ANTI-AGING SKINCARE MORNING ROUTINE

I really wish I’d started with anti-aging skincare long before my mid-30’s. I’m lucky that I have young looking parents. So assuming I’d get that trait, I just went with it. But I lived in the sun-worshipping 80’s and 90’s which isn’t good for anyone, no matter what genes you have. Though I still get told I look young for my age, I’m definitely fighting signs of aging like fine lines and pigmentation and facial fat loss. It’s not fun!

One thing I’ve always done regarding any type of makeup or skincare product is research. I’m especially diligent with it now because I not only have a responsibility to my own skin, but because you guys rely on me for thorough information. I know I’ve learned the hard way that just because a product says it will moisturize doesn’t mean that’s the case. I’ve seen countless moisturizers on the shelves with alcohol as one of the main ingredients.

Talk about empty promises!

Although I use a mix of high and low end skincare in my own routines, I shared my affordable anti-aging skincare products a few videos ago because I don’t think good, quality skincare has to be expensive.  So if you’re looking for some great affordable and drugstore anti-aging skincare products, check out that video!

Also, do check out my Over 40 Anti-Aging Morning Skincare Routine video down below the post. I have more product suggestions and talk you through a lot of the reasons why I use what I use.

CLEANSING

I use one of two cleansers in the morning. Skinmedica Facial Cleanser has been a staple for me for about two years now. It cleanses thoroughly without stripping or leaving my face feeling tight and without leaving a film. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is a more basic cleanser for me that I keep in my shower. It doesn’t remove my makeup at night like the Skinmedica does (follow-up post coming with my evening skincare routine!) but it does make my face feel nice and silky and again…it doesn’t leave a film.

Neither are drying but I feel the Skinmedica is a little more thorough. This is why it’s had a permanent place in my skincare routine for a couple of years now. I apply a small amount of cleanser to my fingers then apply it on my damp face and rub gently and rinse. I reserve using my Foreo Luna for nighttime as I don’t want to over-exfoliate and cause my sensitive skin more problems.

SERUM

I never use acids and retinols in the morning and reserve them only for nighttime use as they make the skin more vulnerable to the effects of the sun. I DO use my serum morning and night. The serum I always return to is the TNS Essential Serum by Skinmedica. This serum is in a dual chamber pump and has two formulas that “combine to smooth wrinkles and regenerate skin cells for a more youthful appearance. The TNS complex is a protein- and amino acid-rich serum to reduce inflammation and the signs of aging. The APS corrective complex is a mixture of anti-aging ingredients, peptides and antioxidants to strengthen sagging skin.”

I’ve seen wonderful changes in my skin since using this serum. It seems to make my face appear more plumped and appear brighter and more even in tone. It’s pricey but is one of the items I splurge for because it does make a huge difference in my skin.

VITAMIN C

There are occasions where I try other facial serums that don’t have Vitamin C in them. That’s the nature of constantly testing out products! My current favorite Vitamin-C product is Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum. This serum fights free radicals, plumps up my skin and helps reduce hyperpigmantation. All I need is one pump for my face and neck. Using vitamin C in the morning is ideal since it will enhance your sunscreen protection from your SPF.

SPF

Sunscreen is a MUST for aging prevention. Relying on foundation for SPF protection isn’t good enough. My sunscreen of choice is Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30. It contains anti-oxidants that fight free radicals and increase collagen to help combat the signs of aging. What I love about this sunscreen is that the lightly tinted formula blends into the skin beautifully so that your skin doesn’t appear ghostly white as it can with many mineral sunscreens. The tint is just enough to look natural, yet not so much that it alters your skin tone or makeup you put on top. The finish is a soft matte finish that can also be used as a primer for many. It’s truly a wonderful, multi-tasking product and one of the best sunscreens I’ve found!

MOISTURIZER

If it’s winter and I feel like the Paula’s Choice SPF may not provide quite enough hydration for the entire day, if I’m wearing a super matte foundation or if I’m going out at night or staying indoors during the day and want a straight moisturizer, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream has been my anti-aging moisturizer of choice. It’s a GORGEOUS unscented moisturizer with a gel cream formula that doesn’t make me greasy and provides all day hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in the body and depletes as we age. HA is an excellent source for hydration for any skin type!

EYES

Now that the face is finished, it’s time for under eye hydration. I find that as I age, my under eyes are more dry and textured. It can be very frustrating! I find that applying 1/2-1 drop of oil (total) to my under eye area before I apply my eye cream helps keep this area hydrated and looking less crepey during the day. The oil I’ve been using and loving lately is L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil.

Prior to discovering the L’Occitane, I was applying The Ordinary Squalane in the same manner.

I then take a tiny amount of Skinceuticals A.G.E Eye Complex and apply it under my eyes and on my lids. I love this eye cream so much. Prior to discovering it, I was using a hydrating eye cream during the day and one to treat at night because I don’t like the way most treatment eye creams sit under makeup. But this one does it all and does it well!

BROWS & LIPS

My final morning anti-aging skincare steps are brows and lips. Morning and night I apply my NeuBrow Brow Serum. I got a great deal on this during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Boy am I glad! I was skeptical at first but it’s really changed my brows. They’re not perfect but they’re more even than they were and I’m having to spend less time filling them in.

Glossier Balm DotCom is my current lip balm of choice that I apply to my lips as my very last skincare step. I like for my balm to sink in while I’m doing the rest of my makeup so that when I go in later with my liner and lipstick, my lips are nice and hydrated!

Although things change throughout the year since I’m constantly trying new things, these are consistent staples in my morning anti-aging skincare routine right now. All of these skincare products are working incredibly well for my over 40 skin. I always share what works on my combo oily sensitive skin so that you can check out the products to see if they might work for you as well!

My more detailed skincare routine is in the video below: