What I've Added to My Beauty Routine Since Turning 30
/The big 3-0 came and went last year. I wasn’t someone who dreaded it. I oddly looked forward to it.
About 6 months after my birthday, I was looking in the mirror and noticed dark spots. And then some crows feet. And then some big ass wrinkles on my forehead. They all seemingly appeared overnight.
I decided to start trying products to help combat these new additions. I have a goal to be the hot mom when my kids are old enough for that to embarrass them, so I’ve got to start now! I was pregnant with Reese at the time, so I started with a few pregnancy safe products. Once I had Reese and had finished breastfeeding, it was time to call in a few products that are not deemed safe for pregnant or breasfeeding women.
I could spend a long time telling you my full beauty routine - ask my husband. These are just the new products that I have added in the hopes of correcting an issue or covering up an issue.
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen
I am fair skinned and have a history of skin cancer. I have worn sunscreen more than the average person all my life, but I hadn’t made it a part of my daily routine until I realized that other products I use daily, namely Vitamin C serum, make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.
Let me say this, I am PICKY when it comes to sunscreen. I love this product in particular because it doesn’t leave me feeling oily and it isn’t overly fragranced. I apply and then let it sit for a few minutes before putting make up on top. I haven’t had any issues applying make up over this sunscreen.
Thayer’s Facial Toner
For years I have said the mantra, “Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize,” in my head after washing my face. For some reason I just skipped the tone step. Not anymore!
Toner is meant to balance the pH levels in your skin and clean pores leaving the skin in optimum condition to receive the products that you apply afterwards. Hence why you tone before you moisturize - so the moisturizer can actually penetrate the skin vs. sitting on top of it.
Vitamin E Serum
My initial research into this product consisted of merely seeing that it allegedly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Further research showed that Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory, helps improve the skin barrier to pollutants, AND when Vitamin E is used in conjunction with Vitamin C, it can brighten your skin and boost collagen production.
Collagen Peptides
The efficacy of collagen peptides is still up for debate, but in the meantime there seem to be few risks involved. From what I can tell, collagen peptides are made up of the same amino acids as collagen, but it is in a form that your body can more readily absorb. I put one scoop in my coffee daily. I love a heavy pour of creamer, so I really can’t taste it at all anymore.
If this product was just intended to boost elasticity of the skin, I would pass. However, it is also said to improve joint health. As someone with arthritis in my family history, I will do whatever I can to minimize aches and pains so that I can run after my kids for longer.
Olay Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is the king of anti aging products. It is powerful stuff, so do your research if you want to try it. I did experience some peeling when I used it a few nights in a row. Now I use it every other night and have no problems.
In addition to preventing wrinkles and brightening the skin, retinol is also supposed to dull dark spots. I gained quite a few dark spots while pregnant so this is appealing to me.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Under eye circles were never a concern to me until I had three kids. I was TIRED. I didn’t fully understand the impact of brightening my under eyes until I used this product. It applies easily ( a little goes a long way) and has major staying power when set with an under eye powder.
elf Highlighting Powder
I bought this on a whim. The glow that it adds is perfect - not glittery. I have had mine for months and it looks like new. Another product where a little goes a long way. And this one is super affordable and available at Target.
Having added these products to my routine for at least a few months now, I can honestly say that I feel a difference in my skin. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks and feels hydrated. The jury is still out on the actual impact on wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. I do think that half the battle is how you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror. Using these products makes me feel like a million bucks without any make up on, so that’s worth the expense to me.
Before adding any of these products into your routine, make sure to do your research and consult a professional when necessary.
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