TIA contributor Gloria

This year, I will be 55 years old, and I always tell people when they comment on getting old that I may be getting older, but I will never be old. So, what do I mean by this comment? Well, I have never thought of myself as old. There have been times that I have looked in the mirror and wondered what I was thinking in my younger years. I smoked (very bad for the skin) and tanned (also very bad for the skin, especially being fair-skinned and a redhead). I didn’t use good stuff on my skin, and so wrinkles have not been my friend. Thank God I saw the light at 40. I stopped smoking and started getting facials. I learned a lot of things that I needed to change.

While I may have seen the light at 40, it didn’t become bright until 2011 when I started researching the products online that the spa I was going to for my facials had sold to me. They were expensive, and I thought maybe I could find a deal. I found a deal, all right — I found Truth In Aging, and they have been a wonderful source of information. Over the past few years, I started using many of the products that they have reviewed and recommended. I have even reviewed many of them myself. I also found out all the chemicals I was putting on my skin wasn't good and that it was possible I was poisoning myself. There were many products that were better for you — some that were less expensive and others not so much. What I found at TIA was a community of people who are truthful and helpful. Giving honest opinions and reviews of products helps everyone. So, I never buy anything before I research it on TIA. That being said, Truth In Aging asked what is working for me now, I am happy to give a summary of that for all of you.

Cleansing

I have used many cleansers, and you can find plenty of good cleansers that don’t cost a lot. I have dry skin, so I currently switch between CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (around $12 at Walgreens) or Living Nature Vitalising Cleanser which is around $39.00. I also I have owned a Clarisonic Pro for many years, and I use it twice a day in the winter and once in the summer. I have sensitive skin, so in the summer it is not needed as much. Living Nature uses manuka honey in their products. It makes my skin feel soft and clean. CeraVe is my go to because it is inexpensive and contains hyaluronic acid. I use my money in better areas such as serums.

Eyes

I am currently using AQ Solutions Eye Serum ($99 in the shop). It has been the best product for me. While several new ones have intrigued me I just feel as though the AQ works the best for me. Since I have been using AQ, not only has the puffiness diminished quite a bit, but the wrinkles under my eyes have gotten so much better. I also use the AQ Skin Solutions Lash ($135 in the shop). I have been using it for more than a year now, and my lashes are better than they have ever been in my life. Both of these products contain growth factors, so I am sure that this has helped in the situation.

Facial Serums/ Neck Creams

Medik8 Firewall ($145 in the shop) is by far the best product I have used for sagging skin. Since I have been using it, my face and neck are much firmer than ever before. I have been using it for about nine months, now. I always want to try something new, but if I am having great results, I figure why bother, right? It has copper peptides, and while there has been some controversy lately about the use of copper, I have not found anything solid about it. It definitely is not aging me as some have said the copper will do. It is quite the contrary, according to my friends and my mirror. I also use AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum ($149 in shop) at night. I have read on TIA that you should not use copper with growth factors, so since the AQ uses growth factors, I use them at different times. I do use both of these products on my neck and décolleté. It has helped with sagging and wrinkles on both areas. They aren’t the least expensive products out there, but they just plain work.

Lips

I always use Your Best Face Define ($70 in the shop), around and on my lips. I also use the AQ Solutions Active Serum on the lip lines around the mouth. It has made a difference in the appearance of my lips; now, they are smooth, and any lip gloss I use glides on without any lines.

Facial Moisturizer

Currently, I am using Mad Hippie Face Cream ($25.99 in the shop). I like this as a moisturizer for the summer because it is light and just what I need. I love that it is loaded with wonderful stuff and doesn’t clog my pores.  It has Matrixyl 3000 as well as peptides and CoQ10. It is well-priced, too (only $25.99 in the shop).

Sun Protection

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($45 in the shop.) I use this sparingly and reapply if I am out in the sun. I also use Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30 ($24 in the shop.) I have great luck with these products, and for the face, it makes my make-up look awesome. They contain astaxanthin along with many wonderful oils and aloe vera. They are packed full of antioxidants, which is always a good thing.

Masks and Exfoiliators

Your Best Face Clarity ($40/5-pack in the shop) is the very best mask I have ever used. I mix it with raw organic honey and it leaves my skin so soft and completely eliminated of redness. I call it my 20 minutes of bliss. It’s only $40 for a pack of 5 sachets in the shop. Once a week is good for me because of the vitamin C and my skin is sensitive.

Body Cleanser & Moisturizer

I currently use Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash unscented which runs about $7.00 at any drug store. I like the way it softens the skin and lathers well. I use almond or jojoba oil, and I put my own essential oils with the oil, and that is what I use for moisturizer. I put it on after I shower while my skin is still wet, and I pat dry. I spend around $15 for the essential oils, which are organic, and my favorite carrier oil is sweet almond oil. I don’t use perfumes but instead mix the different oils to change the scent. Patchouli and lavender are my favorites as well as sandalwood. To buy a good almond oil it costs around $30 to $35 for a gallon.

Just for reference, all of the products I use last me for several months except for the body cleanser. While some of them are expensive, I try to spend the least for cleansers and moisturizers and spend the most on the serums.