1.  30% of aging is genetic. The rest is up to you.

When we are young, our skin naturally functions optimally and everything performs exactly like it should. 

But as we age, the process slows down and we start to see dull skin, fine lines, larger pores, brown spots and rough texture. 

This slow-down process creates a “traffic jam” at the surface of the skin. 

 The only way to speed things up again is to change the way our skin is FUNCTIONING. 

The good news is that a good skincare routine can do exactly that!

A customized skin care program will trick our skin into behaving like it did when we were younger, thus revealing a healthy glow at any age (regardless of your genetics).

Continue reading for tips on how to choose the skincare system right for you. 

 

2. Prevent and protect your skin from the day.

Starting the day with a fresh, clean face not only creates a blank canvas for smooth makeup application (if you wear makeup!), but it also preps the skin to absorb active ingredients. 

And the right active ingredients in your skincare routine can prevent damage and protect your skin from the day. 

There are four steps to a good morning routine that I recommend:

#1 - Cleansing

A lot of people want to skip the morning cleanse, but it’s really important to have a clean canvas before beginning your skincare routine because all your active ingredients will penetrate better.

​Recommended Product: ​Papaya Enzyme Cleanser - Papaya Fruit Extract lifts away impurities, nourishes with vitamins and minerals, and gently exfoliates and polishes away dead skin cells for naturally vibrant skin.  Leaves all skin types feeling soft, clean and moisture-balanced.

#2 - Toning

Good news… Long gone are the alcohol based toners that burn and dry out our skin! 

Today’s toners provide multiple benefits and can provide hydration, calming, and nourishment to the skin. 

Toners prepare the skin to properly absorb the active ingredients from the steps that follow. That’s a great way for you to get the most out of your products! 

Recommended Product: Soothing Facial Rinse - Calming alcohol-free formula that gently hydrates and refreshes skin after cleansing with a blend of plant and algae extracts that won't leave skin feeling dry or tight. 

 

#3 - Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the gold standard in skincare for antioxidant protection. And it’s no wonder when you consider its positive effects on collagen, fine lines, and protection agains photoaging. It truly is the secret to a healthy glow!

Remember - Good skincare will outperform genetics, so this is one of the best things you can do for your skin at a young age! 

​Recommended Product: C+ Correcting Complex 30%® - Reveal a brilliant glow, a more even skin tone and a more youthful appearance. 

 

#4 - SPF

I know it’s not the sexiest of ingredients but SPF is truly the holy grail for anti-aging!!! Why? Because when you look at the aging face, you probably assume it’s from the natural aging process. Nope. Most aging is from the SUN. That means it can be prevented! 

Recommended Product: Intellishade® TruPhysical - This Award-winning 5-in-1 anti-aging moisturizer helps to correct, protect, conceal, brighten and hydrate skin.

PRO TIP: Vitamin C and SPF daily are a ROCK STAR duo that really slows down the breakdown of collagen that leads to brown spots, fine lines, rough skin, and sagging. 

If you only do two things every morning, this is the combo you need to stick to!

3.  Don’t lie about your age. Let your retinol do it for you!

Following your cleansing routine comes…

… drumroll …  

… game-changing RETINOL. Retinol really is the super star of anti-aging. It’s the one ingredient every skin professional will recommend for an anti-aging routine. 

Why? Because retinol changes the way skin cells are shaped, formed, and function. This is the one single step that tricks your skin into behaving like it did when you were younger. 

Retinol is recommended for fine lines, pores, texture, brown spots, and blemishes. 

How can one ingredient do so much? It’s because it works on a cellular level to change the way your skin behaves, not just the way it looks.

Retinol is a power house ingredient but as much as skin professionals love it, it takes a little thought and strategy to begin. 

When you first begin a retinol program, it can cause redness, flaking, and burning on the skin. Don’t worry. This IS NOT your skin having a reaction. It is your skin acclimating to the product.

Here are a few tips to avoid what we call the “retinol uglies” while your skin adjusts:

• Think of retinol like a medicine and not a moisturizer. More is not better and 1 pump is all you need for the full face.
• Begin your retinol regimen by using it just two nights a week. Choose your nights so you stay on track. Sunday and Wednesday are good nights to begin. On other nights, use a gentle moisturizer.
• Increase to 3 nights a week if your skin is not experiencing irritation. Monday, Wednesday, Friday is an easy schedule to remember.
• The gentlest way to start is to mix one pump of retinol with a moisturizer. Or use the sandwich method which is applying moisturizer first, then retinol, then moisturize again as your final step. 
• When applying, begin on the outer perimeter of the face and then blend inwards. Irritation usually shows itself around the nose and mouth so don’t place the product in that area first.
• Retinol comes in different strengths, so begin at .5% and once you can use that every night without irritation move up to 1%. 

Recommended Product: ​Retinol Complete® 0.5 - Award-winning, revolutionary facial serum to brighten and smooth skin's texture with the power of five antioxidants and a proprietary blend of botanical extracts that boosts the effectiveness while providing long-term hydration.

4. After 30, you need “big girl” products.

The QUALITY of your skincare products is the difference between money wasted and money well spent. 

It is easy enough to pick up a vitamin C and retinol at Target when you stop in. But there’s something you should know about Over The Counter skincare vs Medical Grade skincare.

Over The Counter skincare is what you find at the grocery store.  It is formulated for the masses and should be gentle and safe enough for anyone and everyone to pick up and buy. Sounds good, right? 

Except the formulas are filled with fillers, which means the percentage of ingredients is usually so low or the pH is wrong that you’re essentially paying for very little product and  little to no result. These products are not formulated to really create true changes in the skin. 

Like I tell my clients, “After 30 you need big girl products!” Sorry, it’s the truth. Gone are the days of using makeup wipes, cheap moisturizers, and dove soap. ​

Our young skin was efficient no matter what we used. But more mature skin has different needs. 

That’s where Medical Grade skincare comes in. It  is formulated with quality ingredients and high percentage of actives and are sold and recommended through skincare professionals. And it is formulated to penetrate the skin more effectively, therefore achieving better results!

 

5.  Consistency is KEY

Every month, you have 60 opportunities to change your skin. Yes, SIXTY!

Sounds like a lot, but if you just stick to your daily am and pm routines, think about what a different 60 times will make. Now consider this…

A good home care routine creates 80% of the changes in the skin.

Personally, I believe it should be simple and effective so you are consistent because that’s where the magic happens!

CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE SELECTION OF ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS