a difference.
In order to achieve the best results, you need a multi-step program:
- The first step is a good cleanser. Your cleanser should clean dirt and bacteria away, and open up your pores. It should not bubble or foam, this can destroy your skin’s natural moisture.
- Next is a good toner. Your pores are now open and a toner balances the ph level of your skin, while killing bacteria.
- The third and most important step is the treatment, which must include a moisturizer. This will close pores and keep the good stuff in. Proper moisturizing can slow down the aging process and help with sensitivity.
- Last but definitely not least is SPF. The single most important way to keep your skin looking young and healthy is sun protection. Use it every day.
Now you are ready to start using grown-up skincare. You notice that your friend has great skin, so you should just use what she uses, right? Not necessarily. Start with a clean slate. You need to know your skin type and biggest problem areas first. If you have sensitivity, you need to address that before you can address the anti-aging. If you have adult acne (I know, it’s not fair…damn hormones), take care of that first. Sun damage, age spots, and discoloration all need to be addressed. Speak with someone who is knowledgeable and can help you address your specific needs.
Now get to it ladies – and don’t tell me that you are too lazy and would rather just get Botox, injections and fillers (which can be good too.) Your skin still needs you to take care of it. Doing the other things alone is equivalent to not brushing your teeth because you visit the dentist twice a year.
Signed with a wink (because everyone needs a good eye cream and some fabulous lashes 😉
Dana Feinstein is a global entrepreneur and success coach who loves helping other women find their greatness. She works with the number one skincare line in North America and is expanding across the globe. Dana is busy growing a motivated team of individuals who want to work from home around their own schedules. She lives on Long Island, NY with her husband, two teenaged children and their two dogs. You can connect with her on social media @danafeinstein.
