Every so often, I get a wild hair–I sit myself in the sunlight and take a good look at my skin. I take note of the pores, brown spots, sagging and such, and then deep dive into updating and modifying my skincare regimen. I am now 65, and have had no work done, though it isn’t out of the question–right now it’s out of the budget, so I am working on skincare I can do at home with a few devices and skin care products I am interested in trying.
My old skincare routine consisted of using a mild cleanser, Retin A, and basic neck cream for my excessively creapy neck, and a warm water wash in the morning followed by a light vitamin C cream. Because my skin was oily, I didn’t use any other moisturizers, in fact, I experimented with products that helped mattify my skin. As I went through menopause, I developed melasma on my cheeks and neck. Over time, that subsided, using bleaching agents. Then came the brown splotches, which have been very challenging–I’ve zapped them with lasers, I’ve bleached them, I’ve had chemical peels and while they have subsided some, they are still an issue.
This year’s assessment turned up another concern: sagging skin. It should come as no surprise that at 65 I would experience sagging skin, and yet I have this perhaps unrealistic idea that I shouldn’t have it and don’t want it. Life is difficult sometimes, isn’t it? Since I don’t have any plans for surgical intervention, I have added red light therapy to my agenda, which I do three to four times a week, and a ZIIIP Halo–you may know I’ve tried the ZIIP and other similar devices in the past. This time I thought I’d commit to a couple of months consistently, to see what kind of results I can achieve.
This is my very personal assessment of my skin at age 65. Everyone is different–we have different budgets and different ideas about aging. I thought I’d provide you with a basic framework in this blog post, so you can create a customized guide with your own skin’s issues and budget. So, consider this a jumping off place.
In a world brimming with skincare products promising miracles, finding the best skincare routine for your unique skin type can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re battling age spots, dark spots, loss of volume, or just want to maintain a youthful glow, understanding the science behind skincare is key. This guide dives into transformative skincare, including cutting-edge innovations like the ZIIP Halo, a device revolutionizing how we approach at-home skincare.
Understanding Skin Changes with Age
As we enter a new decade, our skin undergoes inevitable transformations. Collagen production slows, leading to deep wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and a loss of collagen that affects the skin’s elasticity. Additionally, oil production decreases, resulting in dry skin, while some individuals may still experience oily skin due to hormonal changes.
Environmental factors also contribute to skin damage. Harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days, accelerate signs of aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to sun spots, dark circles, and an overall dull complexion. Free radicals from pollution, stress, and poor diet further contribute to oxidative stress, diminishing skin’s health over time.
The Power of Active Ingredients
To combat these visible signs of aging, incorporating key ingredients into your daily routine is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of essential skincare components:
1. Vitamin C Serum
One of the most potent powerful antioxidants, pure vitamin C helps neutralize oxidative stress, brighten uneven skin tone, and reduce sun damage. Regular use of a vitamin C serum promotes collagen synthesis, aiding in the skin’s natural repair process.
2. Hyaluronic Acid
A holy grail ingredient for mature skin, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, plumping the skin and diminishing the appearance of fine lines. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and works well when layered under a facial serum or face mask.
3. Retinoids and Prescription-Strength Retinoids
These derivatives of Vitamin A encourage skin cell turnover, reducing dark spots, age spots, and loss of volume. However, they can be drying, so pairing them with a facial oil or amino acids can help balance the skin.
4. Chemical Exfoliants: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Salicylic Acid
Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid remove dead skin cells, improving skin texture and promoting a more radiant complexion. Unlike physical scrubs, they do not strip the skin of its natural oils, making them suitable for all skin types.
5. Vitamin E and Fatty Acids
Essential for maintaining the skin barrier, vitamin E and fatty acids found in olive oil and certain facial oils protect against environmental stressors and prevent moisture loss.
The Best Skincare Routine for Healthy Skin
To achieve the best results, following a structured skincare routine is vital. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Morning Routine
1. First Step: Use a gentle cleanser or an oil-based cleanser to remove overnight impurities.
2. Apply a vitamin C serum to fight free radicals and boost collagen synthesis.
3. Hydrate with a hyaluronic acid serum.
4. Lock in moisture with a facial moisturizer containing vitamin E and fatty acids.
5. Final Step: Apply sun protection with at least SPF 30 to prevent UVB rays from causing further damage.
Evening Routine
1. Cleanse using a facial cleanser suited to your skin type.
2. Apply chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid for skin cell turnover.
3. Use prescription-strength retinoids or a facial serum targeting signs of aging.
4. Hydrate with a face mask or eye cream to combat dark circles and fine lines.
5. Seal with a facial oil or rich moisturizer.
Using skin care devices:
In 2020, when we were all at home, I did a deep dive into at-home devices. I purchased two microcurrent devices, an at-home laser, a red light mask, and an RF device. In the end, I continued to use the red light mask over the past five years, but fell away from the two “big” microcurrent devices–they were fiddly and time-consuming both routines took 20 minutes and had to be done “just so”. I never saw any improvement from the RF device I used, and frankly, I don’t enjoy the conductive gel sitting on my skin while I do the routine. However, I have been more compliant with the ZIIP Halo because it is a quick 4-minute routine. I simply connected the device to the ZIIP App on my phone and quickly run through the routine in the morning after rinsing my face with warm water. I am able to quickly wipe off the conductive gel, so it doesn’t sit on my skin, and I come away with a refreshed, lifted look to my skin. Here’s some more information on the ZIIP:
One of the most exciting innovations in skincare is the ZIIP Halo, an advanced skincare product that uses electrical currents to enhance blood flow, stimulate collagen production, and improve overall skin health. The device is designed for at-home use and works synergistically with new products formulated for mature skin.
Here’s what the ZIIP does:
– Helps improve skin texture by boosting skin cell turnover.
– Reduces deep wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin tone.
– Enhances the absorption of active ingredients from skincare products.
– Clinically proven to increase collagen synthesis for youthful-looking skin.
Advanced Skincare Treatments
For those looking for more intensive treatments, visiting a board-certified dermatologist can provide access to professional skincare solutions such as:
– Chemical Peels: These use glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid to remove damaged layers and reveal fresh skin.
– Laser Therapy: Helps target dark spots, skin cancer, and other forms of skin damage.
– Clinical Trials: Some individuals participate in clinical trials for emerging anti-aging treatments.
I have done chemical peels both at home and in the doctor’s office, and I think they are a great tool with about a week of downtime. I get an intensive peel once a year at the doctor’s office, then keep up the benefits with a low-grade peeling product during the rest of the year.
As I stated, I have an at-home laser which I use occasionally on my brown spots–and it does seem to work on some of them, but not others. Mine was around $150 a few years ago, and, I guess for the money it was ok–however, I am considering a stronger, in-office laser treatment this fall. At this point, lasers are very commonly used, and most have good results from them. They still require a good technician and careful use, but we know more about what works, and how well they work on different types of skin and various types of skin problems. While late to the party, I am a lot more confident about laser treatments than I was when they first came out.
I am always looking for new modalities, so stay tuned–I am planning to keep my eye out for new products and treatments, but I always take my time–and frankly I am glad I have taken my time as it has saved me lots of heartache although my approach has taken much longer and the results are just ok–I still have a turkey neck!
One of my favorite resources for skincare is Penn Smith whom I found years ago on YouTube. She also has a great Facebook group which is great for feedback and insights on the various products and treatments–there are lots of skincare enthusiasts trying new treatments, as well as estheticians and others in the industry. As with all of this, keep in mind that we all have unique skin types, budgets, and interests–some plan to go all out and get full facelifts–others like to add a little filler and botox here and there. Then there are people like me, I don’t have the budget for a full facelift, and am not a fan of fillers and Botox (I tried both in my 50s and wasn’t that thrilled with the results ) so I am sticking with at-home treatments until I can work out next moves–that don’t include botox and filler though.
If you are curious about my Botox and filler experience, I will share it briefly. I decided I wanted lip filler–I was about 56 and had been seeing an esthetician at a plastic surgeon’s office. The plastic surgeon did all the fillers and Botox at the office, so I felt I was in good hands. We had a brief consult, and he offered free Botox as a part of the service that day–so I figured “Why not?” I went home to admire my freshly and subtly filled lips, only there was a “ball” on the upper lipline. It looked like a pimple. I was told it would go down in a day or two, but it didn’t. So, for three months, I had this odd ball-looking pimple thing on my upper lip. The Botox was a non-event, I didn’t notice any real change, although my eyebrows seemed a bit lower, but it was so subtle I didn’t feel it would be worth the money to continue. I did go back to have my lip corrected though, and they looked great the second time. However, the third time the doctor again sent me home with another “ball” on the upper lipline which required another trip to fix it. After that, I decided not to continue with filler. I was only happy with the result one out of four times. As I look at my friends who have continued to get filler, in their cheeks and their lips, I have seen very few who look natural and pretty–and most of my friends are now getting the filler dissolved. Studies now show that filler stays in our bodies a lot longer than we realized and it can migrate up or down a bit over time so if you are interested and have never done it– be sure to do your research and know that it will require upkeep and paying careful attention to how it looks and what it is doing over time.
My approach is much slower and requires consistency for best results, and I am human so—well, it is what it is. I plan to go with this routine for the next six months and will check in to let you know of modifications and improvements as they occur. Be sure to check out my YouTube videos on skin care devices–the content is evergreen, and I hope it will help.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your skin is an evolving journey, and with the right products, including microcurrent, powerful antioxidants, and clinically backed skincare products, you can achieve the best results. Whether you are addressing skin changes, loss of volume, or simply maintaining healthy skin, the best way forward is a skincare routine tailored to your needs.
Invest in yourself, protect against sun exposure, and embrace new products that enhance your skin’s health—because a youthful glow isn’t just about age, it’s about care and consistency.
Leave a Reply